Paralegal Studies Graduate Certificate
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.
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
This certificate 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 and in 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 GW's Alexandria Education Center in Alexandria, Virginia, or online. Students in the online program must attend live online class sessions for all courses in which they enroll.
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.
- Core Course Sequence - Course Descriptions
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.- Program Learning Objectives
- Explain and apply key legal concepts
- Assess fact patterns to spot legal issues to identify legal strategies
- Conduct legal research
- Plan legal action
- Utilize legal technology and online resources
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing
- Cite using Bluebook format
*Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
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 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 [dot] edu (applycps[at]gwu[dot]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.
2026-2027 Rates in Effect for Summer 2026, Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 Terms
Tuition: 18 credits @ $1,439 per credit hour $25,902 In-Person Registration fees: 2 sessions @ $35 each
Online Registration fees: 3 sessions @ $35 each$70
$105TOTAL: Tuition + fees over the average completion time In-Person: $25,972 (approx.)
Online: $26,007 (approx.)Other costs to consider: Application fee $80; Textbooks $600; Matriculation Fee (one time) $259.
- 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.
Admissions Deadlines
SUMMER 2026
Priority Deadline: N/A
General Deadline: April 15
Classes Start: May 18
FALL 2026
Priority Deadline: May 1*
General Deadline: July 1
Classes Start: August 24
SPRING 2027
Priority Deadline: Nov. 1*
General Deadline: December 1
Classes Start: January 11
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 General Deadline will continue to be processed, space permitting.
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.
Contacts
Sarah Martin
Associate Director of Recruitment & Admissions
sarah [dot] martingwu [dot] edu (sarah[dot]martin[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Toni Marsh, J.D.
Program Director
(202) 510-4163
marsht01gwu [dot] edu (marsht01[at]gwu[dot]edu)