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Paralegal Studies - Undergraduate Certificate

Paralegal Studies - Undergraduate Certificate

The Paralegal Studies undergraduate certificate is applicable to those students who wish to continue their education and enhance and update their skills to pursue a career in the legal field.

The program prepares students for the Certified Paralegal exam from the National Association of Legal Assistants. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.

While the majority of the program can be completed online, the following three courses must be taken either in person or in a remote synchronous format:

  • PLST 18000 Introduction to Paralegal Studies and Professional Ethics;
  • PLST 28001 Legal Research; and
  • PLST 28004 Civil Procedure.

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Undergraduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies

Kent State University's Undergraduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies provides students with the foundational skills and knowledge necessary for a career in the legal field. The program focuses on essential areas such as legal research, writing, case preparation, and the understanding of legal ethics. Students gain practical experience in various areas of law, including criminal, civil, and corporate law, making them well-equipped to support attorneys in diverse legal settings. This certificate is ideal for individuals looking to enhance their legal expertise or for those seeking to enter the legal profession quickly. Graduates are prepared for roles in law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments, with a strong foundation to pursue further legal studies or advance their careers.

Program Information for Paralegal Studies - Undergraduate Certificate

Program Description

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

Admissions for Paralegal Studies - Undergraduate Certificate

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

Admission to this certificate is selective. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning a minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, minimum 47 PTE score or minimum 100 DET score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive English Program. For more information on international admission visit the admissions website for international students.

Coursework
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Program Requirements

Certificate Requirements

Certificate Requirements
PLST 18000INTRODUCTION TO PARALEGAL STUDIES AND PROFESSIONAL ETHICS 3
PLST 28001LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING 3
PLST 28004CIVIL PROCEDURE 3
PLST 36792INTERNSHIP IN PARALEGAL (ELR) 3
Certificate Electives, choose from the following:9
PLST 28003
FAMILY LAW AND PROCEDURE
PLST 28007
ESTATE AND PROBATE ADMINISTRATION
PLST 35001
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW FOR PARALEGALS
PLST 35003
HEALTH LAW
PLST 35005
LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW FOR PARALEGALS
PLST 35007
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES LAW
PLST 38003
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW AND PROCESS
PLST 38005
TORT LAW
PLST 38006
APPLIED LEGAL RESEARCH AND LITIGATION (WIC)
PLST 40095
SPECIAL TOPICS IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
PLST 42701
EVIDENCE AND E-DISCOVERY
PLST 42705
BANKRUPTCY LAW I: BASIC FUNDAMENTALS
PLST 42706
BANKRUPTCY LAW II: CREDITOR-DEBTOR RELATIONS
PLST 42708
REAL ESTATE LAW
PLST 48002
CONTRACT LAW
PLST 48300
LAW OF CORPORATIONS AND OTHER ASSOCIATIONS
PLST 48401
PATENT LAW
PLST 48403
PATENT PROSECUTION
PLST 48404
COPYRIGHT LAW I
PLST 48407
TRADEMARK LAW
PLST 48408
TRADEMARK PROSECUTION
Minimum Total Credit Hours:21

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Certificate GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus
Accreditation for Paralegal Studies - Undergraduate Certificate

The Paralegal Studies certificate is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Paralegal Studies - Undergraduate Certificate

Graduates of Kent State University’s Undergraduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies are well-prepared to launch careers in the legal field with a solid foundation in essential skills. They can pursue roles as paralegals, legal assistants, or research assistants in various settings, including law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. The certificate program equips students with practical knowledge in legal research, document preparation, and case management, enabling them to effectively support attorneys and contribute to legal teams. Additionally, this credential enhances their employability and can serve as a stepping stone for those considering further education in law or related fields.

Legal support workers, all other

-1.2%

decline

50,400

number of jobs

$59,540

potential earnings

Paralegals and legal assistants

10.5%

much faster than the average

337,800

number of jobs

$52,920

potential earnings

Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers

-2.6%

decline

63,600

number of jobs

$48,820

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
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