Certificate in Paralegal Studies

The Certificate Program in Paralegal Studies is designed to prepare individuals in the legal profession to perform as paralegals under the supervision of an attorney either in public or private practice, corporate or governmental law and other judicial agencies. Completion of the Certificate Program qualifies an individual for immediate employment. Academic credits successfully earned (grade of ā€œCā€ or better) may be transferred to the Bachelor of Arts Degree program in Paralegal Studies.

Students who enroll in two courses each eight-week session may complete the certificate requirements in one academic year.

Prerequisites: PLS 125 Law in Society, PLS 126 Legal Research, and PLS 127 Legal Writing should be taken and passed with a grade of ā€œCā€ or better before any other paralegal courses are taken. 

A minimum grade of ā€œCā€ is required in all major courses.

Certificate Program in Paralegal Studies Suggested Sequence

Course Course Title Credit Hours
PLSD 125 Law In Society 3
PLSD 126 Legal Research 3
PLSD 127 Legal Writing 3
PLSD 150 Torts and Personal Injury 3
PLSD 360 Criminal Law 3
PLSD 320 Litigation and Trial Practice 3
PLSD 310 Real Estate 3
PLSD 370 Domestic Relations 3
Total Credit Hours   24

Coordinator: Mrs. Aretha Hagwood

Hampton University
Program Level – Undergraduate certificate
Program Length – 32 weeks

Q.  How much will this program cost me?*

A.  Tuition and fees: $7,850
Books and supplies: $1,500
On-campus room & board: not offered 

* The amounts shown above include costs for the entire program, assuming normal time to completion. Note that this information is subject to change.

Q.  What financing options are available to help me pay for this program?

Financing for this program may be available through grants, scholarships, loans (federal and private) and institutional financing plans. The median amount of debt for program graduates is shown below:

Federal loans: $3,925
Private education loans: $0
Institutional financing plan: $0 

* There were fewer than 10 graduates in this program. Median amounts are withheld to preserve the confidentiality of graduates.
The school has elected to provide the following additional information: a percentage of program graduates used loans to help finance their costs for this program.

Q.  How long will it take me to complete this program?

The program is designed to take 32 weeks to complete.