Legal Studies Certificate (Plan 22PB)

The Legal Studies certificate prepares students to perform substantive and procedural legal work under the supervision of an attorney. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. This program is approved by the American Bar Association ("ABA"). ABA guidelines limit the use of asynchronous online courses for paralegal education.

Paralegals work in many different areas of law within the public and private sectors, and assist attorneys in the delivery of efficient and cost-effective legal services. The required certificate courses focus on the core knowledge and skills needed by paralegals in all areas. The elective courses enable students to gain additional knowledge in the legal specialty areas of greatest interest to them. The certificate program is available only to students who already have an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. This program is approved by the American Bar Association. ABA guidelines limit the use of asynchronous online courses for paralegal education, Thus, no Legal Studies degree or certificate will be issued unless at least 9 credit hours of Legal Studies coursework has been completed in a synchronous format.