Paralegal Certificate

Certificate Program

The Paralegal Certificate is offered to students who have an underlying associate or bachelor’s degree in any discipline who are looking to further their education and gain specialized knowledge in the legal field. Students who have earned an associate in applied science (AAS) degree are required by the American Bar Association (ABA) to also have 18 general education credits as part of their degree. A student who has not already earned 18 general education credits as part of their AAS degree will be required to complete the remaining required general education credits before admission into the paralegal certificate program. The certificate program is designed to prepare graduates to find employment in law firms, federal, state, and local agencies, the court system, banks, and private businesses. Students in the certificate program take courses focusing on the structure and organization of the American legal system, basic principles of law and legal research, and various areas of substantive law. In addition, students may choose the opportunity to complete an internship to supplement their classroom studies with relevant work experience.

Students must take a minimum of 9 semester credits of legal specialty courses through traditional on campus face-to-face or synchronous web conferencing class instruction.

Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as provided by law.

This program is offered at the Dover and Georgetown Campuses.

What You Can Do

In this program, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare you for positions such as:

• A paralegal for a law firm, government agency, bank, or private business
• A paralegal in the court system

What You Will Earn

Competitive starting salaries range from $21,000 - $35,000.

What You Will Learn

Program Graduate Competencies

The Program Graduate Competencies listed below identify the major learning goals related to your specific program of study and identify the knowledge and skills you will have when you graduate to be successful in your chosen field.

1. Explain the present and potential role of the paralegal within the legal system.
2. Produce documents necessary for a functioning law office.
3. Comply with the profession's Code of Ethics within the legal system.
4. Use a range of research methods and information necessary to complete a variety of legal activities.
5. Apply acquired knowledge of legal specialty areas in the workplace.