A legal career offers stability, professional growth, and a chance to make a meaningful impact.
Whether you're looking to break into the industry, transition from another career, or gain specialized legal knowledge, a Paralegal Certificate can be the key to opening doors.
But with so many programs available, how do you choose the right one?At Oregon State University’s Professional and Continuing Education, we partnered with CLS by BARBRI to offer an online Paralegal Certificate program that's designed for busy professionals who want a high-quality, flexible, and career-focused legal education.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through why our program stands out and provide a step-by-step guide to enrolling, so you can start your journey with confidence.
Why Choose Our Paralegal Certificate Program?
Not all paralegal programs are created equal.
Many students struggle to find a balance between affordability, flexibility, and career-readiness—but our program offers all three.
✔️ Designed for Working Professionals
Many students hesitate to return to school due to work, family, or other commitments.
That’s why our program is 100% online, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule without disrupting their careers or personal lives.
Unlike rigid in-person programs, our online format provides the flexibility to study from anywhere while still offering direct instructor support and interactive learning experiences.
✔️ Comprehensive, Practical Curriculum
The legal industry demands job-ready professionals, and our program delivers.
Students receive hands-on training in essential areas like:
- Legal research and writing
- Civil procedure and litigation
- Contract and business law
Ethics and professional responsibility - Technology and legal research tools (Westlaw, LexisNexis)
Assignments and projects are designed to mirror real-world paralegal work, ensuring that graduates enter the workforce with confidence.
✔️ Affordable & Accessible
A quality legal education shouldn’t come with a law-school price tag.
Our Paralegal Certificate program is:
- More affordable than ABA-approved programs
- Available with payment plans for financial flexibility
- Potentially covered by employer tuition reimbursement
With no application fees and a straightforward enrollment process, getting started is easier than ever.
✔️ Taught by Experienced Legal Professionals
Learning from the best in the industry makes a difference.
Our instructors are:
- Practicing attorneys and legal experts
- Experienced in real-world legal work
- Dedicated to helping students succeed
Their expertise ensures that students not only learn theory but also practical legal skills that translate directly into the workplace.
✔️ Nationally Recognized & Employer-Preferred
Employers recognize and respect Oregon State University’s commitment to professional education.
Unlike generic online training programs, our certificate is backed by a respected academic institution, increasing graduates’ credibility in the job market.
Student Success Stories
Our graduates have used their Paralegal Certificate to launch successful careers in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
Many have transitioned from unrelated fields—such as administration, finance, or healthcare—into the legal profession, proving that a paralegal career is within reach, even without prior legal experience.
One graduate shared how the flexibility of our online program allowed them to keep working full-time while gaining the legal skills needed to move into a higher-paying position. Others have highlighted how the practical coursework and expert instructors prepared them for success in their new legal roles.
Their success stories demonstrate that a high-quality, flexible education can transform careers—and yours could be next.
How to Enroll: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Review Program Requirements
Our Paralegal Certificate program is open to anyone with:
- A high school diploma or GED
- A strong interest in the legal field (no prior legal experience required)
- The ability to commit 8–12 hours per week to coursework
Whether you're a career changer, recent graduate, or working professional, this program is designed to fit your needs.
Step 2: Choose a Start Date
With six start dates per year, students can begin when it’s most convenient. New sessions start approximately every two months, so there’s always an upcoming opportunity to enroll.
Step 3: Submit Your Registration
Unlike degree programs with lengthy application processes, enrolling in our Paralegal Certificate program is straightforward.
Simply:
- Visit our enrollment page
- Select your desired start date
- Complete the registration form and submit payment
Once registered, students receive a welcome email with details on course materials and platform access.
Step 4: Arrange Tuition & Financial Aid
Understanding tuition costs upfront is crucial, and we offer several flexible options:
- Monthly payment plans through Affirm or PayPal
- Employer tuition reimbursement (for those with workplace education benefits)
Self-funded tuition payments, which can be split into two installments
Students should review their budget and financing options before enrolling to determine the best payment method.
Step 5: Order Course Materials & Get Ready
Students will need:
- Required textbooks, available through our bookstore or third-party retailers
- A Westlaw legal research subscription for the second half of the course
- A computer with reliable internet for coursework and assignments
Once materials are set up, students are ready to begin their paralegal journey.
What to Expect Once Enrolled
Course Load & Time Commitment
The Paralegal Certificate program consists of:
- Two seven-week sessions (14 weeks total)
- 8–12 hours of study per week, depending on reading speed and assignment complexity
Students can expect a combination of reading assignments, legal research exercises, and case-based projects designed to build real-world skills.
Assignments & Grading
Unlike traditional degree programs, there is no final exam.
Instead, students must:
- Complete all assignments and legal writing exercises
- Earn a minimum of 70% on coursework
- Engage with instructors and peers through online discussions
Feedback from instructors helps students improve their legal reasoning and writing abilities, ensuring they graduate job-ready.
Career Support & Resources
Beyond coursework, students gain access to career development tools, including:
- Resume & cover letter workshops
- Job postings for paralegal positions
- Networking opportunities with legal professionals
Many students find that these career resources give them a competitive edge when applying for jobs.
Why Now is the Best Time to Enroll
The legal industry is expanding, and demand for trained paralegals continues to rise. With quick completion times, flexible scheduling, and affordable tuition, now is the perfect time to invest in a career-changing education.
Graduates of our online Paralegal Certificate program are entering a field that offers:
- Diverse career paths in law firms, corporations, government, and beyond
- Competitive salaries and job stability
- Opportunities for professional growth
With rolling start dates and multiple financing options, there’s no reason to wait.
Enroll Today & Take the First Step Toward Your Legal Career!
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