In addition to the programs leading to an
Associate of Paralegal Studies,
a
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
degree, and a
Bachelor of Business Administration
degree, National Paralegal College offers a course of study leading to a certificate in paralegal studies. This program is suitable for students who are looking to complete their training and enter the job market as quickly as possible, as well as for students who already have an associate's or bachelor's degree in another subject.
The amount of time required to complete the certificate program varies with student course load, as illustrated below.
Time required to complete the paralegal certificate program
- For students taking 3 courses at a time:
7 months
- For students taking 2 courses at a time:
9 months
- For students taking 1 courses at a time:
17 months
To earn a paralegal certificate, a student must earn a total of 24 credits, as follows:
| Optional, self-paced introductory course: |
- Four Paralegal Core Courses (12 credits):
Core legal courses
These courses use online courseware. No textbook purchase is required.
|
Four courses (12 credits) of additional legal studies elective courses from among these courses:
|
Elective legal courses
* These courses have recommended prerequisites.
** These courses have required prerequisites.
These courses use online courseware. No textbook purchase is required.
Click the course name for more information.
Upon successful completion of the Certificate in Paralegal Studies program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate written legal communication skills.
- Employ basic legal research skills including manual and technology-supported research.
- Employ basic legal analysis skills including with respect to case opinions, real-world fact patterns, and hypothetical scenarios.
- Apply critical thinking skills in typical paralegal work assignments.
- Prepare basic legal documents including legal memoranda, motions, pleadings, and related court documents.
- Assemble legal documents for purposes of satisfying tasks typically requested of an entry-level paralegal.
- Describe the role of the paralegal in the modern-day legal setting.
- Differentiate between authorized and unauthorized practices of law.
- Employ legal technology to access basic legal documents and legal resources including federal and state court websites and case law.
- Evaluate real-world and hypothetical legal scenarios for ethical considerations
- Perform entry-level paralegal tasks in compliance with applicable rules of professional conduct