Paralegal Certificate
The program is not accepting new students this academic year. Prospective students are invited to consider the Paralegal Associates Degree.
The Paralegal Certificate, approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), provides students with a strong foundation in legal principles, legal analysis, and professional ethics. The program emphasizes practical skills that prepare students for work in law firms, corporations, and government agencies. Paralegals support attorneys by conducting legal research, drafting documents, assisting with investigations, and helping prepare cases.
Program Eligibility
To enter into the Paralegal Certificate Program, students must hold an associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
Program Requirements
Students must complete all certificate coursework and meet the following requirements: Complete at least 15 credit hours of paralegal (PAR) courses at the institution. Complete at least 9 semester credit hours of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction, in accordance with ABA requirements.
Course Applicability and Transfer
Paralegal courses completed at another institution may be applied toward the certificate upon review and approval by the Paralegal Program Director. Students seeking transfer of paralegal coursework must provide documentation sufficient to verify course content and method of delivery. All transfer and previously completed coursework must meet the requirements of the ABA-approved Paralegal Program.
Certificate Requirements: 30 credits
Certificate Emphasis Requirements: 21 credits
PAR 1116, PAR 2205 Students may take either Torts or Criminal Law to meet the emphasis requirements, or they may take both courses, one as an elective.
Electives: 9 credits
Select three courses from the following:
PAR 1116, PAR 2205: Students may take either Torts or Criminal Law to meet the emphasis requirements, or they may take both courses, one as an elective.