Approved by the American Bar Association, the Paralegal Studies Certificate prepares students for a career as a professional paralegal in a law firm, businesses, government, or nonprofit organization. The program fulfills educational requirements to work as a paralegal in California and is taught by UCLA School of Law-approved instructors.
ABA-approved program for over 45 years. Our program was one of the first to be approved by the American Bar Association as meeting high standards in faculty selection, academics, resources, curriculum, programming, administration, and student services.
The 11-month and 5-month programs that begin in Fall 2021 will be offered 100% online through Remote Instruction for the entire duration of the program. This program is ABA-approved. The application deadline for Fall 2021 is August 16, 2021.
For questions, contact paralegal@uclaextension.edu or (310) 825-0741.
For over four decades, UCLA Extension’s Paralegal Training Program has been setting students up for success. Recognized by employers throughout Los Angeles and beyond, our program equips students with a thorough understanding of the functions and ethics needed in this ever-growing profession. Our program qualifies graduates to hold themselves as paralegals under the California Business & Professions Code §6450. It has been designed specifically to prepare students to perform and adapt successfully in an ever-changing legal environment.
Financial Aid is Available
The Paralegal Training Program is approved for Federal Financial Aid. For more information, see Financial Aid Eligibility and FAQs.
average professional relationships gained from networking
received a salary increase after starting the certificate
switched careers after completing the program
years approved by the American Bar Association
The goals of the Paralegal Training Program are to prepare students:
The objectives of the Paralegal Training Program are:
I started shopping around, and it didn't take long to realize that UCLA Extension's program was the best in Southern California. I was able to go through the five-month program and get to work right away!
Candidates must apply and be accepted into the program before enrolling in the required course.
Fall 2021 Application Deadline: August 16, 2021
Baccalaureate (BA or BS) or higher degree required. Apply to the post-bacc Paralegal Studies program.
Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate) Certificate
Associate degree (AA) or 60 semester / 90 quarters units (equivalent to 2 years) required. Use the Apply Now button further down this page.
5-Month Program
Location: Remote (Live Online) Instruction*
Days & Time: Mon-Fri, 9:30am-12:30pm
Program Dates: September 29, 2021-March 14, 2022
Application Deadline: August 16, 2021
Financial Aid Deadline: August 26, 2021
11-Month Program
Location: Remote (Live Online) Instruction*
Days & Time: Tues & Thurs, 6:30-10pm
Program Dates: September 30, 2021-August 23, 2022
Application Deadline: August 16, 2021
Financial Aid Deadline: August 26, 2021
*Remote (Live Online) Instruction: Course is taught in real-time using Zoom. Class sessions are scheduled on specific day(s) and time(s). Students access course materials through Canvas and use integrated tools such as Zoom to join the live interactive classroom. Students may ask questions and interact in real-time with the instructor. The live sessions can be recorded so students may view them at a later time.
5-Month Program
Location: Remote (Live Online) Instruction*
Days & Time: Mon-Fri, 9:30am-12:30pm
Program Dates: January 25-June 15, 2022
Application Deadline: November 15, 2021
Financial Aid Deadline: December 2, 2021
11-Month Program
Location: Remote (Live Online) Instruction*
Days & Time: Mon & Wed, 6:30-10pm
Program Dates: January 26-December 19, 2022
Application Deadline: November 15, 2021
Financial Aid Deadline: December 2, 2021
*Remote (Live Online) Instruction: Course is taught in real-time using Zoom. Class sessions are scheduled on specific day(s) and time(s). Students access course materials through Canvas and use integrated tools such as Zoom to join the live interactive classroom. Students may ask questions and interact in real-time with the instructor. The live sessions can be recorded so students may view them at a later time. Location is subject to change.
Join us for a live webcast to learn more about paralegal career paths, industry requirements and the benefits of our program. Hear directly from a program graduate, instructor, and a member of the Los Angeles Paralegal Association.
Saturday, July 10, 10am - 12pm
Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.
All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable.
The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges and universities to disclose certain information for any financial aid eligible program that, “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation”. This information includes program costs; occupations that the program prepares students to enter; occupational profiles; on time completion rate; and for the most recent award year: the number of students who have completed the program, the number of students who complete the program within the estimated duration, the job placement rate, and the median Title IV and private loan debt incurred by those who complete the program. For gainful employment information for this program, visit our Financial Aid page.
An internship in paralegal studies can provide you with practical experience in a variety of legal job functions. This course is restricted to students and graduates of the Paralegal Training Program.
The Certificate in Paralegal Studies is approved for international students (F-1 student visa) for both the 5- and 11-month programs.
English Proficiency
International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting test scores from either TOEFL, IELTS or iTEP, no exceptions.
English language proficiency (minimum*):
Learn more:
Academic Requirements & English Language Proficiency
International Students: How to Apply
Official Transcript
An official transcript or evaluation report with a course by course description is required from International students whose college was located outside of the United States.
For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions please click here: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/.
*Our ABA-approved program qualifies graduates to hold themselves as paralegals under California Business & Professions Code §6450, which governs the paralegal profession in California.
Recognized by employers throughout Los Angeles and beyond, our Paralegal Studies program equips students with a thorough understanding of the functions and ethics needed in this ever-growing profession to launch their career.
Download our brochure, or contact us for more information.
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