Paralegal Studies Master of Professional Studies
As Washington D.C.’s only academic-credit bearing paralegal studies program, the master’s degree in Paralegal Studies is more than a powerful credential: it’s 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.
The master’s degree can make you eligible for salary increases, promotions, and enable you to reach a higher GS level. And as a credit-bearing program, you can qualify for military benefits and federal financial aid.
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
Program at a Glance
Flexible
The program is geared towards working professionals and other nontraditional students. Evening classes and online options help you manage your life’s multiple priorities.
Powerful
This academic credit-bearing credential has been named among the best in the nation and will boost your professional profile in tangible ways.
Connected
With alumni across the country, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Italy, China, Japan, England and Taiwan, you’ll join a global network of professionals.
Where You'll Study
You can study on campus at the Alexandria 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.
What You'll Study
The 12 courses within the MPS in Paralegal Studies provide the perspective and understanding you need to succeed in the legal field. This program includes a total of 32 credits.
- Paralegal MPS Curriculum
PSLX 6210: American Jurisprudence
3 credits. This course introduces students to the foundations, theories, history and applications of the American legal system.
Participants examine local, state, and federal courts and sources of law and survey ethics and professionalism.
PSLX 6211: Legal Research and Writing
3 credits. The legal research portion of this course introduces students to the methods, tools and rules of print and online legal research and writing, including online databases and the Bluebook.
In the legal writing portion of the course, students draft, edit, and present legal documents based upon their research, including memorandums, motions, and briefs.
PSLX 6212: Litigation
3 credits. This course provides the professional skills that are essential to supporting litigation. Ethical considerations in litigation and using legal technology are woven throughout the course.
Students explore the art and science of litigation, which includes the elements of standard civil actions; how to use technology in litigation; and examine the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, criminal procedure, juvenile procedure, and administrative procedure.
PSLX 6223: Contracts
3 credits. This foundational course examines contract elements and attendant legal ramifications; students engage in the deep analytical thinking and develop legal reasoning skills in evaluating issues arising from contract law and practice drafting and reviewing contracts.
PSLX 6224: Advanced Legal Writing
3 credits. This course includes advanced legal writing techniques and drafting for practice, including legal writing in plain English; strategies for effective writing. Students draft legal memoranda, legal correspondence, and legal pleadings. Students will refine and advance legal analysis, writing and legal citation skills.
PSLX 6225: Business Entities
3 credits. This course addresses business organizations and related business law topics including securities regulation, consumer protection, regulation and compliance.
PSLX 6214: Administrative Law
3 credits. This course explores sources of law, administrative procedures, immigration law, trials and hearings, and ethical considerations.
PSLX 6215: Government Contracts Law
3 credits. This course surveys how to create, administer, draft, change, and terminate government contracts and introduces students to the unique research materials and sources of government contract law.
PSLX 6226: International Law
3 credits. This course introduces students to the rules and principles that govern relations among sovereign states, international organizations, the principles and sources of international law and the differences between international and national law, trade law and international litigation.
PSLX 6227: Intellectual Property Law
3 credits. This course surveys the legal structure of trademarks, copyrights, and patents and the processes, supporting documentation, laws, and rules regarding prosecution and litigation.
PSLX 6294: Independent Research
2 credits. This course is a capstone to the legal study that precedes it in this program. Students conduct independent research that provides significant new insight, formulate theses based upon the research, and present their results in 20- to 30-page papers and oral presentations.
PSLX 6298: Practicum
Non-credit but required. Students work in a professional environment, using and applying the skills, knowledge and abilities they acquired in previous courses. Students engage in academic activities, including journaling, group discussions, and mock interviewing to ensure that they have an educationally significant experience that will prepare them to enter the legal field.
- Program Learning Objectives
- Understand key legal concepts
- Assess fact patterns to spot legal issues
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing
- Operate ethically and professionally in accordance with the law and industry guidelines
- Solve complex problems
- Demonstrate critical thinking
- Manage complex projects
- Assess, adapt and utilize technology and online resources
- Conduct research to answer legal questions
- Integrate sources and Bluebook citations
*Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
- Understand key legal concepts
- Assess fact patterns to spot legal issues
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing
- Operate ethically and professionally in accordance with the law and industry guidelines
- Solve complex problems
- Demonstrate critical thinking
- Manage complex projects
- Assess, adapt and utilize technology and online resources
- Conduct research to answer legal questions
- Integrate sources and Bluebook citations
Who You'll Study With
- Faculty
- Omar Badawi, J.D.
- Russell Clark, J.D.
- Donald R. Cravins, Jr., J.D.
- Gina D'Andrea
- Brandon Flick, J.D.
- Evan Franke, J.D.
- Jasmine Greene, J.D.
- Mary Kate Hunter, J.D.
- Lisa Leibow, J.D.
- Crystal DeVoss Mahany, M.P.S.
- Toni Marsh, J.D. - Program Director
- John McHugh, J.D.
- Roger Pao, J.D.
- Ciarra Toomey, J.D.
- Jackie Van Dyke, MPS, CP®
Admissions Information
Applicants to the MPS in Paralegal Studies 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.
- Costs & Aid
Graduate tuition and fees at GW are comparable to the national average for private universities. These costs, set by the GW Board of Trustees, generally increase from year to year and may vary by program and location.
Tuition is made up of many variables, so all calculations are estimates based on current tuition rates and fee structures. Total tuition and fees will adjust depending on the courses taken and the rate at which you complete your coursework. Please use this information as an approximate tuition amount based on current information and not your final investment which will appreciate over time.
2024-2025 Rates in Effect for Summer 2024, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 Terms
Tuition: 32 credits @ $1,350 per credit hour $43,200 In-Person Registration fees: 4 sessions @ $35 each
Online Registration fees: 6 sessions @ $35 each$140
$210TOTAL: Tuition + fees over the average completion time In-Person: $43,340 (approx.)
Online: $43,410 (approx.)
Other costs to consider: Application fee $80; Textbooks $600; Matriculation Fee (one time) $200.- Benefits & Scholarships for Veterans
GW's Military & Veteran Services provides wide-ranging resources and support to the military community, including GW scholarships and assistance with benefits:
Since Military and Veterans Services was created in 2008, GW has been an annual recipient of the Military Friendly Award and is also annually recognized as a Military Times “Best for Vets” higher education institution.
- Paralegal Studies Transfer Credit Policy
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.
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.
Fall Admissions
In-person and online program
- Fall Priority Deadline: May 1*
- Fall Final Deadline: August 1
Applications accepted after the deadline on a space-available basis
Spring Admissions
Online program only
- Spring Priority Deadline: October 1*
- Spring Final Deadline: December 1
Summer Admissions
In-person and online program
- Not offered
Note for International Students: Applicants must submit their complete applications by the deadlines listed on the International Student Admissions page. These deadlines are at least two months before the deadline for admitted students to submit visa request paperwork.
"I could not have imagined just how well this degree has fit into my life. It has made me completely prepared for everything that I have had to face, both in the federal government and in the private sector."
Jennifer Tillson
Program Graduate
Contacts
Ben Evans
Assistant Director,
Recruitment & Admissions
(202) 994-1237
bcevans@gwu.edu
Schedule a time to chat
Toni Marsh, JD
Program Director
(202) 510-4163
marsht01@gwu.edu