Paralegal Studies Certificate
Total Program Credits: 31
The Paralegal Studies Certificate prepares students for entry-level (non-attorney) legal positions. The scope of the certificate encompasses various legal specialties so that after completing this program students are prepared for a variety of legal positions whether in a law firm, corporation or governmental agency. In addition to being able to discuss and describe the various legal specialties, students obtain the research and writing skills necessary for legal work. Students are exposed to various legal software programs used in handling cases and will apply their classroom learning through a required internship. In order to be eligible for this program, a student must have previously earned an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Paralegal Studies Certificate, the graduate will be able to:
- describe how a law office is organized and works;
- practice the skills necessary to support an attorney in any legal matter;
- describe all phases of a lawsuit;
- develop a strategy to investigate a claim and obtain information regarding the claim;
- explain the elements of a tort/personal injury claim;
- explain what is needed to create an enforceable contract; and
- analyze methods by which they may best present themselves to potential employers and obtain legal positions.
(Spring 2022)
Placement Measures
Program Map for Students
| BUS 107 ◊ Microsoft Office in Business Applications | Core Course | 3 |
| PAR 101 Introduction to Paralegal Studies | Core Course | 3 |
| PAR 110 Drafting Legal Documents | Core Course | 3 |
| PAR 120 Civil Litigation | Core Course | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 12 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to create an academic plan.
Explore stackable certificate(s)/degree(s) |
| PAR 140 # Introduction to Legal Research and Writing | Core Course | 3 |
| PAR 150 # Contract Law | Core Course | 3 |
| PAR 201 # Personal Injury, Tort and Insurance Law | Core Course | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 9 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to update your academic and transfer plan.
Create a Transferology account to explore how coursework transfers. Attend a Transfer 101 Workshop. (if applicable) |
| PAR 160 # Legal Ethics and Law Office Organization | Core Course | 3 |
| PAR 170 # Evidence and Investigations | Core Course | 2 |
| PAR 210 # Law Office Technology | Core Course | 3 |
| PAR 220 # Paralegal Assessment/Internship | Core Course | 2 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 10 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to finalize your academic plan for graduation and register for stackable certificate/degree (option).
Submit graduation petition by deadline (check for the specific date in catalog or syllabus.) |
See PAR course descriptions.
Chairperson: Dr. William M. Griffin, Ext. 3579
KEY
(AAS/CERT) |
| General Education |
Communications, Fine Arts, Humanities, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, Social and Behavioral Science (see individual degree requirements). |
| Core Course |
Course(s) listed in a semester the student is required to take. |
| Program Elective |
Course(s) that faculty recommend and are listed in the ‘Program Electives’ section (if any) for this program. |
If intending to transfer, choose courses accepted by your transfer institution. |
| General Elective |
Course(s) chosen by the student, if needed, above and beyond core courses and program electives (if any), to complete the Program Total Credits. |
| ◊ symbol |
This course is articulated. (course transfers to 3 or more Illinois State schools, as an elective or equal course-to-course) |
| # symbol |
This course has a prerequisite. (course(s) student takes prior to taking this course) |