Program Overview

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Introduction to the Paralegal Certificate Program

The UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies paralegal program combines practical skills with legal theory and analysis. Classes are taught by prominent attorneys and experienced paralegals who provide students with a balanced perspective and insight into the tasks paralegals perform. Emphasis is placed on the working relationship between the paralegal and attorney. Course content focuses on civil litigation; areas of curriculum include legal research, writing, interviewing, and substantive and procedural law.

American Bar Association Approval

American Bar Association (ABA) approval has become a benchmark for many employers who hire paralegals. To be considered for approval by the ABA, a program must meet standards adopted by the ABA Standing Committee on Paralegals. Both the UCSD Diego Division of Extended Studies accelerated and part-time study programs have been granted ABA approval.

Program Goals

• To educate students regarding the legal system and the role of the Paralegal in performing substantive and procedural legal tasks in the delivery of legal services, under the supervision of a licensed Attorney.
• To train students in critical paralegal skills resulting in superior analytical ability, effective written and oral communication, excellent time management, critical thinking, and good judgment skills.

Program Objectives

• Develop student’s knowledge of a wide variety of legal subject areas within civil litigation, criminal, and transactional law.
• Demonstration of a student’s ability to perform substantive and procedural legal tasks under the supervision of an Attorney through substantial writing assignments.
• Advance the development of critical technology skills through the utilization of the most current legal technology platforms.
• Teach students the principles of ethical legal practice through knowledge of the ABA’s Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility guidelines and the professional responsibility of both attorneys and paralegals under the California Business and Profession Code.
• Encourage students to contribute to the advancement of the paralegal profession by becoming involved with the local and national paralegal associations.
• Provide counseling to assist students in preparing for and obtaining meaningful careers in the paralegal field.

Internships

Legal internships provide students with valuable experience in the delivery of legal services and allow students the opportunity to apply knowledge gained through the paralegal program to real-world legal issues. Although not a program requirement, the Paralegal Career Services manager works with San Diego-area companies and firms to help find internships for students and recent graduates when requested.

Accelerated or Part-Time Formats Available

Accelerated Program - Intensive Schedule

Our Intensive Schedule Accelerated Program allows a student to complete the courses remotely in one quarter (full time); with successful completion resulting in an ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate that is recognized in every state. The Accelerated Intensive Schedule Program is held three times a year during the Fall, Spring, and Summer quarters, offered in a Live Online format. Course meetings are typically held Monday – Thursday, 9am – 4pm (PST) and attendance is required for all meetings. Some Elective courses are only offered in the evening from 6-9pm (PST). Please note, the intensive schedule consists of Live Online daytime (morning & afternoon) class meetings and Online courses. Evening accelerated schedule options are not available. Classes held both online and live online via Zoom. Next Offering: Spring 2026 SP26 Application Period: 01/12/26 - 02/20/2026 Spring Program Begins: Monday, March 23, 2026 Spring Program Ends: Saturday, June 12, 2026 Fees: Certificate candidates can expect to pay approximately $6,340 - $6,635 for the entire program, not including materials, books, $50 non-refundable application fee, and a $125 certificate fee. Students pay for courses individually at the time of enrollment and are responsible for purchasing their textbooks and materials. Courses fees are subject to change.

Program Curriculum

The following topics are covered in the full-time study programs.

• Introduction to the Legal System
• Ethics for the Legal Professional
• Computer Essentials for the Legal Professional
• Foundations of Legal Communication & Research
• Business Law
• Civil Litigation I
• Civil Litigation II
• Legal Research and Analysis
• Evidence
• Paralegal Career Success Per ABA Paralegal Education Guidelines: All students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.

Certificate Program Enrollment

Candidates must have paid the non-refundable $50 application fee and have been officially accepted into the full-time program before attending classes. Enrollment is limited. All courses must have a letter grade. All courses must be completed with a C- or better to receive the certificate. If a student fails a course in the program, the student is required to pay any additional fees to retake the course.

Refunds and Withdrawals

Requests for withdrawal from the full-time program must be submitted in writing to the Paralegal Program office. The $50 application fee and the $125 Certificate fee are non-refundable. Note: The Paralegal Program reserves the right to dismiss a student from the program at any time for unsatisfactory performance. If a student is dismissed, refunds are granted per the drop refund deadline listed in the course information.

Financial Resources

Financial resources are available to certificate candidates.

