certificate

Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate)

Approved by the American Bar Association for more than 40 years, the Paralegal Training Program provides training in substantive and procedural law, legal analysis, legal technology, and practical skills needed to work as a competent and professional paralegal, even if you don't already have a bachelor's degree. This program fulfills educational requirements to work as a paralegal in California and is taught by attorneys, judges, paralegals, and other legal professionals.

SEE COURSES IN THIS PROGRAM

This program is perfect for...

Individuals without a bachelor's degree wanting to become paralegals
Prospective paralegals who want training in substantive and procedural law
Pre-law students looking for early exposure to core areas of law taught in the first year of law school
Individuals looking for ABA-approved, nationally recognized training as a paralegal

What you can learn.

An overview of the paralegal profession as well as the responsibilities and opportunities for paralegals in various practice areas
Governing principles of law in the areas of contracts, torts, criminal law, real property, business organizations, and securities law
Stages of civil procedure, from pleadings and discovery through preparing for and presenting evidence at trial
How to conduct legal research, analysis, draft legal documents and utilize legal technology

ABA-approved program for over 40 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.

Update for Winter 2021 Programs

The 5- and 11-month programs that begin in Winter 2021 will be offered 100% online through Remote Instruction for the entire duration of the program. These programs are ABA-approved.

For questions, contact paralegal@uclaextension.edu or (310) 825-0741.

What the Paralegal Certificate has done for our students.

5

average professional relationships gained from networking

61%

received a salary increase after starting the certificate

48%

switched careers after completing the program

2 in 3

recommend the certificate program to others

Source: UCLA Extension Certificate Graduates Survey

Learn More

Online Information Session

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, November 14, 10am - 12pm

Reserve Your Spot

Application Required Prior to Enrolling

Candidates must apply and be accepted into the program before enrolling in the required course.

Upcoming Program Dates and Deadlines

Winter 2021

5-Month Program
Location: Remote (Live Online) Instruction*
Days & Time: Mon-Fri, 9am-12:30pm
Program Dates: Jan. 29, 2021 – June 17, 2021
Application Deadline: Dec. 1, 2020
Financial Aid Deadline: Dec. 14, 2020

11-Month Program
Location: Remote (Live Online) Instruction*
Days & Time: Tue & Thur, 6:30-10pm
Program Dates: Jan. 28, 2021 – Dec. 9, 2021
Application Deadline: Dec. 1, 2020
Financial Aid Deadline: Dec. 14, 2020

*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.

Courses

Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.

Required (4)

Required Courses

Paralegal Training Program

LAW X 406

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Oral Communication and Presentation Skills for Legal and Business Professionals

LAW X 407.1

Effective Writing in Legal and Business Settings

LAW X 407.2

Legal Internship

LAW X 407.3

Estimated Cost Breakdown

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.

Application & Candidacy Fee

N/A

Estimated Program Tuition

8780.00

Estimated program textbook/materials

1000.00

Apply Now

*The Application & Candidacy Fee establishes your candidacy in the program for a period of time covering normal progress toward completion and may allow you to access a variety of program benefits.

Internships
Available

Approved for
International Visa

VA Benefit
Eligible

Federal
Financial Aid

**Federal Financial Aid Gainful Employment Disclosures

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.

Internship Opportunities

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.

Learn More

International Students

The Certificate in Paralegal Studies is approved for international students (F-1 student visa).

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting test scores from either TOEFL, IELTS or iTEP. Some applicants may be exempt from this requirement if certain criteria are met.

English language proficiency (minimum*):

TOEFL iBT: 90
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall
iTEP Academic-Plus: 4.5

*Admitted international students whose test scores are below 100 on TOEFL iBT, 7.0 on the IELTS Academic, or 5.1 on the iTEP Academic-Plus will be required to take 1-2 supplemental English as a Second Language courses.

Learn more:

Academic Requirements & English Language Proficiency

International Students: How to Apply

Gainful Employment Disclosure

University of California, Los Angeles Undergraduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies

This program is designed to be completed in one year.
This program will cost $9,780.00 if completed within normal time. There may be additional costs for living expenses. These costs were accurate at the time of posting, but may have changed.
Of the students who completed this program within normal time, the typical graduate leaves with $6,000.00 of debt.
The following state(s) do not have licensure requirements for this profession: California*

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.

Updated: August 14, 2020