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Certificate in Paralegal Studies

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  1. Contact us with questions
  2. Stay informed
  3. Enroll in an upcoming program

Upcoming programs

INFORMATION SESSIONS

January 6, 2025
Tuesday, 12:00 - 12:30 p.m.

Register for Jan 6 Info Session >


CERTIFICATE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES

February 25, 2025 - August 5, 2025
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9 p.m.
Registration Fee: $4,995
Where: Live Online

Register Now >

August 2025 -  February 2026
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9 p.m.
Registration Fee: $4,995
Where: Live Online

Registration Coming Soon


Quick Facts:
Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Begin your paralegal career

Did you know the paralegal industry is among the fastest-growing occupations in the United States? A noncredit VCU paralegal certificate, along with your degree or previous work experience, prepares you to be highly competitive in the legal career search. View Quick Facts on Paralegals and Legal Assistants from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Paralegals are not just employed at law firms anymore. Almost every industry requires legal assistance: hospitals, real estate firms, government, corporations and more. Most employ paralegals to help with the myriad legal needs they face. VCU is seeking ambitious individuals who want to learn more about the growing Virginia legal community and leave our program with the skills and credentials to be successful in the legal job market.

Start a new career or advance your current one

The noncredit VCU paralegal certificate program is distinguished by a focus on comprehensive legal-specific skills such as investigating fact patterns, conducting law-related research and preparing cases for courtroom litigation. This is a great program for someone looking to change careers or looking to advance a legal career in Virginia, and you will earn a digital badge for the successful completion of this program. The training you receive in the paralegal certificate program can be used in a law office or in many other fields such as real estate, social services and government.


Students appreciate the supportive feel of our program, including the resume and interview prep

Ask about discounts for current VCU students, VCU program graduates, state employees, and active-duty military, reservists, Guard members, veterans, and military spouses. Coupon code must be used/applied at the time of enrollment, cannot be combined with other discounts/coupons or waivers, and will not be retroactively applied.


Convenient and flexible learning

Our noncredit paralegal certificate is designed with the adult learner in mind. Class sessions are held weekday evenings and are delivered in a live online instructor-led format with an online exam environment. If you are interested in enhancing your professional credibility, employment prospects and income potential in the Virginia or D.C. legal industry, the VCU Certificate in Paralegal Studies is for you.

Prerequisites

The legal profession is competitive, especially in and around Richmond, Virginia or Washington, D.C. To ensure our graduates are qualified for employment after earning a paralegal certificate and prepared for the challenging education in this program, we strongly suggest four years of professional work experience preferably in an office setting and/or a minimum of an associate’s degree (degree does not have to be in the legal field). Before enrolling in this certificate program, it is strongly encouraged that all students meet with the student adviser to ensure a full understanding of the rigor and requirements needed to be successful in this intensive six month certificate program.

Want to find out more? Get in touch.