Students take five classes for two regular semesters.
Students may take two classes a semester, but may take up to four classes a semester to complete the program in a shorter time.
*
$40
$5,810
*Prices are subject to change. Cost does not include the price of textbooks.
ABOUT
A Comprehensive Flexible Program for Working Professionals
Are you looking for an all-in-one training program to jumpstart your legal career?
The Paralegal Studies Certificate program from LSU is for you! Whether you're a new college graduate or seeking a career change, this well-established program provides the expertise needed to begin your legal career quickly.
You'll learn from experienced law professionals and develop skills in legal research, writing, analysis, and more. With live-online evening classes, you can fit this flexible program around your schedule. The program also includes an optional internship course that offers hands-on experience in a real law setting. After graduating, you'll earn a Certificate of Paralegal Studies, opening doors to jobs in law firms, corporations, and government agencies.
The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is the only non-credit paralegal program in Louisiana approved by the American Bar Association.
45 semester hours college credit from an accredited institution
with
Admission requirements for the LSU Paralegal Studies Certificate online program include the following:
Minimum 2.5 overall GPA
What Will I Learn?
The LSU Paralegal Studies Certificate is a college-level, non-credit program. Upon completing the program, you will be able to:
Write clear, effective legal memoranda, using proper citation form.
Explain the structure of both state and federal judicial systems.
Analyze reported legal opinions.
Interview clients and witnesses.
Articulate the ethical standards of the paralegal profession.
Describe basic concepts of business organizations and contract law.
Research legal problems using primary and secondary resources.
Recognize the procedure in a civil suit and draft appropriate pleadings.
Paralegals must work under the supervision of an attorney and are not allowed to give independent legal advice, represent clients in court, or settle claims on behalf of clients. Paralegals who do so may be charged with the crime of unauthorized practice of law.
Students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.
CAREER OUTLOOK
Job Trends & Salaries
Median Annual Wages
Paralegal Careers
$60,970
$98,830
Law Office Paralegal
Public/Government Paralegal
Corporation Paralegal
Trust Department Paralegal
Real Estate Paralegal
Law Office Manager
Freelance Paralegal
Paralegal Supervisor
Legal Aid Office Paralegal
Contract Administrator
for paralegals and legal assistants in May 20231
for highest paid 10% of paralegals and legal assistants in May 20231
The LSU Paralegal Studies Certificate program features an optional built-in internship opportunity. During the internship, students work as paralegals in a local law office, government agency, or corporation. Students complete the internship in their final semester of the program.
DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
Hear From a Student
Johanna Fini, J.D.
Used Paralegal Studies Certificate from LSU OCE as a stepping stone to a law degree
No, the tuition cost does not include the price of textbooks.
Does this program qualify for financial aid?
The Paralegal Studies Program does not qualify for federal financial aid or Pell Grants; however, students may apply for a Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan or a continuing education loan through banking institutions such as Campus Federal Credit Union.
Will I need to pay the full tuition all at once?
No. The program is semester-based, so you pay as you register for courses.
How are courses structured?
All courses are online, with the majority being live-online and a select few offered asynchronously. The optional internship course meets as a class at noon four times throughout the semester. We do not offer weekend classes.
What is the difference between live-online learning and asynchronous learning?
Live-online learning refers to a format where classes are conducted in real-time over the internet using tools like Zoom. Students attend scheduled class sessions at specific times, just as they would in a traditional classroom, but they join the class virtually from their own locations.
Asynchronous learning lets students complete coursework on their own schedule, as long as they meet deadlines within a given time frame. They don't need to be online at specific times but must follow the overall course schedule.
What are some other benefits of choosing this program?
This program offers the best of both worlds: the resources of the state’s largest university and the personal attention of a small, student-friendly program.
Enrollment Coaches are happy to answer any questions you have about LSU Online programs. As part of your dedicated student support team, we're here for you from application to graduation. Let us help you take the first step toward advancing your educational goals.
The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. While we strive to use reputable sources, we do not control the content provided by third parties. Visit ce.lsu.edu or online.lsu.edu for more information. Complete degree program admission requirements are not listed on this page. Alternative requirements may be applied depending on your personal situation. All programs of the LSU system are accredited under the institution’s accreditation (A&M, Shreveport, Alexandria, Eunice, HSC-NOLA, H-Shreveport). Visit online.lsu.edu for more information.
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LSU Privacy Agreement
By checking the box and submitting this form, I agree to the Privacy Agreement and opt into LSU Online and Continuing Education Alerts (42934) to receive SMS regarding LSU Online and Continuing Education content, updates, and reminders. You may opt-out at any time by texting STOP. For help, text HELP. Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply. I authorize that all information provided on this form may be shared with Louisiana State University and its affiliated partners to facilitate communication of relevant information related to your request, including your consent to use automated technology to call and/or send SMS text messages to the phone number provided, and transcript sharing between LSU Universities and other universities on behalf of the student. This information will be retained as long as necessary to provide prospective student services and will be removed when no longer required. To learn more about privacy at LSU, please see the LSU Privacy Statement and the LSU Online Terms & Conditions.