Certificates

Certificate in Paralegal Studies

This program is open to students who have previously earned a baccalaureate degree. Under exceptional circumstances, this requirement may be waived. The applicant must petition the Paralegal Studies Department and submit supporting documents which must include evidence of a significant combination of college achievement and law-related work experience.

Of the following requirements, half must be completed at the University. New students may begin during any semester. This program is approved by the American Bar Association. Paralegals are prohibited from the practice of law except when allowed by law or court rule. A minimum of 10 semester credits of legal specialty courses must be taken in a traditional classroom setting.

PLS Electives (2 courses)

Note: None of the Paralegal Studies offerings are affiliated with the Legal Studies Program offered by the University’s day division. These include the bachelor and associate degree programs as well as the certificate programs. Continuing Studies students in the Paralegal Studies programs will not satisfy degree or certificate requirements by taking Legal Studies Program courses. Only the Paralegal Studies degree and certificate programs are ABA approved.

Certificate in Nurse Paralegal

This program is designed for registered nurses interested in learning to perform legal tasks and the applying their knowledge of nursing to legal services. It is open to registered nurses who have previously earned 60 hours of credit or a baccalaureate or associate degree, and who have at least 4000 hours of nursing experience. Ten courses are required for the certificate. Studies for this certificate program may be combined with courses in the bachelor degree programs in Paralegal Studies or Social and Health Services. This program is approved by the American Bar Association. Paralegals are prohibited from the practice of law except when allowed by law or court rule.

Required Courses:

And one of the following: