Start your journey toward a rewarding legal career as a student in UToledo’s Legal and Paralegal Studies Program. As one of the premier paralegal studies programs in the country, we’ll prepare you with the skills and knowledge to provide crucial support to attorneys in their work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that many employers prefer a paralegal with a bachelor’s degree.
From researching cases and preparing briefs to interviewing clients and witnesses, you’ll play an essential role in the legal system. Our courses are taught by deeply experienced lawyers, so you’ll be ready to work alongside attorneys in nonprofit organizations, private law firms, corporate law departments and government agencies.
Top Reasons to Study legal and Paralegal Studies at UToledo
-
Distinguished paralegal program.
Learn from the best. UToledo’s program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), a distinction earned by only about 20 percent of U.S. paralegal programs. The Ohio Board of Regents named us a “Program of Excellence,” recognizing our achievement as a top paralegal program in the state.
Planning to go to law school? Choose our Pre-Law Concentration to master the legal system and cultivate the strong communication, logic and analytic skills it takes to gain an advantage on your LSAT and in law school.
-
Internships that deliver real-world experience and professional networking.
Access career resources and build the professional network you need to make your next move. Our internship program provides you with valuable applied experience in paralegal organizations, with many of our students securing job offers from their placements. You’ll intern at locations such as:
- Law firms
- Government agencies
- Corporations
- Court systems
-
Nationally recognized Collegiate Mock Trial team.
Travel to tournaments at universities around the region and the country as part of UToledo’s Collegiate Mock Trial team. As 10-time national champions, the team helps you learn more about trial and courtroom procedure while competing on a national level.
-
State-of-the-art Mock Trial courtroom.
We’re one of the only paralegal programs in the country with our own teaching courtroom. Gifted by United States District Judge Richard McQuade and his wife Jane McQuade, it enables students to learn in a realistic environment to gain familiarity with the systems used in legal professions.
-
Expert faculty.
In addition to our bachelor’s degree program, we also offer an associate’s degree, minor and certificates. Choose the option that best fits your ambitions and career plans:
- Associate of Applied Science in Legal and Paralegal Studies
- Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Legal and Paralegal Studies
- Certificate in Nurse Paralegal
- Minor in Legal Specialties
Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.
Meet Claire Green
'23, Bachelor of Science in Legal and Paralegal Studies
“The sense of camaraderie and support between the students and the faculty members was instrumental in helping me do well in classes and putting my best foot forward in my applications to law schools”
Read MoreWhat jobs can I get with a legal and paralegal studies degree?
Paralegal jobs are growing faster than the national average for other careers. UToledo Paralegal Studies students learn the strong technology and database management skills employers seek.
Nearly all of our students go on to professional or graduate schools, or take jobs in private law firms, corporations, nonprofits and government agencies.
Paralegal Studies graduates also are well prepared for alternate careers that include law enforcement, politics, compliance, human resources and others.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
At UToledo, we take you beyond the textbooks and the four walls of a classroom. These real-world experiences are what help our graduates gain professional skills and land jobs.
Internships
All UToledo Paralegal Studies students complete 180-hour internships in local law firms, government agencies or private businesses. Students learn on-the-job skills and make connections. Many receive job offers from their internship employers.
Internships help you:
- Gain practical experience
- Build your resume
- Refine your skills
- Cultivate contacts
Research
UToledo is known for its undergraduate research opportunities. Start as early as your freshman year. Work with faculty who enjoy collaborating with students.
Our Office of Undergraduate Research can:
- Connect you to faculty mentors and projects
- Help you find funding
- Help you present your research at conferences and other events
Study Abroad
Travel, experience new cultures and meet new people — all while earning college credit.
UToledo's Education Abroad Office can help you find the perfect opportunity. You can apply for grants, scholarships and financial aid to help fund study abroad.
- Semester at Sea
- Short-term, summer and faculty-led trips
- Direct exchange programs with other universities
- Teach English abroad
- Global health program (med student clerkships)
- Rocket Kids (work with youth around the world)
Rocket Kids Semester
The Rocket Kids program offers University students a fall, spring or summer semester internship providing recreational programming to U.S. military youth while experiencing the world in locations such as Germany, Italy, Belgium and The Netherlands.
Rocket Kids interns will gain practical experience in programming, leadership, health and wellness, creative arts, performing arts, cultural and literary arts, team and individual sports, adventure and outdoor recreation and STEM education.
On-campus and Part-time Jobs
- Learn skills that prepare you for a career after graduation.
- Build your resume.
- Earn money.
If you want to work, there are plenty of opportunities on campus and at businesses near campus. If you demonstrate financial need, you may qualify for the federal work-study program.
Student Organizations
Our most successful students get involved.
UToledo has 400+ student organizations that will help you:
- Make friends.
- Build your resume.
- Network.
- Be a leader.
- Serve your community.
- Have fun!
Tuition and Scholarships
Most new students don't pay full price. 94% of new UToledo students receive scholarships or other state and federal aid.
Keep in mind: Your cost will vary by college, program and a host of other options. This is the average amount full-time students pay per year.
Tuition and Fees
Living Expenses (Housing & Food)
per year
How to pay for collegeInternational Student - How to Pay for College
Choose Ohio First scholarship
Ohio residents who have been accepted into this STEM program are eligible for the Choose Ohio First scholarship — a four-year, renewable scholarship.
Honors College
The Jesup Scott Honors College at The University of Toledo offer our best and brightest the resources and opportunities needed to unlock your fullest potential. Whether you aspire following graduation to cure disease, innovate technology, advance statecraft, redefine markets, or express creatively, together we can fuel vibrant and promising tomorrows.
Honors students come from a variety of countries, backgrounds and cultures. While we may bond over a tough class, our differences make us blossom.
Benefits of Honors
The Honors College is a community of academically gifted students from all majors on campus. Students take unique Honors classes taught by dedicated Honors faculty and complete an Honors thesis or capstone project in their major, earning the Honors medallion at graduation within their normal program of study. Honors students are challenged to think more deeply and broadly about what they learn. With special academic, cultural, and professional development opportunities, their education extends beyond the classroom.
Honors students can also choose exclusive housing in the Honors Academic Village or President's Hall.
Explore more about what the Honors College can offer you as a budding professional, inquisitive scholar, and engaged person.
Join us for Campus Crawl
Friday, July 24, 2026
Explore campus, enjoy food trucks and meet professors and admission staff.
Learn More and Register