Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal 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.

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 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.

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.

The MPS in Paralegal Studies with a Certificate in Healthcare Corporate Compliance provides a solid legal education and a graduate certificate in healthcare corporate compliance that is accredited by the Compliance Certification Board.

Use What You Learn in Class Today at Work Tomorrow

About the College

At George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies, we offer more than just the credentials that will help working professionals get ahead; we prepare you to be a leader in your field.

Whether studying at our Virginia or D.C. locations or taking courses online, our students enhance their skills and leadership capabilities with firsthand insights from some of the most influential Washington insiders. The College’s faculty members not only bring academic rigour to the classroom but also teach real-time, real-world lessons that can’t always be found in textbooks. With faculty coming from the top levels of the government, corporate and non-profit sectors, as a College of Professional Studies student you are able to apply the knowledge you’ve gained immediately and are prepared to reach your personal and professional goals.

Programs

Beyond expanding your base of knowledge, all of the College’s innovative programs share another common thread: to provide you with a greater capacity to lead and get ahead in your career.

Our programs’ strong focus on practical experience taught by expert instructors provide you with an opportunity to apply your skills in real time in dynamic classroom settings or in your current position.

The College continually strives to respond to the rapidly growing and changing industries that have become ever more crucial to our world. GW’s innovative programs ensure that students like you will be the ones out in front leading it.

At GW, You Are Not the Only One

Career Services

GW’s College of Professional Studies is proud to offer a career services office designed specifically for professional students. You will soon discover how our personalized attention and focused resources give you a distinct advantage in fulfilling your professional goals.

Our office provides one-on-one coaching, programming and resources to assist students and alumni in exploring opportunities, developing job search strategies and sustaining lifelong career success.

Services for Students & Alumni

Career Coaching

• Develop Career Plan

• Career Assessments

• Job Search Strategies

• Resume/Cover Letter

Career Portal

• Handshake

• Search Jobs

• Interview Stream

• Virtual resume review

Networking

• LinkedIn Groups

• GW Career Connect

• Virtual Networking

Events

• Alumni Events

• Career Fairs

• Employer Visits