Paralegal Studies Online Certificate

• ABA Approved
  Employers recognize the value of an American Bar Association–approved certificate. This credential meets educational standards for paralegals nationwide.
• 100% Online with Live Classes
  Take classes in real time with practicing attorneys and paralegals. Learn from home while staying connected to your instructors and classmates.
• Flexible Completion Options
  Finish in as little as one year or spread your courses across multiple semesters to fit your schedule.
• Hands-On Experience
  Build your resume with an optional internship, giving you practical skills and professional connections.
• Strong Professional Network
  Since 1975, our program has built a large alumni and employer network that supports students throughout their careers.

The mission of the ABA-approved Paralegal Studies certificate program is to meet the evolving needs of the legal community and prepare students from diverse backgrounds for employment in the legal profession by providing a comprehensive curriculum taught by experienced professionals.

In the Paralegal Studies Certificate Program, you will gain skills that prepare you for real work in the legal field. By the time you finish, you will be able to:

• Recognize fundamental legal concepts
• Generate documentation to support the litigation process
• Demonstrate clear, concise and organized oral and written communication skills
• Apply ethical principles that guide paralegal conduct

These skills are built through live online classes, hands-on assignments and the option of an internship that gives you practical legal experience.

Program Cost

• $9,000 total (24 units at $375 per unit)
• $70 application fee
• Gator Pass included in fall and spring semesters ($130 value per term)

Program Length

• Eight courses, 24 academic units
• Can be completed in as little as two semesters

When to Apply

• Fall: June 1 – August 1
• Spring: October 10 – December 7
• Summer: March 1 – May 1

Financial Assistance

You may be eligible for:

• Federal financial aid (fall and spring only, must have 60+ semester units completed before admission)
• Payment plans that let you spread the cost of one semester into smaller payments
• David Goldstein Memorial Scholarship for students pursuing criminal law
• Veterans benefits through SFSU Veteran Services
• CalJOBS training funds for dislocated workers
• Alternative loans for students who do not qualify for federal aid

• All classes are held live online through Zoom
• Real-time sessions meet on set days and times for direct interaction with instructors and classmates
• Course materials are available on Canvas
• Tools include Westlaw and the SFSU Law Library
• Breakout sessions allow for collaboration and questions in an interactive setting
• You must reside in California or another authorized state to enroll

San Francisco State University is part of the California State University (CSU) system, the nation’s largest and most diverse four-year public university system. CSU campuses serve students across the state and provide pathways to upward mobility and career success. When you earn your Paralegal Studies Certificate at SFSU, you join a community of graduates recognized for their skills and training nationwide.