Pathway to Paralegal Postbaccalaureate Certificate

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Program at a Glance
  • Purdue Global is one of the largest providers of legal studies programs in the U.S.*
  • Explore how to communicate effectively in a legal environment, conduct legal research, and evaluate legal sources.
  • Apply learned concepts to relevant legal arguments and examine ethics in legal environments.
COURSE EFFORT 15–18 Hours per Week
COURSE LENGTH 10 Weeks
Course Details
CREDITS REQUIRED 36–37
COST PER CREDIT $371
Ways to Save
How Do I Get Started?

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

January 2
January 30
February 27
March 20

Pathway to Paralegal Postbaccalaureate Certificate Overview

If you already possess a bachelor’s degree and are interested in transitioning into the legal field, Purdue Global’s online paralegal certificate program can help make that happen. It’s designed to help you build your knowledge of the paralegal profession and gain the foundational coursework to pursue a career as a paralegal or legal assistant.

The certificate program provides foundational knowledge and includes paralegal courses online that focus on:

  • Communication: Communicate effectively in legal environments.
  • Ethics: Apply ethical decision making to paralegal practice.
  • Critical thinking: Apply critical thinking to paralegal practice situations.
  • Practice: Analyze theoretical and practical concepts in areas of legal specialization.
  • Legal research: Conduct different types of legal research.

See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.

Admissions Requirements

To enroll in the Pathway to Paralegal Postbaccalaureate Certificate program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.


Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.

Purdue University Global Is Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission

This accreditation covers all academic programs, all regional locations, and all programs provided via distance education. For more information, please visit HLCommission.org or call 800-621-7440.

Paralegal Career Opportunities

Paralegals often manage legal requirements for services in areas such as intellectual property, health care, international law, elder issues, criminal law, and environmental law.

Purdue Global's online paralegal certificate program can provide you with the specialized knowledge to pursue legal assistant or paralegal career options in a range of settings†:

  • Private law firms
  • Corporate legal departments
  • Insurance companies
  • Real estate and title insurance firms
  • Banks
  • Government agencies

Graduates are not authorized to practice law and will not be eligible to sit for any state's bar examination. This program was not designed to meet any specific state's requirements for licensure or certification, and Purdue Global makes no representations or warranties as to whether the degree or any individual courses meet such requirements. Refer to the University Catalog for additional information.

Courses Taught by Highly Respected Faculty

Learn from faculty who are legal practitioners with real-world expertise in legal services, law, and policy. Collaborate via live seminars, discussions boards, and one-on-one instructor interaction.

Engage With Fellow Students

When you earn your degree from Purdue Global, you join an active and diverse alumni community.


Students enrolled in the certificate program are invited to join organizations such as the Purdue Global Law Society for further networking and educational opportunities.

This paralegal certificate program will familiarize you with the role of the paralegal in the workplace and in the American legal system, preparing you for the real-world responsibilities of the career.

Sample Courses
  • Introduction to Legal Research
  • Civil Litigation
  • Legal Ethics
  • Law Office Management
  • Legal Research and Writing
See All Paralegal Courses
Credit Breakdown
  • Major Credits36–37
  • Total Credits36–37

Ways to Save

Program Cost Estimator

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Maine residents will pay $420.00 per credit for all graduate programs, with the exception of the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Tuition does not include University fees and associated program fees. View tuition and fee information or contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.

Get to Know Our Faculty

Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.

View Legal Studies Faculty Directory
97% Faculty members who have advanced degrees
45% Faculty members who hold a doctorate
218 Faculty publications in 2017–2018
Nearly 87,000 Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2017–2018

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis and Center for Teaching and Learning. 2017–2018 academic year. Note: all figures include data prior to the March 2018 purchase of Kaplan University by Purdue University and subsequent creation of Purdue University Global.

Gainful Employment Disclosures

Access gainful employment information, including program length, tuition costs, financing options, and success rates.‡

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School Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about our legal studies programs and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.

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NOTES AND CONDITIONS

*Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2016-2017 Total Degrees and Certificates Conferred, First Major, Legal Professions and Studies, nces.ed.gov/IPEDS. Based on total number of degrees and certificates granted by Kaplan University compared to other Title IV institutions. Note: these data were reported prior to the March 2018 purchase of Kaplan University by Purdue University and subsequent creation of Purdue University Global.

†Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment or career advancement. Paralegals are not lawyers and cannot practice law or give legal advice. 

‡Purdue University acquired Kaplan University in March 2018 and created Purdue University Global, which is following the same curriculum format and instructional delivery methods as developed and used by Kaplan University. These disclosures are based on Kaplan University data reported prior to the acquisition.