Skip to Content

International Programs

Paralegal Certificate

Discover exciting opportunities with UC San Diego's American Bar Association-Approved Paralegal Certificate Program, perfect for international students who want a fulfilling career in law.

Who will Benefit

This program is great for:

  • Legal enthusiasts who have some experience in the legal field

  • International professionals who would like to take their career to the next level by getting a globally recognized certificate. Our program teaches practical skills and legal knowledge, making you valuable worldwide.

No matter what you studied before, if you want to work in law, this program welcomes everyone. Explore a new career path and stand out in the competitve legal world.

Program Details

Classes:

  • Introduction to the Legal System

Be introduced to sources of American law and the systems by which the law is administered and enforced. Review the origins of law through the study of the U.S. Constitution and its development and adaptation into today's legal systems. Gain practical knowledge of the courts and their impact on everyday life. 

  • Legal Communications

Understand the written and oral communication skills utilized in the law office environment. Also learn the practical skills necessary to begin solving a legal problem. Legal writing skills, client interviewing techniques and the dynamics of verbal communication are emphasized. 

  • Business Law

Review the basic legal practice as it applies to business dealings. Topics include formation and interpretation of business organizations including corporations, exposure to commercial law, general and limited partnerships, and general concepts of transactional law and real estate practice. The material presented acquaints students with the logical thought process required to understand and work with the law. 

  • Computer Essentials for the Legal Professional

This course is designed to provide you with an overview of computer use in the law office. The benefits of Computer-Assisted Research are reviewed as well as Legal Research Databases. Legal research through LEXIS is explained and demonstrated. Selected legal software programs and databases are reviewed and discussed. 

  • Ethics for the Legal Professional

Legal professionals are required to know and follow the ethical standards and rules of professional conduct in order to stay current with their profession. You will learn day-to-day application of these important standards and rules. 

  • Civil Litigation I and II

Receive a thorough overview of the civil litigation process. The first of a two course series, instruction will cover the procedures for preparing a case for trial, from prelawsuit investigation through trial. The focus is on procedures within state courts with some discussion of federal court procedure also. The course describes the paralegal's function during the litigation process and ways in which paralegals can expand their level of responsibility. Note: Please note, students must successfully complete Civil Litigation 1 before enrolling in Civil Litigation 2. 

  • Legal Research & Analysis

Learn the fundamental tools and skills involved in legal research and analysis. This course outlines the steps necessary to solve problems in California and Federal law through research. These steps include locating legal authority, reading and comprehending statutes and court decisions, interpreting legal authority and applying it to factual situations, and presenting the results in a memorandum of law. 

  • Evidence Law

Be introduced to the study of the law of evidence. The material covered in the class presents practical applications of the rules of evidence, primarily referring to the California Evidence Code and the Federal Rules of Evidence. Instruction highlights areas that are especially relevant to the paralegal practice. 

  • Paralegal Career Success

Learn the practical skills and experiences that are critical to be an excellent paralegal. The course will center on launching a successful job search campaign. Best practices in career development and job search strategies will be covered, including resume preparation, self-marketing principles, networking, interviewing skills and career enhancement resources. Topics will also include principles of law firm profitability and the paralegal's role in the profit formula, and current licensing and ethical issues. Instruction includes interviewing and interpersonal skills. 

  • Electives (6 units). Examples include:

    • Contract Law

    • Discovery Principles

    • Tort Law

    • Criminal Law and Procedures

    • Immigration Law

    • Alternative Dispute Resolution

    • and more...

Duration: 1 Quarter

Delivery Method: In-person

Visa: F-1 Student Visa

Program Schedule:

  • Monday - Friday, occasional Saturdays
  • Daytime and evening courses
  • Schedule varies

Admission Requirements

Age: 18+ 
 
Language Proficiency Requirement: 

  • TOEFL iBT: 79

  • IELTS: 6.5

  • B2 First (Cambridge English: First-FCE): B2/C1

  • C1 Advanced (Cambridge English Advanced-CAE):180-C1 and C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English Proficiency-CPE): 180-C1

  • Duolingo English Test (DET): 110

  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 58

  • TOEIC (all four subjects are required):

    • Listening: 445 

    • Reading: 420 

    • Speaking: 170

    • Writing: 165

  • ELI level (8-week programs): 7 or higher

For questions regarding alternative English proficiency exams, please email ipadmission@ucsd.edu.

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Completion of a university degree

  • Copy of your academic transcripts in English, indicating a strong academic record; include grading key

  • A one-page statement explaining why you would like to take the Paralegal Certificate program

  • Three letters of recommendation from an instructor, employer, co-worker, and/or client


All programs close when they are full. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis until all seats available are taken by the most qualified applicants.
 
All enrolled students are required to complete an online pre-arrival orientation before starting the Paralegal Certificate. 

Dates & Prices

2025 Dates:

  • September 17 - December 13

2025 Prices:

  • Application fee: $225
  • Paralegal Certificate (1 quarter/3 months): $9,750
  • International Student Service fee: $500 per quarter
  • UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies medical insurance: $780 per quarter
  • Certificate fee: $95
Note: Books and materials for the legal courses are included in the price of the program. However, books and materials for all business courses (for the three-quarter Paralegal Certificate) must be purchased separately.

For all 2025 program dates and prices, visit the Dates and Prices page or download the 2025 Dates & Prices document. This document also lists the financial verification required for your program application if you need the Form I-20 for a student visa.

Testimonial

A lawyer by training but an educator at heart, Ms. Dunlap currently teaches Legal Communications and Legal Research & Analysis at UC San Diego Extension. She played an active role in legal education for over 20 years and is a staunch supporter of the important role paralegals play in the legal profession. As a past president of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE), Julia is an expert in the field of training and education of non-lawyers.

- Julia Dunlap, Esq., Director of Legal Programs at UC San Diego Extended Studies

Additional Information

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 form, 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. and Prof. Code 6450 et. seq.)

Programs You May Also Like

For a complete list of all programs, please visit our Courses and Programs page.

Legal English

University & Professional Studies

Apply Now!

  • English Language Programs
  • University Credit Programs
  • Business Certificates & Programs
  • TEFL Certificate & Programs

2025 Dates and Prices

View programs, dates, prices, and financial verification requirements.

Contact Us

Call
+858-534-6784

Email
ipinfo@ucsd.edu

Regular Mail Address
University of California San Diego
Division of Extended Studies
International Student Services, 0176D
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093-0176
USA

Physical Location & Express Delivery
University of California San Diego
Division of Extended Studies
International Programs
8980 Villa La Jolla Drive - suite 380
La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
USA

Stay in Touch

Sign up to receive International Programs news and updates.