This certificate program is for students who already have a Bachelor’s Degree. If you do not already have a Bachelor’s Degree, you must complete our Law in Liberal Arts Bachelor’s Degree program. This certificate is designed to educate you about a broad range of legal topics, and we work to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in law-related careers. Our Paralegal Certificate Program is approved by the American Bar Association, and our faculty includes active and licensed attorneys of Indianapolis.
The Certificate in Paralegal Studies is increasingly recognized as necessary preparation for anyone considering a career as a paralegal and provides you with grounding in all critical elements of the legal profession. To earn a certificate in Paralegal Studies, students must complete 27 credit hours with a minimum grade of C in each course. Certificate students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction. Courses must fulfill the following criteria:
The Paralegal Certificate is crucial to finding work as a paralegal. Most law firms require all paralegals to have their certificate and a bachelor’s degree.
The employment rate of program graduates 6 months after graduation is 90%. This rate includes all students who completed the program and are actively seeking employment. The rate does not include students who are not seeking employment in the legal field, are continuing their education, or could not be located after graduation.
Not all previous courses meet the required departmental guidelines. It is strongly recommended that transfer students meet with an Advisor, in order to avoid conflicts and missing important courses, which may delay your graduation. Only up to four legal specialty courses will be accepted on transfer. The Director of Paralegal Studies reviews these transfer requests for adherence to our student learning outcomes and paralegal competencies.
If you find that your previous courses do not meet the 200-level equivalency, you should complete the 200-level courses as early as possible after transferring to IU Indianapolis. Be advised, that it is assumed by instructors of 300/400-level courses that you have completed ENG-W270, and know how to write a research paper.
To help you guide your four-year college journey, consult your degree map for a snapshot of classes you will be taking to finish your degree.
