Paralegal Studies

Curriculum

Certificate Requirements

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

The Paralegal Studies certificate program must be completed within two 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. Students who do not pass the Writing Skills Test must complete a college level English composition course with a grade of "C" or better. The Writing Skills Test is administered during Introduction to Law. All students, regardless of whether or not they have already taken the WST, must take the test during the Introduction to Law class.

Certificate Option: Credit Transfer

It is possible to transfer credit for two paralegal program courses from other ABA approved Paralegal programs. Courses must have been taken within the last five years.

Program Format

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

Prerequisite Courses

Required Courses

Course schedules, including the quarters courses are offered in, are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on courses currently being offered, visit the course catalog.

*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

Career Workshop

Course Sequence

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

First Quarter

• 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

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

Third Quarter

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

Fourth Quarter

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

Fifth Quarter

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

**POSC 7042 Paralegal Ethics & Professional Responsibility has no pre-reqs, and may be taken in any quarter it's offered.