About this Program
Paralegals play a vital role in the legal profession, providing key support services to attorneys in public and private settings. Paralegal training has also grown in importance as many states look to expand access to affordable legal representation, particularly in the areas of housing, family law and health care. As a result, job growth in the field is projected to increase, ensuring consistent employment for new and experienced paralegals.
In this certificate program, you’ll gain a solid understanding of the U.S. legal system and acquire the knowledge and skills needed to work as a paralegal or in a related role. We’ll explore major aspects of court systems, hearings, trials and laws, and consider essential subjects such as litigation, legal research, contracts, technology and professional ethics.
▸ Related Article : How to Become a Paralegal
DESIGNED FOR
Paralegals, legal assistants and those seeking to become paralegals or enter other law-related occupations, including those considering law school.
See Requirements
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To apply, you must have:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or its equivalent from a foreign institution
Completed college-level coursework in English composition and/or oral communication
Relevant skills, including the ability to work independently, manage projects, remain objective, attend closely to detail and be proficient with modern office technology
If English is not your native language, you'll need to meet advanced English proficiency requirements for a credit program — see the English Proficiency section below
Transfer Requirements
This program allows students to apply a limited number of transfer credits from similar programs. Credit transfers are subject to these restrictions:
No more than 15 quarter credits/CEUs or their equivalents can be transferred (see the chart on page 22 of the American Bar Association guidelines )
No online course credits can be transferred
To successfully transfer credits, a student must:
Provide an official transcript showing a grade of a B or better in the course(s)
Provide a syllabus or similar comprehensive summary of the course(s) being transferred
Provide proof that the course(s) were taken in the classroom (rather than online)
Indicate whether the college is approved by the American Bar Association
We reserve the right to accept or reject transfers based on how closely the transferring course(s) match our course offerings.
Time Commitment
Including time in class, you should expect to spend about 12 to 16 hours each week on coursework for a standard program, or 18 to 24 hours for the accelerated format.
English Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you should have advanced English skills to enroll. To see if you qualify, make sure you are at the C1 level on the CEFR self-assessment grid . To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements – Noncredit Programs . If you're unsure whether you meet requirements, reach out to an enrollment coach .
International Students
Because this offering is 100% online, no visa is required and international students are welcome to apply. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students .
Technology Requirements
Access to a computer with a recent operating system and web browser
High-speed internet connection
Headset and webcam (recommended)
Earning the Certificate
You earn a certificate of completion by successfully completing — earning a SC grade in — all required courses. Specifically, the Certificate in Paralegal Studies program has this policy:
If you earn a grade of USC — unsuccessful completion — in any course, you go into “active warning” status. To remove that status, you must repeat the course (re-enroll/pay for it again) and earn a SC grade.
If the course you earned a USC in is a prerequisite for another course, you must earn the SC before proceeding to that course.
If you earn a second USC while in “active warning” status, you’ll be withdrawn from the program and will need to re-apply to join the program in the future.
For more details about this policy, reach out to Enrollment Services at enroll@pce.uw.edu .
▸ Explore More : If you have less experience or haven't yet completed a bachelor’s degree, check out our introductory Law Office Fundamentals course.
Video Overview
Hear about the UW Certificate in Paralegal Studies from instructor Judi Maier and how real-life examples from practicing attorneys help prepare students for a career in the field.
Duration: 2:43
Play
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Legal theory and reasoning
Fundamentals of legal research, writing and analysis, including terminology and resources, interviewing and documenting
All major aspects of litigation, covering areas such as criminal, environmental and family law
Essential topics in business law, including contracts, corporations, real estate and banking
Preeminent concerns related to professional and ethical responsibility in the legal field
Opt for a Standard or Accelerated Pace
The program offers a standard and an accelerated option, so you can decide what works best with your other commitments. Complete the program in 17 months, with two classes each quarter, or in 11 months, with three. The 17-month program starts in spring, and the 11-month one starts in the fall.
APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
You may be eligible to apply for a UW Certificate Scholarship to cover most of the costs of this program. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and the potential of the program to positively impact your career. For eligibility details, see the Certificate Scholarship page.
Career Stats
74%
Alumni working in field
Sample Employers
Davis Wright Tremaine, Perkins Cole, Washington State Office of the Attorney General, King County, State Farm, Amazon
12.7%
Projected job growth for paralegals in Washington state (2024-2034)
$69,264
Median salary for paralegals in Washington state (2023)
OUR ENROLLMENT COACHES ARE HERE TO HELP
Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options .