Program Details
Certificate of Proficiency Paralegal Studies
Certificate of ProficiencyPeirce 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 Credit Requirements
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.
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.
Program Overview & Guidance
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
|
| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | |
| Program Successes & Highlights |
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| 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... |
|
College Level Information
| 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
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23-2099.00 | Legal Support Workers, All Other | All legal support workers not listed separately. | Legal Occupations |
| 23-2011.00 | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | Assist 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 |
| 23-2093.00 | Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers | Search 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 |