Loyola University Chicago

Institute for Paralegal Studies

Academics

A Loyola ABA-approved paralegal credential may be earned through any one of the following tracks:

  • Students who already hold bachelor’s degrees from regionally accredited colleges or universities may earn a post-baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies. Four certificates are offered. Three (Litigation Practice Certificate in Paralegal Studies, Corporate Practice Certificate in Paralegal Studies, and a customized Certificate in Paralegal Studies) require 22 credits, while one (Litigation and Corporate Practice Certificate in Paralegal Studies) requires 28 credits.
  • Students who already hold associate’s degrees in paralegal studies  (or have earned at least 15 semester credits in paralegal studies) from regionally accredited colleges or universities may earn a Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies (which includes one of these certificates). Up to 24 semester credits in paralegal studies may be transferrable to the Paralegal Studies major, and the complete BA requires 120 credits.
  • All other students may earn these certificates along with a bachelor’s degree in another major through the BA degree-completion programs offered by Loyola’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. These students complete the paralegal certificate requirements in their final three semesters of study.

 

Transfer Credit: 

Transfer credit may be available for courses taken at another paralegal program, or at an ABA-accredited law school, before applying to the Institute. The courses must be comparable to specific Institute paralegal courses, including instruction in practical paralegal skills. Transfer credit is limited to 6 semester credits toward a paralegal certificate, while 24 semester credits may be applied toward the paralegal major in the B.A. in Paralegal Studies program option.

University policy requires that the institution offering the paralegal program be regionally accredited. The student must have earned a grade of C- or higher. The student must submit an official transcript confirming the grade, and may be required to provide documentation of the course content and format.

Apply now or request more information about the Loyola University Chicago's paralegal training program.