Paralegal Certificate Program

The UCSD Part-time Paralegal Program

The part-time program allows participants to study for a new career without disrupting their work schedules, offering quarterly courses that meet one night per week. Students pay for courses when they enroll and need not pay for the entire program in advance.

On an average, the part-time program takes 12 to 24 months to complete. Students enrolled in three to four classes each quarter can satisfy certificate requirements within one year. Classes are held in classrooms at UCSD in addition to other locations in the San Diego area.

Core Courses

The following courses comprise the part-time program. See the quarterly UCSD Extension catalog for the schedule of offerings, course descriptions, and enrollment information.

• Introduction to the Legal System
• Practice and Procedures
• Legal Research and Analysis
• Legal Communications
• Business/Corporate Law
• Civil Litigation I
• Civil Litigation II
• Evidence
• Ethics
• Computers for the Legal Assistant

Electives

A combination of one-, two-, and three-unit electives that total six units are needed to complete the program. One or more electives are offered each quarter. See the quarterly UCSD Extension catalog for detailed course information.

Dates

Students may begin program in any quarter.

Quarters Start: September, January, March and June.

Fees

Individual courses are listed in the UCSD Extension quarterly catalog and at extension.ucsd.edu. Certificate candidates can expect to pay approximately $4000 for the entire program, not including materials, books, and a $50 application fee. Students pay for courses at the time of enrollment and can spread out the cost of the program over several quarters. Costs of courses are subject to change.

Certificate Program Enrollment

Although anyone may enroll in any or all of the evening courses, those who wish to earn a certificate must formally apply for the certificate before enrolling in their third course. Upon acceptance into the program, candidates have five years from the date of enrollment in their first class to successfully complete all requirements. Certificate enrollees have priority enrollment in courses.

Transfer Credit

Credit from other University of California ABA approved programs is accepted (credit from other schools is accepted only by special permission). However, nine courses must be taken through UCSD Extension, regardless of whether the students have completed core requirements elsewhere.

Information

For more information or to request a UCSD Extension catalog, phone (858) 534-3434, email unexparalegal@ucsd.edu or write to the Paralegal Program, UCSD Extension, Dept. 0172B, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0172. Detailed descriptions and schedules of evening classes are available in the quarterly UCSD Extension catalog.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to certificate candidates. Call (858) 534-3400 for information.

Refunds and Withdrawals

Refund and withdrawal policies are listed in the UCSD Extension catalog. The $50 application fee is nonrefundable. Note: The Paralegal Program reserves the right to dismiss a student from the program at any time for unstisfactory performance. If a student is dismissed, refunds are granted on the same basis as withdrawals.