Paralegal Studies Certificate
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| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Paralegal Studies Certificate Program
The Paralegal Studies Certificate is an eight-course, 24-unit online program that teaches both practical legal skills and substantive law. Students learn from practicing attorneys and paralegals in upper-division courses designed to prepare them for real work in the legal field. An optional internship gives students supervised, hands-on experience that adds value to their resume and career preparation.
Program Curriculum
The program consists of five core courses and three elective courses. The core courses provide a foundation in legal skills, including:
- Interviewing clients and witnesses
- Conducting legal research in print and online
- Checking citations and verifying authority
- Reviewing and analyzing legal documents
- Drafting memoranda, correspondence, forms, and litigation documents
- Preparing cases for trial
- Applying legal ethics to real situations
- Delivering clear oral presentations
Core Courses
The five core courses are:
- PLS 300: Introduction to Law/Civil Procedure
- PLS 305: Investigation, Discovery, and Trial Preparation
- PLS 310: Communication Skills and Legal Ethics
- PLS 320: Legal Research and Writing
- PLS 395: Pleadings and Motions
Elective Courses
Students select three elective courses to complete the 24-unit certificate. Elective courses are offered in the following areas:
- Corporate and Business Practice
- Advanced Litigation
- Estate Planning
- Recommended for All Students
Elective Course Areas
Elective courses are available in the following specialty areas:
- PLS 430: Computer Applications in Law Practice
- PLS 386: Contemporary Legal Issues
- PLS 426: Contracts
- PLS 390: Corporations Law
- PLS 370: Criminal Law
- PLS 325: Employment Law
- PLS 330: Family Law
- PLS 380: Paralegal Internship
- PLS 345: Immigration Law
- PLS 435: Intellectual Property
- PLS 414GW: Introduction to Professional Legal Writing
- PLS 375: Probate Procedures
- PLS 410: Real Estate Practice
- PLS 425: Torts
- PLS 436: Trademarks and Copyrights
- PLS 355: Wills, Trusts, and Estates
Synchronous Instruction Requirement
Students must complete at least nine semester units of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction. All live online courses in the Paralegal Studies program count toward this requirement.
Internship
The Paralegal Internship (PLS 380) is highly recommended for all students and is especially valuable for those without prior legal experience. The internship requires 120 hours of supervised work, attendance at monthly Saturday seminars, and an internship journal.
Program Plans
The program can be completed in two, three, or four semesters. The following plans are available:
- Two-Semester Plan: Fall Cohort
- Three-Semester Plan: Fall, Spring, and Summer Cohorts
- Four-Semester Plan: Fall, Spring, and Summer Cohorts
Course Schedule
The course schedule is available online, and students can register for courses through the university's registration system.
Refund Information
Refund policies and deadlines are available on the university's website. Students should review the refund policies before registering for courses.