Paralegal, Certificate

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This program is structured to provide a fundamental knowledge of the law while training the student for practical application of the legal concepts learned. The program of study is career-oriented and is not designed specifically for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution or attend law school.

The objectives of this program are to:

Seek entry-level positions in law offices, governmental entities (courts, regulatory agencies, and law enforcement agencies, etc.), businesses and non-profit organizations.
Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of legal issues related to litigation, family law, criminal law, contracts, business entities, and legal research and writing.
Assist attorneys in the preparation of a wide variety of legal documents using word processing software while providing office and organizational support.

First Year

Fall Semester

ENGL 101 - English Composition I Credits: 3
LEGA 100 - Intro. to the American Legal Sys Credits: 3 (FA&SP)
LEGA 105 - Legal Research & Writing I Credits: 3 (FA)
LEGA 106 - Civil Litigation Credits: 3 (FA)
LEGA 120 - Family Law Credits: 3 (FA)

Total Semester Hours: 15

Winter Session

Spring Semester

CERT 000 - Certificate Elective Credits: 3
BUSA 205 - Business Law I Credits: 3
PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology Credits: 3
LEGA 103 - New Jersey Practice Credits: 3 (SP)
LEGA 281 - Paralegal Internship Credits: 3 (FA&SP)

Total Semester Hours: 15

Summer Session

Total Program Hours: 30

Certificate Electives (Recommended)

BUSA 206 - Business Law II Credits: 3
LEGA 110 - Estates and Trusts Credits: 3 (FA)
LEGA 215 - Bankruptcy Credits: 3
LEGA 217 - Worker’s Compensation Credits: 3
LEGA 218 - Torts Credits: 3
LEGA 223 - Constitutional Law Credits: 3 (FA)
LEGA 230 - Elder Law Credits: 3 (SP)
LEGA 250 - Spec. Topics in Paralegal Studies Credits: 4
LEGA 215 - Bankruptcy Credits: 3
LEGA 217 - Worker’s Compensation Credits: 3

Developmental Courses

Students may need to first take some developmental courses that are designed to prepare students for the college-level coursework in their academic plan. This may add to the students’ completion time. The number of credits students take each semester will determine when the student will complete his/her program of study.