Program Overview

Paralegal Certificate Course

The Paralegal Certificate Course, offered by California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), in partnership with The Center for Legal Studies (CLS) by Barbri, addresses all relevant topics and skill sets that graduates will need to work as paralegals.

Certificate Program

This intensive, nationally acclaimed curriculum is designed for beginning as well as advanced legal professionals. There are no prerequisites — other than a high school diploma (or GED) — but students must be prepared to complete a significant amount of homework. The instruction is practice-oriented and relates to those areas of the law in which paralegals are most in demand.

Program Structure

The online core Paralegal Certificate Course is offered in two consecutive seven-week sessions, and both sessions must be successfully completed in order to receive a certificate. Students may begin their course study with any online session offered.

Continuing Education Units

9 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be provided upon request as a permanent record of one's attendance, if requested by the last class meeting.

Program Partnership

This program is presented in partnership with a third-party provider (Center for Legal Studies by Babri) and is not taught by California State University, Long Beach faculty. The course is not offered for academic credit and is not degree-eligible.

Ideal Candidates

This course is ideal for:

• Beginning and advanced legal professionals
• Current legal professionals seeking to advance in their career
• Individuals looking to open a freelance paralegal business

Features and Benefits

• Convenient online format — accessible day or night
• Lessons accessible from any computer with Internet access
• Online discussion board for interaction with fellow students
• Learn marketable new job skills
• Increase your office's efficiency, productivity and billable hours

Course Content

In this course, you'll learn:

• How to interview witnesses
• Investigate complex fact patterns
• Research the law
• Prepare legal documents
• Assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation

Completion Requirements

The online core Paralegal Certificate Course is offered in two consecutive seven-week sessions. Assignments and exams are submitted for grading. To receive a certificate of completion, students must pass numerous quizzes and successfully complete several legal document writing assignments.

Certificate of Completion

Students who successfully complete the Paralegal Certificate Course will be awarded a certificate of completion from California State University, Long Beach.

Program Details

• CEUs: 9.0
• Location: Online