Published on Davenport University (http://www.davenport.edu)

Donald W. Maine School of Business > Post-Baccalaureate Certificate > Paralegal Studies Certificate, PB

Paralegal Studies Certificate, PB

Apply Now [1]

Contact a DU admissions representative and see your future, today.
Call us today at 1-800-686-1600.

Skip to Program Curriculum

Open More Doors to a Legal Career 

Paralegals are a vital part of any legal team, and a degree in Paralegal Studies from Davenport University may give you a distinct advantage in this high-demand career path.1

Our American Bar Association-approved Paralegal Studies programs2 are designed to support today’s legal community with multiple programs to fit your needs:

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate*

This certificate is designed for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree program in another area of study. This credential can be a real asset if you’re already working in a legal environment, or you’re considering changing careers.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Our bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies prepares you for your paralegal career, with courses in advanced litigation skills, law office computer applications, and electives including specialties like bankruptcy, real estate, family, probate, and criminal law. This program also serves as a springboard to law school.

Associate of Science (A.S.)

Our associate degree gives you a basic foundation in business and law, and the opportunity to apply legal theories to real-life legal situations. All associate degree courses transfer directly to the Davenport Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies.

Paralegal studies is an ideal foundation for and complement to an advanced degree, such as a Davenport MBA or a law degree, if you decide to further expand your skill sets for greater employment opportunities.

Classes to meet your goals

Paralegal Studies classes offer legal theory as well as practical, hands-on experience, including internships, a study abroad opportunity and other clinical experiences. With every class, you’ll develop the effective communications and critical thinking skills you need for a successful career.

DU has a wide range of elective courses:

  • Bankruptcy law
  • Real estate
  • Estate planning
  • Family law
  • Criminal procedure

Why Davenport?

Davenport offers the courses, degrees, and certifications you need, and we have a proven track record of success:

  • 91% of Davenport Paralegal students pass the national certification exam, compared to a national average of 58%.
  • We’re among the few Paralegal Studies programs in the country to be recognized and approved by the American Bar Association.

In addition, our instructors are practicing lawyers and paralegals, adding a unique on-the-job perspective to your classroom experience.

In-demand Careers

According to current national employment projections, demand for paralegals is expected to grow 28% through 2016 – a faster than average rate.

The projections cite specific occupations that are considered critical to the economy, including opportunities that you may pursue with a paralegal studies certificate or degree, including:

  • Paralegal
  • Legal Assistant
  • Court Clerk
  • Compliance Manager

These careers are projected to have significant employment opportunities in the future, with salaries ranging from $44,500 to $55,000 for bachelor degree graduates.

Source: http://www.bls.gov

The DU Advantage

Davenport University is a global provider of degrees in business, technology and health professions. Through our unique online and in-classroom approach, Davenport gives you a high-quality education with the advantage of small (sometimes virtual) classes, experienced faculty and cutting-edge programs for today's most in-demand careers.

1NOTE: While paralegals are an important part of the legal team, they cannot give legal advice or other direct legal services to clients and must work under the supervision of a licensed attorney.

2For information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit our website at http://www.davenport.edu/gainful-employment

Back to Top

Full Curriculum

POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATE  •  27 CREDITS  •  PARALGL PBC

The American Bar Association (ABA) approved Paralegal Certificate is designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree and want to pursue a career as a paralegal. The certificate will prepare students to successfully perform the duties required of a paralegal, through studies that focus on effective communication skills, critical thinking, litigation procedures, computer applications for the law offices, ethics, and various legal specialties. Although the paralegal plays a key role in providing legal services to clients, only attorneys may accept cases, give legal advice, represent clients in court, or provide other direct legal services to clients. The courses of the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies provide valuable preparation for careers in law offices, government agencies, or other law-related settings.

Major 27 cr.
LEGL101 [2] Introduction to Paralegal Studies 3 cr.
LEGL210 [2] Business Law Foundations 3 cr.
LEGL215 [2] Litigation 3 cr.
LEGL216 [2] Legal Research 3 cr.
LEGL220 [2] Computers for Paralegals 3 cr.
LEGL415 [2] Advanced Litigation 3 cr.
LEGL490 [2] Paralegal BS Internship 3 cr.
Choose 6 (six) credits from the following (6) cr.
LEGL204 [2] Family Law 3 cr.
LEGL211 [2] Criminal Law 3 cr.
LEGL213 [2] Torts 3 cr.
LEGL218 [2] Legal Writing 3 cr.
LEGL285 [2] Community Based Legal Studies 1 cr.
LEGL300 [2] Evidence and Criminal Procedure 3 cr.
LEGL301 [2] Business Organizations 3 cr.
LEGL303 [2] Bankruptcy Law 3 cr.
LEGL305 [2] Real Estate Law 3 cr.
LEGL308 [2] Estate Planning and Probate Law 3 cr.
LEGL384 [2] Study Abroad: Comparative Legal Analysis 3 cr.
LEGL385 [2] Legal Studies Special Topics 3 cr.
LEGL386 [2] Study Abroad: Special Legal Topics 3 cr.
LEGL401 [2] Employment and Labor Law 3 cr.
LEGL496 [2] Paralegal Certificate Review 3 cr.

Gainful Employment Disclosure

Related Jobs Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics Standard Occupational Classification code
 
23-2011.00 Paralegals and Legal Assistants [3]
23-2093.00 Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers [4]
23-2099.00 Legal Support Workers, All Other [5]
Cost of Education    
  Tuition and Fees [6] * $14,961
  Books and Supplies $1,575
  Room and Board Not Applicable
Median Loan Debt    
  Federal Loans 0
  Private Education Loans 0
  Institution Financing Plan 0
Normal Completion Time   One Year
On-time Graduation Rate**
 73%
Placement Rate   100%

* Total cost of completion based on 2012-13 published rates.

** Represents graduates between July 2011 through June 2012 who attended on a full-time basis and completed within the standard timeframe.

var _gauges = _gauges || []; (function() { var t = document.createElement('script'); t.type = 'text/javascript'; t.async = true; t.id = 'gauges-tracker'; t.setAttribute('data-site-id', '511b9986108d7b6809000026'); t.src = '//secure.gaug.es/track.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t, s); })();
Source URL: http://www.davenport.edu/programs/business/post-baccalaureate-certificate/paralegal-studies-certificate-pb

Links:
[1] http://www.davenport.edu/office-admissions/apply-now
[2] http://www.davenport.edu/
[3] http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2011.00
[4] http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2093.00
[5] http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2099.00
[6] http://www.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees