Program Overview

Paralegal Studies (ABA Approved) Program

The Paralegal Studies (ABA Approved) Program at UC San Diego Extended Studies is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in paralegal studies, combining practical skills with legal theory and analysis. The program is approved by the American Bar Association and is recognized in every state.

Program Overview

The program is available in both accelerated and part-time formats, allowing students to choose the schedule that best fits their needs. The accelerated program can be completed in as little as 12 weeks, while the part-time program can be completed in up to 5 years.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the program, students must meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor's degree (for accelerated program) or Associate's degree (for part-time program)
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Official degree-conferred transcripts of college work
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic and/or professional background
• Payment of a non-refundable $50 application fee and a $125 certificate fee

Program Format Options

The program is offered in both online and live online formats, with courses taught by experienced instructors. The accelerated program is held three times a year, during the Fall, Spring, and Summer quarters, and is offered in a live online format. The part-time program allows students to take courses at their own pace, with daytime, evening, and online options available.

Cost

The cost of the program varies depending on the format and the number of courses taken. The accelerated program costs approximately $6,340 - $6,635, while the part-time program costs approximately $6,340 - $6,635. Students pay for courses individually at the time of enrollment and are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks and materials.

Required Courses

The program consists of 10 required courses, including:

• Introduction to the Legal System
• Legal Communications
• Business Law
• Computer Essentials for the Legal Professional
• Ethics for the Legal Professional
• Civil Litigation I
• Civil Litigation II
• Legal Research and Analysis
• Evidence Law
• Paralegal Career Success

Electives

In addition to the required courses, students must also complete 6 units of elective courses. Elective options include:

• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Civil Rights Leadership
• Comprehensive Overview of Homeland Security
• Contract Law
• Corporate Law
• Criminal Law and Procedure
• Discovery Principles
• Domestic Relations Law
• Employee and Labor Relations
• Estate Planning and Administration
• Immigration Law
• Real Property Law
• Tort Law

Advisory Board

The program has an advisory board consisting of experienced professionals in the field, including:

• Lisa Ashkins, MA, CNE
• Luciana Case, CLA
• Angelo Corpora, Professor
• Julia Dunlap, Esq.
• Patti Groff, CLM
• Kim Houston
• Suzie Johnson
• Abigail Parente, MA
• Stephanie Pfaff, Esq.
• Katherine Scheele
• Shay Trias
• Robert Wickman, JD, MMLIS
• Katherine Wilkins, ACP, CCP
• Daniel Park, Esq.

Related Programs

The university also offers related programs, including a Patent Law program, which provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the field of patent law.