Paralegal Studies Graduate Certificate

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As Washington DC's only academic-credit bearing paralegal studies program, the GW Graduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies is more than just a powerful credential; it is a signal to the best employers that you withstood the academic rigor of one of the nation's best paralegal programs.

You’ll study with the nation’s leading experts and get the critical knowledge and skills you need to enter legal, corporate, healthcare, or government practice with confidence and acumen. Paralegals perform substantive legal work, but may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.

If you choose, you can apply the 18-credit graduate certificate toward the 32-credit master's degree in Paralegal Studies. And as a credit-bearing program, the GW certificate qualifies for military benefits and federal financial aid.

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ABA American Bar Association, ABA Approved Paralegal Program

 

 

 

Paralegal Studies Program Gains ABA Approval

George Washington University’s Paralegal Studies program has met the approval of the American Bar Association for the excellence of its curriculum, faculty and administration, the only such program granted the designation in Washington, D.C. GW joins 260 programs nationally that have met the organization’s requirements.

“We are absolutely delighted to be joining the ranks of elite paralegal programs across the nation,” said Toni Marsh, director of the GW Paralegal Studies program."

Paralegal Studies Program Gains American Bar Association Approval, GW Today, 8/20/2021

 

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Program at a Glance

 

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Flexible

This certificate is geared towards working professionals and other nontraditional students. Evening classes and online options help you manage your life’s multiple priorities.

 

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Powerful

This academic credit-bearing credential has been named among the best in the nation and will boost your professional profile in tangible ways.

 

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Connected

With alumni across the country and in Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Italy, China, Japan, England and Taiwan, you’ll join a global network of professionals.    

 

Program News

 

 

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Where You’ll Study

 

You can study on campus at the Graduate Education Center in Alexandria, Virginia or online. Students in the online program must take nine semester credits of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction. This will be provided through live online class sessions.

You can study at the Graduate Education Center in Alexandria, VA & Foggy Bottom Campus in Washington, DC or online

 

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What You’ll Study

The Graduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies comprises the Core Course Sequence, made of six courses and equating to 18 credits. These required courses provide the perspective and understanding you need to enter the legal field. Completion of this certificate typically takes two or three semesters. 

  1. Understand key legal concepts
  2. Assess fact patterns to spot legal issues
  3. Communicate effectively orally and in writing
  4. Operate ethically and professionally in accordance with the law and industry guidelines
  5. Solve complex problems 
  6. Demonstrate critical thinking
  7. Manage complex projects
  8. Assess, adapt and utilize technology and online resources
  9. Conduct research to answer legal questions
  10. Integrate sources and Bluebook citations

Who You'll Study With

Admissions Information

Applicants to the Paralegal Studies graduate certificate must have a:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning or international equivalent
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale

You’ll also have to complete our online application and submit the necessary required materials, including one letter of recommendation (academic or professional). If you need assistance, please contact us by emailing applycps@gwu.edu

Graduate Admissions Process

 

A maximum of one legal specialty course required for the degree may be approved for transfer to the Graduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies from credit earned while enrolled as a non-degree student at GW or from another degree-granting school of this University or another accredited college or university.

A maximum of two legal specialty courses required for the degree may be approved for transfer to the Master’s degree in Paralegal Studies from credit earned while enrolled as a non-degree student at GW or from another degree-granting school of this University or another accredited college or university.

For transfer credit to be approved, all of these conditions must be met:

  • the coursework must be from an accredited institution and must have been taken within the two years prior to matriculation;
  • it must be approved as part of the student’s program of studies;
  • it must not have been applied to the completion of requirements for another degree;
  • it must be post-baccalaureate graduate-level coursework; and the student must have received a minimum grade of B in each course for which transfer credit is requested.

Requests for transfer credit must be submitted in writing and approved by the program director and the Dean during the student’s first year in the program. An official transcript of the coursework must be on file before the request can be considered.

Deadlines

Applicants that have complete applications are eligible to request an application fee waiver by 11:59 p.m. on the Priority Deadline.* To request an application fee waiver, contact your program representative before submitting your application. Fee waiver details. Applications received after the Final Deadline will continue to be processed, space permitting.  

 

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Fall Admissions

In-person and online program

  • Fall Priority Deadline: May 1*
  • Fall Final Deadline: August 1

Applications accepted after the final deadline on a space-available basis

 

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Spring Admissions

Online program only

  • Spring Priority Deadline: October 1*
  • Spring Final Deadline: December 1

 

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Summer Admissions

In-person and online program

  • Not offered

 

 

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Contacts

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Toni Marsh

 

 

 

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Request Information

Information Sessions

We periodically offer online and in-person information sessions about GW's Paralegal Studies programs. Contact the program representative to learn more about upcoming events.