Part-Time Paralegal Program

The part-time program allows participants to study for a new career without disrupting their current work schedules. With daytime, evening, and online* course options, students can choose a schedule that fits their availability. The part-time program also gives students the flexibility to pay for each course individually with an “enroll as you go” format. *Only select courses are offered in a fully online format. Please see the current quarter’s schedule for delivery options. On an average, the part-time program takes 12 to 24 months to complete. Students enrolled in three to four courses each quarter can satisfy certificate requirements within one year.

Core Courses

The following courses comprise the part-time program and should be completed in this order.

• Introduction to the Legal System
• Ethics for the Legal Professional
• Computer Essentials for the Legal Professional
• Foundations of Legal Communication & Research
• Business Law
• Civil Litigation I
• Civil Litigation II
• Legal Research and Analysis
• Evidence
• Paralegal Career Success Per ABA Paralegal Education Guidelines: All students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.

Electives

A combination of two- and three-unit electives that total six units are needed to complete the program. One or more electives are offered each quarter.

Quarters Start

September, January, March, and June. Students may begin the program in any quarter.

Fees

Individual courses are listed on the Paralegal Studies Certificate Page. Certificate candidates can expect to pay approximately $6,340 - 6,635 for the entire program, not including materials, books, $50 application fee, and a $125 certificate fee. Students pay for courses at the time of enrollment and can spread out the cost of the program over several quarters. Costs of courses are subject to change.

Certificate Program Enrollment

Although anyone may enroll in any or all of the evening courses, those who wish to earn a certificate must formally apply and be accepted for the certificate before enrolling in their third course. Upon acceptance into the program, candidates have five years from the date of enrollment in their first class to successfully complete all requirements. Certificate enrollees have priority enrollment in courses. All courses must have a letter grade. All courses must be completed with a C- or better to receive the certificate. If a student fails a course in the program, the student is required to pay any additional fees to retake the course.

Transfer Credit

Credit from other University of California ABA-approved programs is accepted (credit from other schools is accepted only by special permission). However, nine courses must be taken through UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, regardless of whether the students have completed core requirements elsewhere.

Additional Information & Resources

Program Dates and Deadlines

A non-refundable $50 application fee must be paid by all individuals who register through their UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies account as part of the application process.

Paralegal Program Career Services

Graduates of the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies Paralegal Program have access to job assistance through the Paralegal Program. The Paralegal Career Services Manager conducts individual counseling sessions on cover letter and resume drafting, job sourcing, and interviewing techniques, and provides general career guidance to Paralegal Program students and alumni.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements are the same for both the Accelerated and Part-Time programs. Standards are set by the ABA and are reviewed periodically. Applicants must meet entrance requirements prior to admission. The basic requirements and submissions are as follows:

• Bachelor's degree (for the Accelerated Program)
• Minimum of an Associate's Degree or equivalent general education units (for the Part-time Program)
• Required GPA: A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Official degree conferred transcripts of college work
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with the applicant's academic and/or professional background.

Technology Requirements

Students in this program participate in online learning activities, both synchronously and asynchronously. This Program is delivered in a Live Online/Online format and completed in an online learning environment; therefore, in addition to having the traditional learning skills, students are expected to have basic technological skills, compatible computer hardware, operating system, and internet connectivity upon entrance into the program.

• Full version of Microsoft Office required. (Internet only version is not sufficient)
• Adobe Acrobat Pro (Minimum 1 month license needed)
• Working knowledge of Windows-based applications is recommended.
• Mac users please be aware: some formatting instructions are different and may require additional steps if using a Mac instead of a PC.

English Language Proficiency

English-language proficiency is essential to success in UCSD Diego Division of Extended Studies courses. Applicants are required to have an advanced level of English-language proficiency as demonstrated by one of the following:

• A minimum paper-based TOEFL score of 550
• A minimum TOEFL iBT (internet-based) score of 80
• A minimum TOEIC score of 760
• A minimum IELTS score of 6.5
• A "Pass" on the Cambridge Proficiency Exam

Attributes of an Ideal Paralegal Program Candidate

A candidate's personal qualifications for admission into a paralegal education program are very important. Applicants must be able to write clearly and communicate effectively and must possess a high degree of motivation and analytical reasoning capability. Candidates should also be responsible, mature individuals who are sincerely interested in pursuing a career as a paralegal.

Role of a Paralegal

The ABA defines a "Paralegal" as a person, qualified by education, training, or work experience who is employed or retained by an attorney, law firm, corporation, governmental agency, or other entity who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work under the direction and supervision of a practicing licensed attorney. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 6450 et seq.)