Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies
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Online Paralegal Studies Certificate at a Glance
If you previously earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution and are seeking to advance in your existing career, retool for the next phase of life, or prepare for law school, our nine-course (27 credit) Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC) in Paralegal Studies provides an excellent path toward your goal. Our Paralegal Studies PBC has been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) Standing Committee on Paralegals since 1981. Its curriculum reflects the rigor and quality that ABA requires and legal employers demand.
TIME
Earn your post-baccalaureate certificate in just nine courses or 27 credit hours.
FACULTY
Nationally recognized faculty who practice what they teach and help you succeed beyond the classroom.
LOCATION
Flexible online courses that match your schedule. Accelerate your career without putting your life on pause.
BENEFITS
Course credit for experience and 20% tuition discounts available.
ADMISSIONS
Rolling admissions. No test scores. No recommendations. Four start dates. We make the admission process easy.
Paralegal Certificate Requirements
The Paralegal Studies PBC curriculum focuses solely on legal skills and substantive law courses. It culminates in the practicum course, in which students complete a 100-hour internship in a law office and develop job search skills in the classroom. Most students finish the PBC and embark upon their new careers within one year.
All paralegal courses are taught by practicing attorneys and paralegals, who offer our students the benefit of their real-world legal experience and immediate access to the professional networks that enhance career success. Thanks to the long history and the success of our alumni, the program provides broad support in the local legal community, giving graduates access to a robust network of potential employers.
All of our classes may be completed remotely, either synchronously or asynchronously. To ensure compliance with ABA requirements, however, all students must complete at least nine credits of GLSP coursework (three GLSP classes) via in-person or synchronous transmission format.
Paralegals are trained professionals who work under the supervision of licensed attorneys. Paralegals are not lawyers and are not permitted to practice law or to provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
What You Will Learn While Earning Your Certificate in Paralegal Studies
The Paralegal Studies Post-Baccalaureate Certificate equips you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in a variety of legal environments. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be able to:
- Analyze the functions and jurisdictions of state, federal, and administrative courts
- Conduct legal research and factual investigations using both print and electronic resources
- Draft legal memoranda, correspondence, and pretrial litigation documents
- Apply legal citation rules consistent with The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation
- Utilize law office technology for document management, billing, and docketing
- Demonstrate ethical decision-making using ABA, NALA, and NFPA guidelines
- Legal Research and Writing
- Law Office Technology and Management
- Civil and Criminal Law Procedures
- Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility
- Contract and Business Law
- Litigation and Trial Preparation
- General Legal Studies Practicum With Internship
Faculty Who Practice What They Teach
Our program faculty is composed entirely of practicing attorneys and paralegals, who offer our students the benefit of real-world legal experience and immediate access to the professional networks that enhance career success. In addition to core legal skills courses that emphasize legal technology, research, writing, and analysis, we offer a full menu of electives that allow you to explore important areas of substantive law, followed by a final-semester practicum class composed of a 100-hour internship and classroom instruction focusing on job search skills.
Tulane SoPA Faculty Feature
"As a SoPA professor and lawyer with over a decade of experience, I prepare students with the practical knowledge and skills they need to excel in their legal careers."
Jacqueline Putnam Epstein, J.D.
General Legal Studies
Professor of Practice
Tulane SoPA Student Spotlight
"I worked full-time as a ramp supervisor at the airport while I completed my degree at Tulane thanks to the SoPA program that is tailored to help working professionals obtain a degree with online and night classes."
Christina Gourley
Tulane SoPA Class of 2018
Paralegal Studies Graduates at Work
Many of our graduates are now pursuing successful careers as paralegals in law firms, courts, corporations, government agencies, non-profit legal service providers, and other legal offices, while others enter law school and become attorneys. Graduates of our program have access to a robust network of alumni and potential employers. General Legal Studies graduates are employed across the region.
Paralegal Studies Certificate FAQ
If you have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and enjoy problem-solving, paralegal work could be a great fit. This program is also a good option if you want to test the waters before committing to law school. Many graduates find fulfilling long-term careers as paralegals, while others use the certificate as a stepping stone to becoming attorneys.
The General Legal Studies bachelor’s degree includes general education courses and is ideal for those earning their first degree. The post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate is a faster, more focused option for those who already have a bachelor’s degree and want practical legal training. It’s designed to prepare you for paralegal roles or law school without requiring additional general coursework.
No prior legal experience is required. The program is designed to teach you essential legal research, writing, and analytical skills from the ground up, making it a great fit whether you're new to the legal field or looking to transition from another career.
While the paralegal studies program provides a well-rounded legal education, you can tailor your experience by choosing electives that align with your interests. Whether you’re drawn to family law, criminal law, business law, litigation, or beyond, these courses allow you to build specialized knowledge in the areas that matter most to you.
Your practicum internship further enhances your expertise by giving you hands-on experience in a legal setting that matches your career goals.
Yes! Our online and evening course options allow students to maintain full-time jobs while earning their certificate. Many students successfully complete the program while balancing work and personal commitments.
Admissions Deadlines
Spring Semester
Summer Session I
Summer Session II
Fall Semester
Earn Your Paralegal Certificate Online at Tulane SoPA
Build your future in law with the Paralegal Studies Post-Baccalaureate Certificate. This ABA-approved program gives you the legal training, hands-on experience, and industry connections to launch or advance your career on your timeline.
Whether you're preparing for a paralegal role or considering law school, Tulane SoPA gives you the foundation to move forward with confidence. Apply today to gain the skills, experience, and credentials that set you apart in the legal field.
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By submitting this form, you agree to receive information about the Tulane School of Professional Advancement’s programs via email, phone and/or text. You may opt out at any time.
