Ready for a Career Change? Become a Paralegal in Just 1-Year.
Paralegal Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Earning your post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate is one very flexible option we offer you when you've already earned a bachelor's degree. Our American Bar Association approved certificate option includes liberal arts courses plus courses with law concentration through a flexible delivery method. Classes are held online so you can work full time while you are earning your certificate. Historically, 100 percent of our certificate graduates were employed in the field within six months of graduating.
The average certificate completion for full-time students is one year. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
All students at College of Saint Mary enrolled in paralegal programs must complete a minimum of nine (9) semester credits or their equivalent in legal specialty courses, which can be fulfilled through synchronous instruction methods, including face-to-face class meetings or remote-synchronous classes like Zoom.
Learn more about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information:
U.S. Department of Education Disclosures
Curriculum
Required Courses in Your Major
Introduction to Paralegal
This survey course discusses the legal environment, law office procedures, legal ethics and confidentiality, avoiding unauthorized practice of law, professional responsibilities of the paralegal, interpreting statutes, employment opportunities, salary surveys, regulations and other sources of law.
Legal Research and Writing
This course emphasizes the basics of legal research methods and good written communication, with an emphasis on precise writing. The course uses a case-study approach for developing organizational, legal style and analytical skills.
Legal Research and Writing II
A continuation of Legal Research and Writing (LAW 200).
Law Office Administration and Technology
This course includes a study of administrative systems, file management, docket control, retrieval, time keeping, billing, accounting dictation, word processing, types of legal fees and their handling and the role of the attorney, paralegal, legal administrator and legal secretary in a law office.
Litigation I
This course is an introduction to the civil litigation process, with emphasis on the practice associated with a civil action. Topics covered include: civil procedure, preparation and use of pleadings, discovery, evidence, client interviewing and investigative techniques.
Litigation II
This course is a continuation of Litigation I (LAW 230) with an emphasis on the functions of a paralegal in trial preparation and pretrial and trial procedures including the gathering and organizing of materials, investigating, interviewing, appellate procedures, preparation of the trial notebook and assisting during and after a trial.
Torts
This course is an introduction and overview of intentional torts, negligence, strict liability, product liability, professional negligence, worker’s compensation, medical malpractice, and their defenses. Prerequisite: LAW 200
Plus one of five courses listed below will be offered:
- Advanced Business Law
- Estates, Trust, Tax Law and Probate
- Real Estate Law Contract
- Contracts
- Family Law
In addition, two of four courses and/or topics are offered:
- Bankruptcy Law
- Federal Practice and Constitutional Law
- Medical Terminology and Malpractice
- Special Topics in the Law
Paralegal Internship (Optional)
Law 470 is a 3 credit class and consists of the following: mock interview, orientation, work experience and online discussion board and assignments.
Requirements for Completion of College of Saint Mary's Post-Baccalaureate Paralegal Certificate
To earn your post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate, you must complete 29 hours of required course work at College of Saint Mary.
Completing this program qualifies you to take the Certified Paralegal exam offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants.
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
College of Saint Mary’s Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association, Standing Committee on Paralegals, 312-998-5618.
Admissions Requirements
- Cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher.
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Application Process
Apply online at CSM.edu/Apply
- Official transcripts from institution accredited to award bachelor’s degrees.
- Completed College of Saint Mary graduate program application.
- Submit professional résumé.
File the FAFSA
All students should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at FAFSA.gov. By completing the FAFSA, you will be considered for federal loans.
- Everyone is eligible to complete a FAFSA!
- The FAFSA is available beginning October 1.
- Use the IRS Data Retrieval tool to transfer IRS data directly to your FAFSA.
- Priority Filing Date: March 15
- CSM’s School Code: 002540
Academic Description
Ready for a Career Change? Become a Paralegal in Just 1-Year.
Paralegal Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Earning your post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate is one very flexible option we offer you when you've already earned a bachelor's degree. Our American Bar Association approved certificate option includes liberal arts courses plus courses with law concentration through a flexible delivery method. Classes are held online so you can work full time while you are earning your certificate. Historically, 100 percent of our certificate graduates were employed in the field within six months of graduating.
The average certificate completion for full-time students is one year. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
All students at College of Saint Mary enrolled in paralegal programs must complete a minimum of nine (9) semester credits or their equivalent in legal specialty courses, which can be fulfilled through synchronous instruction methods, including face-to-face class meetings or remote-synchronous classes like Zoom.
Learn more about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information:
U.S. Department of Education Disclosures
Accreditation
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
College of Saint Mary’s Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association, Standing Committee on Paralegals, 312-998-5618.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions Requirements
- Cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher.
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Application Process
Apply online at CSM.edu/Apply
- Official transcripts from institution accredited to award bachelor’s degrees.
- Completed College of Saint Mary graduate program application.
- Submit professional résumé.
File the FAFSA
All students should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at FAFSA.gov. By completing the FAFSA, you will be considered for federal loans.
- Everyone is eligible to complete a FAFSA!
- The FAFSA is available beginning October 1.
- Use the IRS Data Retrieval tool to transfer IRS data directly to your FAFSA.
- Priority Filing Date: March 15
- CSM’s School Code: 002540
Curriculum
Curriculum
Required Courses in Your Major
Introduction to Paralegal
This survey course discusses the legal environment, law office procedures, legal ethics and confidentiality, avoiding unauthorized practice of law, professional responsibilities of the paralegal, interpreting statutes, employment opportunities, salary surveys, regulations and other sources of law.
Legal Research and Writing
This course emphasizes the basics of legal research methods and good written communication, with an emphasis on precise writing. The course uses a case-study approach for developing organizational, legal style and analytical skills.
Legal Research and Writing II
A continuation of Legal Research and Writing (LAW 200).
Law Office Administration and Technology
This course includes a study of administrative systems, file management, docket control, retrieval, time keeping, billing, accounting dictation, word processing, types of legal fees and their handling and the role of the attorney, paralegal, legal administrator and legal secretary in a law office.
Litigation I
This course is an introduction to the civil litigation process, with emphasis on the practice associated with a civil action. Topics covered include: civil procedure, preparation and use of pleadings, discovery, evidence, client interviewing and investigative techniques.
Litigation II
This course is a continuation of Litigation I (LAW 230) with an emphasis on the functions of a paralegal in trial preparation and pretrial and trial procedures including the gathering and organizing of materials, investigating, interviewing, appellate procedures, preparation of the trial notebook and assisting during and after a trial.
Torts
This course is an introduction and overview of intentional torts, negligence, strict liability, product liability, professional negligence, worker’s compensation, medical malpractice, and their defenses. Prerequisite: LAW 200
Plus one of five courses listed below will be offered:
- Advanced Business Law
- Estates, Trust, Tax Law and Probate
- Real Estate Law Contract
- Contracts
- Family Law
In addition, two of four courses and/or topics are offered:
- Bankruptcy Law
- Federal Practice and Constitutional Law
- Medical Terminology and Malpractice
- Special Topics in the Law
Paralegal Internship (Optional)
Law 470 is a 3 credit class and consists of the following: mock interview, orientation, work experience and online discussion board and assignments.
Degree Requirements
Requirements for Completion of College of Saint Mary's Post-Baccalaureate Paralegal Certificate
To earn your post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate, you must complete 29 hours of required course work at College of Saint Mary.
Completing this program qualifies you to take the Certified Paralegal exam offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants.
