Certificate in Paralegal Studies

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.

Program Highlights

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More than 100+ club and organization opportunities on campus.

Ranked Among the Best

Marywood is ranked #14 Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings for 2026, making Marywood a great, centrally located option for students in Northeastern Pennsylvania who want to stay closer to home.

Personalized Attention

11:1 faculty-student ratio with personalized attention from highly credentialed faculty for each student.

About the Certificate in Paralegal Studies Program

Undergraduate Admissions Requirements

Completed application
Official transcripts
Letter of recommendation
Official SAT and/or ACT test scores (Marywood is test optional)
Essay (optional)

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Facilities & Technology

Liberal Arts Center

The Liberal Arts Center (LAC) contains classrooms utilized by several programs, as well as the Office of Admissions, a variety of other administrative offices, and the NativityMiguel School of Scranton. Bulit in 1923, it is one of Marywood's oldest buildings and was the first facility totally dedicated to the use of college classes. While it retains many of its classic features and architecture, the building has undergone recent physical renovations and enhancements of its learning spaces, including technological upgrades, climate control abilities, and new furniture in each classroom.

The LAC provides classroom space to students in the Social Sciences, English, and Philosophy programs. The iconic Rotunda is at the heart of the Liberal Arts Center. The Admissions Office is located on the first floor. A variety of administrative offices are located on the terrace level and second floor, including the Cashier's Office, Financial Aid, Human Resources, Registrar's Office, Provost's Office, Housing and Residence Life, the Center for Global Engagement, and more.

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Liberal Arts Center Classrooms

The Liberal Arts Center provides classroom space for coursework in the Social Sciences, English, Philosophy, and Religious Studies programs. Bulit in 1923, it is one of Marywood's oldest buildings and was the first facility totally dedicated to the use of college classes. While it retains many of its classic features and architecture, including the iconic Rotunda, the building has undergone recent physical renovations and enhancements of its learning spaces, including technological upgrades, climate control abilities, and new furniture in each classroom.

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Scholarships

Morris K. Udall Scholarship

The Udall Foundation seeks future leaders across a wide spectrum of environmental fields, including policy, engineering, science, education, urban planning and renewal, business, health, justice, and economics. The Foundation also seeks future Native American and Alaska Native leaders in public and community health care, tribal government, and public policy affecting Native American communities, including land and resource management, economic development, and education.

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.

Current Student Resources

From #DayOne, Marywood is here for you each step of the way.

Contact the English and Modern Studies Department

Location: Immaculata Hall | 1FL

Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Phone: 570-348-6211 x 2973

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Centers of Excellence

Marywood University hosts three academic Centers of Excellence on campus; The Center for Law, Justice and Policy, The Center for Urban Studies, and The Mother Theresa Maxis, IHM Center. Each center provides students with the tools and resources to excel in their academic endeavors, fostering a dynamic environment where they can engage deeply with their respective fields of study and make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.

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Advance Your Career with a Paralegal Certificate

Program at a glance

Program Highlights

Get Involved

Ranked Among the Best

Personalized Attention

Zachary Penzone '21

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About the Certificate in Paralegal Studies Program

Undergraduate Admissions Requirements

Facilities & Technology

Liberal Arts Center

Liberal Arts Center Classrooms

Scholarships

Tuition

Faculty

Dr. Jeremy M Rich

Joseph S Agolino

Stephanie G Anuszewski

William Clements

Timothy Doherty

Richard B Duque

Brian J Gallagher

Erika M Grimminger

Francis J Hacken

Dr. Dana M Harris

Timothy J Holland

Dina B Hyduke

Ben Josielevski

James Francis Kanavy

Michael P Loughney

Jeffrey Marx

Michael E McGrath

Francesca M Saldan

Dr. Patrick M Seffrin

Dr. Adam Shprintzen

Nicole E Tanana

Corinne E Thiel

Dr. Alexandru I Vari

Krista Wildman

Dr. Jonathan Wilfred Wilson

John N Zugarek

Courses & Curriculum (60 Total Credits)

Current Student Resources

Contact the English and Modern Studies Department

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