Certificate in Paralegal Studies
The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program emphasizes learning by doing. Students develop and hone critical thinking, research, communication, strategic problem-solving, and other applied skills with a simulation-focused approach.
Get answers to your questions
Our team is standing by to assist you with additional program details, financial aid options, and admissions questions.
Loading...
In addition to employment with law firms and corporate legal departments, paralegals and professionals with a paralegal education commonly use their skills in various legal and law-related careers, including criminal justice, compliance, corporate governance, human resources, real estate, health care, finance, public policy, public interest services, and more. The Paralegal Studies Certificate from Concordia enhances a student's undergraduate degree by blending traditional and simulation-focused experiential learning to develop the learner's legal acumen, analytical and critical thinking aptitudes, research and writing competencies, and strategic problem-solving skills.
- This certificate program is available to:
- students enrolled in a traditional undergraduate or accelerated program at Concordia as an add-on certificate.
- students who have already completed an undergraduate degree and wish to earn this certificate without additionally enrolling in a separate degree program.
- The curriculum is offered online as self-paced 16-week and 8-week courses.
- Students must complete 21 credits with a minimum grade of "C" in each paralegal course.
Robust Growth in the paralegal profession
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the profession to grow "," with 14% job growth from 2021 to 2031 (compared to only a 5% average growth rate among all occupations during the same period).
- The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development currently designates the paralegal profession as one of the state's " "
- Michigan, the home of our very own , expects , approximately twice the average growth rate (8.8%) across all occupations in the state during the same period.
- Illinois projects in the paralegal profession between 2020-2030, in contrast to the state's expected overall job growth average of 8.25% during that time
Connect with us today to learn more about tapping into this in-demand profession!
In addition to those entering the paralegal field, this program will be advantageous for students who are interested in law school or want to complement their degree with a valuable set of skills attractive to a variety of employers. Students completing this program will be armed with foundational knowledge and practical tools for legal and law-related careers.
Note:
- Paralegals and others completing this program may not provide legal services directly to the public unless expressly permitted by state law. Consult your state's laws regulating the practice and unauthorized practice of law.
- Although this certificate can be taken regardless of degree level completion and as a standalone program, a bachelors or associates degree is strongly recommended in addition to this certificate for employment as a paralegal.