Certificate
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, Summer
On-Campus, Online
Certificate
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, Summer
On-Campus, Online
Certificate
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, Summer
On-Campus, Online
Certificate
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, Summer
On-Campus, Online
About the Paralegal Certificate Programs at Loyola
Paralegals are essential to the legal field, providing valuable assistance in research, documentation, case preparation, and more to attorneys in various settings. If you are interested in exploring the legal field without the commitment of law school, a paralegal certificate from Loyola University Chicago can prepare you for meaningful work in this exciting sector.
Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as authorized by law.
Program Structure
The paralegal certificates at Loyola can be pursued full time or part time. Students can begin the program during four of the five 8-week sessions throughout the academic year (late August, mid-October, mid-January, and June). Classes are held weekday evenings (and occasionally on Saturday mornings) online or at Loyola's Water Tower Campus, conveniently located off the Red Line in the heart of Chicago. All courses are offered online at least once per year.
To apply, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Paralegal Studies Certificate
- Paralegal Studies Certificate: Corporate Practice
- Paralegal Studies Certificate: Litigation and Corporate Practice
- Paralegal Studies Certificate: Litigation Practice
This 22-credit program allows you to complete a specialized curriculum for your certificate in paralegal studies. You will take core paralegal studies courses and, under the program director's guidance, choose courses relevant to your professional experience and goals.
The 22-credit Corporate Practice certificate allows you to explore the legal field in areas important to business transactions, such as contract administration, bankruptcy, intellectual property, and securities regulations.
The 28-credit certificate combines the requirements of the Litigation Practice and Corporate Practice certificates and is designed for students who wish to earn specialized credentials in both subject areas.
This 22-credit specialization prepares you for paralegal careers in civil litigation on the state and federal levels. It places special attention on building legal technology skills and allows you to explore numerous areas of law, such as environmental law, medical malpractice, employment law, immigration law, and others.
Why Choose Loyola for Your Paralegal Certificate?
Flexible, customizable, and ABA-approved, a certificate in paralegal studies from Loyola helps you expand career opportunities in your area of interest.
- Four specialized paralegal certificates
- Approved by the American Bar Association (ABA)
- A flexible format
- Practicing faculty
- A well-respected and established institution
Choose a paralegal certificate that aligns with your career interests: Litigation Practice, Corporate Practice, Dual Litigation and Corporate Practice, or a Customized Certificate. Whether you're looking for a paralegal career in civil litigation, a business setting, eDiscovery, intellectual propoerty, or another field, Loyola has the option for you.
Loyola's Institute for Paralegal Studies meets rigorous academic, curriculum, and professional standards set by the American Bar Association. The ABA is well recognized by attorneys and law firms and denotes supererior education for paralegal careers with an emphasis on professional competence.
Take courses around your schedule with in-person or online evening classes. Choose from four start dates throughout the year and complete your certificate full time in as little as 10 months.
Learn from attorneys who are experts in their fields, including experience in immigration, environmental law, employment law, civil litigation, real estate, and bankruptcy.
Prepare for your paralegal career through Loyola's Institute for Paralegal Studies, which has offered ABA-approved paralegal certificates since 1991. The majority of our paralegal studies graduates (90%) gain employment in the field within six months of graduation.
Meet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the School of Continuing and Professional Studies faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Paralegal Studies Certificates program.
Faculty and StaffParalegal Studies: Career Connections
After earning your certificate in paralegal studies, you will be prepared for paralegal careers in a variety of contexts including: corporate, law firm, nonprofit, and government.
Specific practice areas include:
- Immigration paralegal
- Real estate paralegal
- Government paralegal
- Intellectual property paralegal
- Labor and employment paralegal
- eDiscovery paralegal
- Bankruptcy paralegal
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you. The 10 year projections (2021-2031) predict a 14% increase in employment for paralegals. The projection for all occupations during that period is 5%.
