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Paralegal Studies
View the FlyerEDP 312215
Designed by paralegals for paralegals and taught by practicing attorneys approved by the University of California, Berkeley, the Certificate Program in Paralegal Studies offers the skills and knowledge you need to become a practicing paralegal. In just six months, you can fulfill California's education requirements for paralegals and take the next step in your career. Two convenient learning formats enable you to continue working while you complete the certificate: Proceed at your own pace with an online curriculum that you can begin anytime, or choose the hybrid format that combines classroom and online study. Join our email list to stay informed about this certificate.
Courses
The table contains the required courses for the Certificate Program in Paralegal Studies, as well as the terms they are typically available for enrollment.
2 Required Courses, 4 Electives, 8 Semester Units (360 Hours of Instruction)
| Required Courses | Course Number | UNITS/ CEU | CLASSROOM | ONLINE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Paralegal Studies Part I: Foundational Skills | X418 | 2 | Fall Spring |
Fall Spring Summer |
| Essential Paralegal Studies Part II: Authority, Research and Writing | X419 | 2 | Spring Summer |
Fall Spring Summer |
| ELECTIVES | Course Number | Units/ CEU | Classroom | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegal Business Law | X404 | 1 | Spring Summer |
Fall Spring Summer |
| Paralegal California Procedures | X407 | 1 | Fall Spring |
Fall Spring Summer |
| Paralegal Contract Law | X405 | 1 | Spring Summer |
Fall Spring Summer |
| Paralegal Criminal Law | X406 | 1 | Fall Spring Summer |
|
| Paralegal Family Law | X410 | 1 | Fall |
Fall Spring Summer |
| Paralegal Intellectual Property Law | X409 | 1 | Fall |
Fall Spring Summer |
| Paralegal Tort Law | X403 | 1 | Fall Spring |
Fall Spring Summer |
Course availability is subject to change. Courses offered in both online and classroom environments are interchangeable, and you may choose either format.
To begin, enroll in Essential Paralegal Studies I: Foundational Skills X418 and one elective of your choice. You can enroll in subsequent courses as they begin (for the hybrid program) or as you are ready to begin them (for the online program). If you are starting with hybrid courses, choose an elective that begins closest to the start date of Essential Paralegal Studies I. Enrollment is limited. Please test-drive the ParaStudent website.
To enroll, click on a course title above and choose a section.
You may enroll in individual courses without registering for the Certificate Program in Paralegal Studies.
Online and Hybrid Formats
Courses in this professional certificate are available in online and hybrid (courses that include both classroom and online study) formats. Both formats allow you to complete the certificate in just six months.
The online format offers the flexibility to begin and proceed at your own pace from anywhere with a computer and Internet connection. Online exams act as benchmarks as you proceed through the program.
The hybrid format combines online coursework with traditional class meetings, offering networking opportunities in an instructor-guided classroom setting. The hybrid program allows you to attend classes two evenings per week while working full time.
Expect to take comprehensive exams as you complete most of the online and hybrid courses.
Who Will Benefit
This certificate is ideal if you are a legal staffer who wishes to qualify for lawful designation as a paralegal or a career changer looking for a profession with strong compensation. It is also appropriate if you are professionally involved in legal matters and want to gain a clearer understanding of the legal process or if you are considering law school and seeking to demonstrate your proficiency in legal procedures on graduate applications.
Prerequisites for Admission
The prerequisites for the Certificate Program in Paralegal Studies include a high school diploma or equivalent, access to a computer that can connect to the Internet and basic word-processing and Web-search skills.
Curriculum Requirements
The curriculum for both hybrid and online programs comprises 2 required courses and 4 electives for a total of 8 semester units (360 hours of instruction).
All coursework must be completed within one year of registering for the program. However, requirements may be updated based on new developments in the field of study; we recommend completing the curriculum in a timely fashion. For more information, please see the completion requirements and the substitutions, waivers and transfer credit policies.
How to Register for This Professional Certificate
By registering, you declare your intention to complete the curriculum. To register for the Certificate Program in Paralegal Studies, submit the online registration form with your credit card information or complete the mail-in registration form. The registration fee is nonrefundable.
Estimated Cost
Hybrid Program
Each course is priced individually, and you pay the course fee at the time of enrollment. The program has an estimated total cost of $6,280 (not including course materials or registration fee). Course fees are subject to change.
Online Program
Each course is priced individually, and you pay the course fee at the time of enrollment. The program has an estimated total cost of $7,000 (not including course materials or registration fee). Course fees are subject to change.
Contact Information
Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions. To contact the department office, email business@unex.berkeley.edu or call (510) 642-4231.
Additional Information
The program provides access to the ParaStudent learning management system with extensive resources such as customized texts; hands-on workbooks; a toll-free support line; LexisNexis; Westlaw; and online study tools, including practice exercise questions, lecture notes, quizzes, mock exams, and research and writing labs.
Please purchase course materials from www.books.ucberkeleyparalegal.com for the hybrid program or www.onlinebooks.ucberkeleyparalegal.com for the online paralegal program.
Statement of Regulatory Compliance
The UC Berkeley Extension online and hybrid Certificate Program in Paralegal Studies is in compliance with California Business and Professions Code 6450 through 6456 regulatory standards for paralegal education.
