Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

Certificate of Proficiency Paralegal Studies

Certificate of Proficiency
Peirce College

The ABA-approved Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Paralegal Studies is designed for the individual who has already completed a bachelor's degree with a major other than Paralegal Studies and is looking to make a career transition into the field of law. The Certificate of Proficiency Program is built on a core group of legal specialty foundation courses that give graduates the skill sets necessary to thrive in the legal environment. This intensive program of study is comprised of 8 legal specialty courses that can be completed in one academic year, and will prepare students for the transition to a career in the paralegal profession.* For candidates looking to move on to law school, the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies can serve as the ideal preparation and foundation for that career plan.�

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to: Utilize critical and analytical thinking skills in paralegal work assignments Employ professional legal writing skills Develop and utilize legal research and investigative skills Communicate effectively in the legal profession Develop and utilize the management and organizational skills required to be an effective paralegal Identify, explain, and utilize the technology necessary to assist in the delivery of legal services Identify, explain, and abide by the ethical rules governing the conduct of paralegals and attorneys, including the limitations on the practice of law by non-lawyers, and the practical ramifications of the requirement that paralegals work under the direct supervision of lawyers Articulate, explain, and promote the emerging role of the paralegal in the legal profession, the distinction and diversity of the different areas of legal practice, and the paralegal's part in efficiently expanding the delivery of legal services to the public


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
Click here for details
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree
Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Peirce College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights
Program Credit Requirements
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The table below provides the requirements to complete this program. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Certificate of Proficiency Paralegal Studies
25
Certificate Paralegal
24
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
Certificate Paralegal Requirements
24
The Paralegal Profession
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Legal Research
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Legal Writing
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Civil Litigation
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Contract Law
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Criminal Law
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Prof Legal Respon
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Legal Technology
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School
Credit for Prior Learning Yes. Students can earn credit for college-level knowledge acquired outside the classroom, including professional and military training, credit-by-exam, professional certifications and licenses, as well as college courses.
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Peirce College
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
Visit our transfer site for more information
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
268
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
100% of transfer students werre accepted as we are an open admission school.
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Peirce College understands the needs of adults better than any other college or university in Philadelphia. Our advisors, counselors and faculty take the time to know you and understand your unique needs and goals so we can help you finish your degree, advance your career and transform your life.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
23-2099.00Legal Support Workers, All OtherAll legal support workers not listed separately.Legal Occupations
23-2011.00Paralegals and Legal AssistantsAssist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.Legal Occupations
23-2093.00Title Examiners, Abstractors, and SearchersSearch real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.Legal Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 25 credits remaining to be completed

As a resident of Pennsylvania, you may also be eligible for a PA State Grant (PHEAA) -- contact the Student Financial Services office for additional details.
Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
PELL Grant Eligibility
Are you eligible for the PELL Grant?
Your household size should include yourself, your spouse (if married), your children, and other dependents.
Please enter the income level for you (or your household).
Add the Household Size and Income Level to your Profile.
Employer Tuition Discounts
Great! You may be eligible for approximately $3,000 (20% discount per credit) in Employer benefits.
Add the Participating Corporation to your Profile.
PHEAA EAP Eligibility
Are you eligible for the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) Education Assistance Program (EAP)?
Add the Pennsylvania National Guard Commitment to your Profile.
Estimated Cost for the Certificate of Proficiency Paralegal Studies at Peirce College
These costs are based on an estimated 2 semesters or 1 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $600 Per Credit $15,000 $3,000 $12,000 $1800 Per 3-credit-hour class
Fees
Service Fee $330 Per Semester $660 0 $660 This fee is charged at a rate of $165 per session.
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • Additional Fees as applicable
    • $75 - Application fee for Graduation. Required of all students. Students using Montgomery GI Bill will have fee covered by their benefits
    • $200 - Peirce College Test Out fee per course.
    • $350 - Credit for Work Experience fee per course.
    • $350 - Credit for Portfolio Assessment fee per course
    • $18 - Associate Business Program Assessment Fee
    • $36 - Bachelor's Business Program Assessment Test
Payment Options:
  • Student Loans - Please complete your FAFSA and contact the Student Financial Student Services office (sfs@peirce.edu or 215-670-9600) for eligibility and other loan options. You can use this Loan Calculator to explore loan payment options.
  • Tuition Reimbursement - Even if your employer is not a Peirce College corporate partner, please check with your employer on specific tuition reimbursement benefits to assist in funding your education.
  • Payment Plan - Peirce offers flexible payment plans. Please contact the Student Billing Office (billing1@peirce.edu).
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.