Paralegal Studies

Curriculum

Certificate Requirements

To earn a Certificate in Paralegal Studies, students must complete 11 courses comprised of nine required courses, one elective course, and an internship.

The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program should be completed within three calendar years from a student's start date. A "C" grade or above is required for a class to count towards the certificate.

Those who possess no previous legal experience must attend the Introduction to Paralegalism Seminar as a prerequisite for Introduction to Law (this can be taken within the same quarter).

The ABA requires that students demonstrate writing proficiency at the college level. To comply with this requirement we require our students to achieve an acceptable score on the University's Writing Skills Test. This requirement is waived for students with a Bachelor's degree, or students who have otherwise met the UWSR (University Writing Skills Requirement).

Certificate Option: Credit Transfer

It may be possible with the approval of the Program Director to transfer credit for two courses from other ABA approved Paralegal programs.

Program Format

The Paralegal Studies Certificate Courses are conveniently offered in the evenings at all three Cal State East Bay locations – Hayward, downtown Oakland, and Concord.

Prerequisite Courses

Required Courses

*Course is available online and in-class.

†Students who demonstrate proficiency in all of the legal software that is taught in this class may, with the program director's consent, substitute another course from the electives offered.

Elective Courses

PLEASE NOTE: THE LIST OF ELECTIVE COURSES BELOW IS TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Career Workshop

Course Sequence

Courses with two parts must be taken in sequence. Please note any prerequisites.

First Quarter (Fall/Spring)

• EXSP 8220: Introduction to Paralegalism (This class is required only if you have no experience working in the legal field)
• POSC 7011: Introduction to Law
• ENGL 7017: Legal Research and Writing I

Second Quarter (Winter/Summer)

• ENGL 7018: Legal Research and Writing II
• POSC 7012: Litigation I

Third Quarter (Spring/Fall)

• POSC 7013: Litigation II
• POSC 7023: Contract Law

Fourth Quarter (Summer/Winter)

• POSC 7022: Personal Injury and Tort Litigation
• POSC 7040: Computer Applications for Paralegals

Fifth Quarter (Fall/Spring)

• POSC 7042: Paralegal Ethics & Professional Responsibility**
• POSC 7036: Internship
• An Elective

**POSC 7042 Paralegal Ethics & Professional Responsibility may be taken at any time after completion of ENGL 7017 Legal Research & Writing I