Certificate in Paralegal Studies
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11/26/2009 - Thanksgiving (School Closed)
11/27/2009 - Thanksgiving Friday (School Closed)
12/4/2009 - Winter Quarter Registration Ends
12/23/2009 - Fall Quarter Ends
12/24/2009 - Christmas Eve (School Closed)
12/25/2009 - Christmas (School Closed)

Paralegal Certificate after a Bachelor's Degree


Turn your bachelor's degree into a practical credential

Consider an online paralegal certificate that gives students with four-year degrees the practical, hands-on training they need to begin exciting careers. A bachelor’s degree in English, communications, business or any other subject is a strong base for this career.

Job duties for paralegals

Globe University/Minnesota School of Business (GU/MSB) offers an online post-graduate paralegal certificate that can be completed in three quarters of full-time study. Students are prepared for job duties that include:

  • Legal research
  • Report preparation
  • Case law evaluation
  • Records search
  • Evidence preparation
  • Trial assistance
  • Client interview

Call us to learn more about opportunities for paralegals

Paralegals with bachelor’s degrees and certificates have many opportunities. Like people with bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies, they have the 4-year degrees that legal employers increasingly want and expect. To learn more about career options, admissions requirements and program details, contact the online division of GU/MSB. Call us toll-free at 877-609-8889.

Classes in the paralegal certificate program

Students complete either 32 or 33 credits that cover the following topics:

  • Legal terminology
  • Legal research
  • Torts
  • Litigation
  • Legal writing
  • Corporate business structures
  • Probate practice
  • Career development

The job outlook is good for paralegals with bachelor’s degrees

Clients often request that their legal work be performed by a less expensive paralegal, rather than by an attorney. Most paralegals—about 70 percent—work for law firms. Others are employed by corporate legal departments and government agencies such as courts and law enforcement agencies. Paralegals commonly work in practice areas such as the following:

  •  Litigation
  • Family law
  • Criminal law
  • Wills and probate
  • Intellectual property
They are often employed as law office managers and are responsible for keeping their firms or departments running smoothly. The US Department of Labor (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009) predicts that opportunities for paralegals will grow much faster than average through 2014.

Paralegals with four year degrees command good salaries

According to a survey conducted by NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants) in 2008, 20% of paralegals earn salaries in excess of $60,000. The average compensation for paralegals with bachelor’s degrees is $50,000. Salaries are influenced by several factors, including the following:

  • Number of attorneys in the firm
  • Years of experience of the paralegal
  • Region of the country
  • Population of the city
  • Size of annual bonus
Good salaries and the chance to have interesting and challenging work make the paralegal certificate a good option for people with bachelor’s degrees.

Call our online division to learn more

To learn more about the online paralegal certificate at GU/MSB, contact a representative who can answer your questions about entrance requirements, program details, financial aid and admissions. Call us toll-free at 877-609-8889.