Program Overview

Paralegal Certificate Program

ABA-Approved Paralegal Certificate Program

American National University's Paralegal certificate program – approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) – is designed exclusively for students and professionals who have previously earned an associate's or bachelor's degree. This includes recent college graduates seeking a legal career and experienced professionals seeking a career change to the legal industry.

Paralegals are increasingly in demand by corporate, government agencies, law firms, and other organizations due to their specific legal skills and knowledge, making them indispensable to attorneys and the legal system. It is essential to note that paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

Program Details

• The ABA-approved paralegal certificate program's content was developed with careful consideration toward satisfying the American Bar Association's recommendations for paralegals' continuing education, as well as their preparation for the national paralegal certification exam.
• Students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.
• Students will have the opportunity to earn their Lexis+ Paralegal Certificate as part of the PLG207 Legal Research and Writing course.

Learning Experience

American National University's Paralegal studies program combines academic rigor with legal, technical, and leadership skills to develop well-rounded paralegal professionals. The program prepares graduates to pursue careers as paralegals in legal, corporate, non-profit, or government organizations.

Upon successful completion of this degree program, students will be able to:

• Understand the education and training required of a paralegal and recognize the guidelines and ethical responsibilities of the profession and the importance of legal research and writing.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the history, origin, and structure of the American legal system, identify and use major tools, software, and sources of American law.
• Explain the difference between criminal and civil law and interpret various categories of civil law, such as torts, contract law, corporate law, property law, family law, and wills and estates.
• Draft basic legal documents such as complaints, answers, and contracts, interview clients, conduct independent research of non-legal matters and simple legal questions, and draft legal memoranda.

Program Delivery

The Paralegal Certificate Program is offered at the Salem, Virginia Campus and is DEAC Accredited. The program delivery includes distance learning through synchronous video and asynchronous online learning.

Tuition Comparison

Total tuition for a certificate in Paralegal at ANU is $13,664. This includes all fees (application, course, technology, graduation, etc.), textbooks, and lab equipment (where applicable).

Required Courses

28 credit hours are required for the Paralegal Studies Certificate, with 156 quality points required. All courses are 4 credit hours.

• Program Core Courses: 28 Credit Hours Required
  • PLG102 Introduction to Paralegal Studies
  • PLG207 Legal Research & Writing
  • PLG215 Torts and Personal Injury
  • PLG229 Legal Office Procedures
  • PLG250 Pretrial Discovery & Trial Preparation
  • PLG262 Criminal Law & Procedure
• Select one of the following:
  • PLG214 Family Law
  • PLG216 Estate Administration and Elder Law
  • PLG218 Intellectual Property
  • PLG219 Labor and Employment Law
  • PLG220 Immigration and Citizenship
  • PLG232 Bankruptcy & Collection Procedures

For all courses, see the catalog for complete course descriptions and prerequisites.