Paralegal Certificate - Evening Program (Synchronous Online)
Earn an ABA-Approved Paralegal Certificate in under One Year
Graduates of the ABA-approved Paralegal Program are well prepared to assist in the effective delivery of legal services in both the private and public sectors of our society. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Paralegals are trained members of a legal team who work under the supervision of attorneys. A team concept approach to legal matters ensures professional representation of clients and reduces the cost of legal services. Through classroom lectures, readings, and practical assignments, students become familiar with the role of the paralegal in the legal environment.
Program Outcomes
- Earn an ABA approved paralegal certificate, meeting the requirements of Business & Professions Code §6450
- Develop practical skills in preparation for a paralegal career
- Acquire foundational knowledge in substantive areas of law necessary to perform work under the supervision of an attorney
- Understand legal ethics and the role of the paralegal in the legal environment
- Understand basic legal concepts and terminology and our court structure
- Understand and practice the elements of legal research and analysis
- Become familiar with and practice appropriate technology use in the legal environment
Certificate Requirements
Available to both graduates and undergraduates, the USD Paralegal Certificate - Evening Program is ideal for candidates who are working full time and are seeking a career change or advancement. Students in the evening program will complete 24 units in just under one year (three terms). USD does not transfer in paralegal credits from other institutions.
Admission Requirements
Previous Education -- Applicants for the evening certificate program must possess a baccalaureate degree or an associate of arts or science degree from an accredited postsecondary institution. The program also admits a limited number of applicants to the evening program who have documented work experience in the legal field. Prospective applicants wishing to apply based on work experience should email a resume and any unofficial transcript(s) to paralegal@sandiego.edu to determine eligibility prior to submitting the application.
Interested U.S. applicants located outside of San Diego County should review the Prospective Students not in San Diego County information before beginning the application process.
International/English Proficiency -- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (recommended minimum 92) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (recommended minimum 7.0) is mandatory for all applicants educated outside the United States. The test can be waived if English is your primary language or you have obtained a bachelor's degree from the U.S., Great Britain, Canada or Australia. Other exceptions can be made on a case by case basis. International students may complete the program remotely but must be available to participate synchronously and are reminded that course times use the Pacific Time Zone. International applicants are encouraged to first review the above sample schedule to ensure they are available to participate synchronously in the program. International applicants are also encouraged to review the Prospective Students not in San Diego County information before beginning the application process.
Core Courses
Minimum required: 4 courses
- PLST 500: Introduction to Law
- PLST 505: Legal Research and Writing
- PLST 510: Computers in the Legal Field
- PLST 551: Civil Litigation
Elective Courses
Minimum required: 4 courses
Upcoming Program Dates
Term | Evening (3 terms) |
---|---|
Summer 2022 | May 24, 2022 - Apr 20, 2023 |
Fall 2022 | Sep 6, 2022 - Aug 17, 2023 |
Spring 2023 | Jan 24 - Dec 8, 2023 |
Summer 2023 | May 23, 2023 - April 18, 2024 |
Fall 2023 | Sep 12, 2023 - Aug 15, 2024 |
Dates subject to change |
Upcoming Term Dates
Summer 2022: May 24 - Aug 18, 2022 (synchronous online)
Fall 2022: Sep 6 - Dec 8, 2022 (synchronous online)
Spring 2023: Jan 24 - Apr 20, 2023 (synchronous online)
Summer 2023: May 23 - Aug 17, 2022 (synchronous online)
Fall 2023: Sep 12 - Dec 8, 2023 (synchronous online)
Dates subject to change
Schedule and Fees
Paralegal Program tuition is $285 per semester unit. The program consists of 24 total units (12 core and 12 elective). View a course-by-course cost breakdown.
Info Sessions and Events
Visit our Request Info page for upcoming event dates or to speak with an adviser.