Start your career as a Paralegal at Fairleigh Dickinson University!

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Fairleigh Dickinson University is proud to announce the relaunch of its very popular and highly sought after Paralegal Studies Certificate Program.  The program has been fully updated to meet the rapidly changing needs of today’s “Modern Paralegal,” with a curriculum that emphasizes the roles that Artificial Intelligence (AI), Technology, and Ethics play in the field.

This program is designed for adult learners who…

  • have earned an associate’s degree (or equivalent credits) and are interested in entering the paralegal field.
  • are already established paralegals who would like to enhance their skillsets by learning about new technologies and trends in the field.
  • are professionals who are interested in learning the responsibilities of a paralegal.

Go here to see the complete list of Learning Outcomes for the program.

Program Curriculum

The program employs a cohort system. Students begin the program in the Fall and follow a curriculum that includes nine 8-week core courses*, and one optional Advanced Technology Course. The required core courses and optional elective include:

The required course curriculum is 337.5 contact hours. The entire program with the optional course is 375 contact hours. Course sequencing can be found here.

Complete the program in less than a year if attending full-time and in under 24 months if attending part-time!

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the certificate program, students must have an earned associate’s degree or completed college work equivalent to a minimum of 60 college credits. For those without an earned associate’s degree, an overall GPA of 2.00 is required for the college work completed. Prior to registering for coursework, individuals will be asked to submit an Eligibility Verification Form. Once eligibility has been verified, individuals will be provided with a link to the program’s registration platform.

Program Readmission

Students seeking readmission to the Paralegal Studies certificate program must follow the University’s established readmission process: Readmission. Upon readmission, students may be required to take additional courses if the courses completed previously do not align with the current program curriculum. Decisions regarding readmission and potential additional course requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis and communicated to students by the Paralegal Program Coordinator.

Modality and Program Structure

Courses will be offered using a HyFlex approach. HyFlex courses (or “hybrid-flexible” courses) combine face-to-face, synchronous online, and asynchronous online learning modalities, allowing students to choose their path of participation. In-person courses will be held on the Metropolitan campus in Hackensack, NJ. This model is based on the principle of learner choice and ensures accessibility for all students. In addition to taking HyFlex classes, individuals will have the ability to complete the Paralegal Certificate Program as full-time or part-time students.

Grading

The Paralegal Program is a non-credit certificate program. All courses are evaluated using a Pass/High Pass/No credit grading system.

What can I do with a Paralegal Certificate?

Potential work settings for paralegals can be corporate legal departments, government agencies (federal, state, and local), courts, nonprofit organizations, and real estate or insurance companies. Independent paralegals can also work remotely and offer contract services. Opportunities also exist within law firms – both large practices and local, boutique agencies that need the skillset of a Paralegal.

What kind of salary can a certified Paralegal expect?

Salaries in the New Jersey-New York market vary but generally range between $65,000 and $98,000, with credentialed Paralegals commanding higher salaries.

NOTE: Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
* At least four of the required nine classes must be completed in-person at FDU’s Metropolitan Campus or via live Zoom classes.

Questions?

For additional information, please email Valory Mulhall at v.mulhall@fdu.edu.