Application Deadline

The program begins in September 2023. We are accepting applications submitted by 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. We will consider applications received after that date if space is available.

Application Steps

Step 1: Gather the following materials

  • A brief letter (250-word maximum) that describes your relevant experience, transferable skills, knowledge of the field and commitment to professional growth
  • A resume that highlights how your education and any applicable experience fulfill the program’s admission requirements
  • College transcript from the institution (including the UW, if applicable) where you earned your highest or most pertinent degree. Unofficial transcripts, including photocopies, are acceptable.
  • Test scores demonstrating advanced English skills if English is not your native language

Step 2: Apply

Complete your application and submit your letter and resume online.

Email your transcripts and English language test scores, if needed, to pceapps@uw.edu.

Pay the $50 nonrefundable application fee. In one to two business days, you’ll get an email with a link to pay your fee.

Apply Online

After Applying

We'll notify applicants about their acceptance status by Monday, August 28, 2023.

If you’re accepted, we’ll send you details about your first-term course, including information on how to register and pay your course fees. To ensure your spot in class, we recommend that you register by the priority registration deadline, which is four weeks before class begins. After that time, we may release your seat to another student. The final registration deadline is two days before the first class meeting.

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

You may qualify for an income-based scholarship for this program. For more information, see the Scholarships page.

Related Resources

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.