Paralegal Certificate Program

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.

Paralegal Studies Certificate Requirements 

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. Courses must fulfill the following criteria:

Prerequisite Courses:

  • ENG-W131: Reading, Writing, and Inquiry I
  • COMM-R110: Fundamentals of Speech Communication
  • BUS-K201: Computing Proficiency
  • POLS-Y211: Introduction to Law
    (Must complete with C or higher)
  • Minimum of 30 General Education credit hours
    (Including classes above)

Certificate Requirements:

  • POLS-Y221: Legal Research and Writing for Paralegal Studies (3 hrs)
  • POLS-Y222: Litigations for Paralegal Studies I (3 hrs)
  • POLS-Y232: Professional Responsibility for Paralegals (3 hrs)

Elective Requirements – 18 credit hours

(Maximum of 2 on-line courses)

  • POLS-Y223: Litigation for Paralegal Studies II (3 hrs)
  • POLS-P324: Property for Paralegal Studies (3 hrs)
  • POLS-P325: Contract Law for Paralegal Studies (3 hrs)
  • POLS-P326: Tort Law for Paralegal Studies (3 hrs)
  • POLS-P327: Criminal Law for Paralegal Studies (3 hrs)
  • POLS-P328: Family Law for Paralegal Studies (3 hrs)
  • POLS-P329: Estate Law for Paralegal Studies (3 hrs)
  • POLS-P330: Bankruptcy Law for Paralegal Studies (3 hrs)
  • POLS-P333: Business Associations for Paralegals (3 hrs)
  • POLS-P431: Advanced Legal Writing for Paralegal Studies (3 hrs)
  • POLS-Y 485: Field Experience in Paralegal Studies (3 hrs)

Optional On-line Electives – 6 credit hour maximum

  • INFO-I330: Legal and Social Informatics of Security (3 hrs)
  • INFO-I350: Foundations in Legal Informatics (3 hrs)
  • INFO-I410: Electronic Discovery (3 hrs)
  • INFO-I470: Litigation Support Systems and Courtroom Presentations (3 hrs)
  • NEWM-N 480: Technology and the Law (3 hrs)

Certificate and Employment: 

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.

Transfer Students 

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.

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 IUPUI. 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.

Degree Map

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.