Paralegal Studies Graduate Certificates

As Washington DC's only academic-credit bearing paralegal studies program, the GW Graduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies and the Graduate Certificate for California Paralegals are more than just powerful credentials; they are 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 either the 18-credit or the 24-credit graduate certificate toward the 32-credit master's degree in Paralegal Studies. And as a credit-bearing program, these GW certificates qualify for military benefits and federal financial aid.

Program at a Glance

• Flexible

These certificates are 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 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

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.

The Graduate Certificate for California Paralegals comprises the Core Course Sequence plus any two of the Legal Practice Areas courses -- including the highly recommended California Law and Practice course. This set of eight courses, or 24 credits, builds on the foundational knowledge you will gain in the early courses and allows you to expand your knowledge in alignment with your academic and professional objectives. Additionally, this graduate certificate fully compiles with the educational requirements outlined in California Business and Professions Code, Chapter 5.6, §6450 (c), thereby allowing you to qualify as a paralegal in the state of California. Completion of this certificate typically takes three or four semesters.

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