Curriculum

The Certificate in Paralegal Studies at the Water Tower Campus requires successful completion of 12 courses (24 credit hours):

• 7 foundation courses (14 credit hours)
• 3 concentration courses (6 credit hours)
• 2 elective courses (4 credit hours)

Required Foundation Courses (7 courses; 14 credit hours)

• PLST 331 Introduction to Paralegal Studies
• PLST 332 Legal Research & Writing I
• PLST 333 Legal Research & Writing II
• PLST 334 Legal Research & Writing III
• PLST 335 Legal Ethics
• PLST 336 Basic Business Organizations & Contracts
• PLST 345 Law Office Computer Applications

Concentration Courses (3 courses; 6 credit hours)

Choose one of the following concentrations:

Civil Litigation

• PLST 340 Civil Litigation I
• PLST 341 Civil Litigation II
• PLST 342 Civil Litigation III

Corporate/Commercial Transactions

• PLST 337 Advanced Business Organizations
• PLST 338 Contracts & Commercial Transactions
• PLST 339 Secured Transactions & Bankruptcy

Corporate/Real Estate

• PLST 343 Real Estate Transactions I
• PLST 344 Real Estate Transactions II
• PLST 337 Advanced Business Organizations

Electives (2 courses; 4 credit hours)

Choose two of the following courses:

• PLST 346 Advanced Litigation Computer Applications
• PLST 348 Advanced Online Research Skills
• PLST 349 Torts
• PLST 350 Medical Malpractice
• PLST 351 Intellectual Property: Patents & Trade Secrets
• PLST 352 Intellectual Property: Trademarks & Copyrights
• PLST 353 Securities Regulation
• PLST 355 Estates, Trusts & Wills
• PLST 357 Family Law
• PLST 358 Criminal Law & Litigation
• PLST 359 Environmental Law
• PLST 360 Employment Law
• PLST 361 Immigration Law
• PLST 398 Internship
• Or any other course for which the student qualifies

Transfer Credit

The Institute may accept up to 6 credit hours of coursework done elsewhere, subject to the following restrictions:

• The courses were completed before the student’s application to the Institute.
• The courses were taken at another paralegal program at a regionally accredited college or university OR at an ABA-accredited law school.
• The course is comparable to specific Institute paralegal courses, including instruction in practical skills, as determined by the Director in her discretion (the lapse of time since the course’s completion will be a factor).
• The student earned a grade of C- or higher. The student must submit an official transcript confirming the grade. Additional documentation of course content may be required.

The School of Continuing and Professional Studies is designed for adults who wish to develop their skills, obtain a degree or engage in life long learning.  Contact us with any questions you may have about paralegal certificate requirements.