In-Person Accelerated Program
Our full time, intensive accelerated paralegal program allows a student to complete the courses in the program in one quarter. Upon successful completion, students will earn an ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate that is recognized in every state.
The Accelerated program is held once a year in person (San Diego) during the Fall quarter. Course meetings are typically held Monday –Thursday, 9am – 4pm (PST) and attendance is required for all meetings. Please check back prior to the start of the Fall quarter (September 2024) for more information on the program.
Format & Schedule
In-Person: All classes will be held in person in San Diego, CA
FALL 2024 Schedule
FA24 Application Period: 07/01/24 - 08/23/24
FA24 Program Begins: September 23, 2024
FA24 Program Ends: December 14, 2024
Application Requirements & Fees
Admission requirements are the same for both the Accelerated and Part-Time programs. Standards are set by the ABA and are reviewed periodically. Applicants must meet entrance requirements prior to admission. The basic requirements and submissions are as follows:
- Bachelor's degree (for the Accelerated Program) or significant legal experience (preapproval required)
- Minimum of an Associate's Degree or equivalent general education units (for the Part-time Program) or significant legal experience (preapproval required)
- Create a UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies account and pay the $50 application fee associated with the quarter you are applying for (instructions will be included in the application submission confirmation email). As the section payment is not a course, you will not receive an automated email confirmation.
- Completion of the Application for Candidacy in the Paralegal Program
- A $95 processing fee, payable to UC Regents. This fee covers the Certificate audit and counseling throughout the program.
- Official degree conferred transcripts of college work
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with the applicant's academic and/or professional background.
Program acceptance will not be granted without the above requirements completed.
*Degrees completed outside of the United States may have an additional english language proficiency requirement.
Fees:
- Application Fee: $50.00
- The program fee is $7,495 and includes instruction, course materials, textbooks, lifetime placement assistance and services, and the certificate fee. A $500 deposit is required upon acceptance in the program. This certificate program is exempt from any discounts.
Questions?
For any questions, please contact us at
unexlaw@ucsd.edu
Program Curriculum
The following topics are covered in the full-time study programs:
Per ABA Paralegal Education Guidelines: All students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.
Additional Information
Certificate Program Enrollment
Candidates must have paid the non-refundable $50 application fee and have been officially accepted into the full-time program before attending classes. Enrollment is limited.
All courses must have a letter grade.
All courses must be completed with a C- or better to receive the certificate.
If a student fails a course in the program, the student is required to pay any additional fees to retake the course.
Refunds and Withdrawals
Requests for withdrawal from the full-time program must be submitted in writing to the Paralegal Program office. The $50 application fee and the $95 Certificate fee are non-refundable. If the participant requests withdrawal prior to the beginning of the program, the balance of the fee is refunded in full. If a participant requests withdrawal after the program begins, refunds are offered on the following basis:
- Withdrawal before or during the second week of instruction: 65 percent refund
- Withdrawal before or during the third week of instruction: 35 percent refund
- Withdrawal after the third week of instruction: no refund
Financial Aid
“Financial resources are available to certificate candidates. Email unex-finasst@ucsd.edu for information or visit the financial resources webpage.”
Role of a Paralegal
The ABA defines a "Paralegal" as a person, qualified by education, training, or work experience who is employed or retained by an attorney, law firm, corporation, governmental agency or other entity who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work under the direction and supervision of a practicing licensed attorney. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 6450 et seq.)
Accelerated Program - Intensive Schedule
Our Intensive Schedule Accelerated Program allows a student to complete the courses remotely in one quarter (full time); with successful completion resulting in an ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate that is recognized in every state.
The Accelerated Intensive Schedule Program is held twice a year during the Spring and Summer quarters, offered in an Online and Live Online format. Course meetings are typically held Monday – Thursday, 9am – 4pm (PST) and attendance is required for all meetings.
Virtual=classes held both online and live online via Zoom
SUMMER 2024
SU24 Application Period: 04/01/24 – 05/27/24
SU24 Program Begins: June 24, 2024
SU24 Program Ends: September 14, 2024
(Schedules subject to change)
![SP24-Intensive-Schedule_wElectives-(1).jpg SP24-Intensive-Schedule_wElectives-(1).jpg](/getattachment/NonPrograms/Paralegal-Certificate-Program/Accordions/Accelerated-Paralegal-Program/SU24-Intensive-Schedule_wElectives.jpg.aspx?lang=en-US&width=800&height=618)
Intensive Accelerated Program Fees:
Certificate candidates can expect to pay approximately $5,100-$5,200 for the entire program, not including materials, books, $50 non-refundable application fee and a $95 certificate fee. Students pay for courses individually at the time of enrollment and are responsible for purchasing their textbooks and materials.
Courses fees are subject to change.