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Certificate in Paralegal Studies
Fully Accredited
Marywood University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSHE). / ADDRESS / 3624 Market Street, 2nd Floor West, Philadelphia, PA 19104. | Phone: (267) 284-5000 / VIEW ALL ACCREDITATIONS »
Advance Your Career with a Paralegal Certificate
The 30-Credit Paralegal Certificate program is designed for students who have completed at least 30 college credits and are looking to enhance their career with foundational training in paralegal studies. This program emphasizes practical skills and knowledge essential for success in various legal environments, including law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies.
I loved Marywood and being able to live in a community where everyone cares and knows everyone. This goes from the fellow students, faculty, and professor. I have such a close relationship with my advisor and other faculty it makes you feel comforted that there are so many people you can go to for advise and help at any time.
Zachary Penzone '21 Read All Testimonials
Outcomes & Opportunities
Top Employers
- Private Law Firms
- Government Agencies
- Real Estate Firms
- Corporations
- Insurance Agencies
Top Career Paths
- Legal Assistant
- Legal Secretary
- Legal Researcher
- Litigation Paralegal
- Corporate Paralegal
- Real Estate Paralegal
Dig Deeper Into the Program Details
If you have any questions about this program, we're here to help.
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
- Completed application
- Official transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
- Official SAT and/or ACT test scores (Marywood is test optional)
- Essay (optional)
$program.facilities
Map & Directions
The Liberal Arts Center contains classrooms utilized by several programs, as well as the Office of Admissions and a variety of other administrative offices. It is also home to the iconic Rotunda and the NativityMiguel School of Scranton.
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Map & Directions
The Liberal Arts Center provides classroom space for coursework in the Social Sciences, English, Philosophy, and Religious Studies programs.
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Liberal Arts Center
102 Morgan RoadMap & Directions
The Liberal Arts Center contains classrooms utilized by several programs, as well as the Office of Admissions and a variety of other administrative offices. It is also home to the iconic Rotunda and the NativityMiguel School of Scranton.
Learn More | Take a Virtual Tour
Liberal Arts Center Classrooms
Map & Directions
The Liberal Arts Center provides classroom space for coursework in the Social Sciences, English, Philosophy, and Religious Studies programs.
Learn More
Marywood University faculty are prepared to provide students with the best learning experience possible.
- School Director
- Program Coordinator (Social Science)
- Professor
- jrich@marywood.edu
- 570-348-6211 x2617
- Director, Center for Law, Policy, and Justice
- Associate Professor
- seffrin@marywood.edu
- 570-348-6211 x2242
- Honors Program Coordinator
- Associate Professor
- shprintzen@marywood.edu
- 570-348-6211 x2358
The Paralegal Certificate program meet ABA guidelines and emphasize critical thinking, legal research, professional ethics, and practical application.
Paralegal Specialty Courses (12 Credits)
1.PL 102: Introduction to Paralegal Studies. This course offers an overview of the paralegal profession, including the roles and responsibilities of paralegals within the legal system. Students explore various areas of law, legal terminology, ethical considerations, and the skills necessary for effective legal research and writing.
2.PL 101: Shadow and Service in Paralegal Experiential learning course combining professional observation and community service projects to develop practical skills.
3.PL 201: Legal Research and Writing I. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of legal research and writing. Emphasis is placed on understanding legal resources, developing research strategies, and drafting objective legal documents.
4.PL 401: Legal Research and Writing II. Builds upon the foundations of Legal Research and Writing I, focusing on persuasive legal writing, advanced research techniques, and the preparation of complex legal documents, including briefs and motions. [prerequisite: PL 201]
Legal Studies Courses (18 Credits)
1.PL 210: Legal Reasoning focused on the analytical methods courts use to solve legal problems. The interaction of these methods and legal research is demonstrated.
2.PL 300: Civil Litigation and Procedure provides an in-depth examination of civil litigation processes and procedures, emphasizing the paralegal's role in the litigation team. Students explore the stages of civil litigation, including pretrial, trial, and post-trial activities, with a focus on practical skills such as drafting legal documents, managing case files, and understanding court rules and procedures.
3.CJ 318: Family Law covers laws governing marriage, divorce, annulment, support, custody, and adoption.
4.CJ 319: Criminal Law and Procedure provides an overview of criminal law, emphasizing procedural requirements, evidence handling, and the paralegal’s role in supporting defense and prosecution teams.
5.BUS 252: Legal Environment of Business Law I
After introductory materials on sources of law, court systems, civil procedure, and tort and Constitutional, property, and criminal law, the major part of this course is devoted to the law of contracts. The course covers the effect of e-commerce on contracts with emphasis on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Uniform Computer Information Transaction Act, and the Electronic Signatures and Global and National Commerce Act. Also discussed are business organizations, partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liabilities, and corporations. Normally
offered in Fall semester only.
6.BUS 253: Business Law II
After introductory materials on agency and employment and bankruptcy and secured transactions, the major part of this course is devoted to the laws governing the sale of goods, including Article II of the Uniform Commercial Code and the Uniform Commercial Information Transactions Act and the laws governing commercial instruments, including Articles III and IV (a) of the Uniform Commercial Code and the Electronic Signatures and Global and National Commerce Act. Normally offered in Spring semester only.
Liberal Arts Courses (30 Credits)
Required for the AAS program. Includes foundational coursework in English, philosophy, history, math, science, and religion to develop critical thinking and communication skills.
1.ENGL 160
2.ENGL upper-level elective
3.Foreign language (3 credits)
4.HIST (3 credits)
5.MATH (3 credits)
6.PHIL 120 or 121
7.PHIL upper-level elective
8.RELIG 112
9.RELIG upper-level elective
10.Science or Social Science (3 credits)
80+ opportunities for you to find the right fit with 50+ undergraduate degrees and 30+ graduate and certificate courses.
From #DayOne, Marywood is here for you each step of the way.
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Fully Accredited
Marywood University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSHE). / ADDRESS / 3624 Market Street, 2nd Floor West, Philadelphia, PA 19104. | Phone: (267) 284-5000 / VIEW ALL ACCREDITATIONS »