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Paralegal Studies Certificates program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Paralegal Studies Certificates learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2023-2024 Catalog
- Paralegal Studies Certificate
- Paralegal Studies Certificate: Litigation and Corporate Practice
- Paralegal Studies Certificate: Litigation Practice
- Paralegal Studies Certificate: Corporate Practice
Paralegal Studies Certificate Results and Skills
Paralegal Studies courses develop your skills in litigation and corporate practice as well as legal research, analysis, and writing, legal ethics and legal software. Additionally, you will be able to:
- Refine your writing and research skills
- Exercise critical thinking and problem solving
- Develop written and verbal communication skills
- Gain proficiency in legal technology
- Develop sound ethics
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your return to school a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
| Program | Credit Hours | Cost Per Credit Hour | Estimated Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegal Studies Certificate | 22 | $760.00 | $16720.00 |
| Paralegal Studies Certificate: Litigation and Corporate Practice | 28 | $760.00 | $21280.00 |
| Paralegal Studies Certificate: Litigation Practice | 22 | $760.00 | $16720.00 |
| Paralegal Studies Certificate: Corporate Practice | 22 | $760.00 | $16720.00 |
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
Paralegal Studies Certificates Scholarships
You may apply for a Jean Hellman Ryan Paralegal Scholarship. This scholarship is specifically open for SCPS students pursuing a paralegal certificate.
For detailed information about tuition, costs, and aid, please visit the SCPS Tuition & Financial Aid page.
School of Continuing and Professional Studies Events
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Take advantage of a variety of different visit opportunities to find your place in our Loyola community. Loyola offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
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Application Process
This program has multiple versions you can apply to. Find specific information about the application process for each program below.
- Paralegal Studies Certificate
- Paralegal Studies Certificate: Litigation and Corporate Practice
- Paralegal Studies Certificate: Litigation Practice
- Paralegal Studies Certificate: Corporate Practice
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Paralegal Studies Certificate are listed below. We encourage you to apply early for priority review. Please note that decisions may take longer during busy periods.
Rolling applications, recommended deadlines are:
Fall I 2023: August 9, 2023
Fall II 2023: October 11, 2023
Spring I 2024: January 4, 2024
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Paralegal Studies Certificate include:
Transcripts
2.5 Minimum GPA
Interview for Admission
Statement of Purpose
Prerequisite Standing Requirements
Post-baccalaureate applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Statement of Purpose Details
Please submit a typed, double-spaced essay of 300-350 words describing your reasons for pursuing a Paralegal program. Please specify the Paralegal program to which you are applying in your opening sentence or on the heading of your statement. The essay should focus on both of the following:
What about Loyola convinced you to apply to the program?
How completing this program will help you achieve your professional or personal goals. Include any information you believe to be relevant in assessing your application.
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Paralegal Studies Certificate: Litigation and Corporate Practice are listed below. We encourage you to apply early for priority review. Please note that decisions may take longer during busy periods.
Rolling applications, recommended deadlines are:
Fall I 2023: August 9, 2023
Fall II 2023: October 11, 2023
Spring I 2024: January 4, 2024
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Paralegal Studies Certificate: Litigation and Corporate Practice include:
Transcripts
2.5 Minimum GPA
Interview for Admission
Statement of Purpose
Prerequisite Standing Requirements
Post-baccalaureate applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Statement of Purpose Details
Please submit a typed, double-spaced essay of 300-350 words describing your reasons for pursuing a Paralegal program. Please specify the Paralegal program to which you are applying in your opening sentence or on the heading of your statement. The essay should focus on both of the following:
What about Loyola convinced you to apply to the program?
How completing this program will help you achieve your professional or personal goals. Include any information you believe to be relevant in assessing your application.
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Paralegal Studies Certificate: Litigation Practice are listed below. We encourage you to apply early for priority review. Please note that decisions may take longer during busy periods.
Rolling applications, recommended deadlines are:
Fall I 2023: August 9, 2023
Fall II 2023: October 11, 2023
Spring I 2024: January 4, 2024
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Paralegal Studies Certificate: Litigation Practice include:
Transcripts
2.5 Minimum GPA
Interview for Admission
Statement of Purpose
Prerequisite Standing Requirements
Post-baccalaureate applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Statement of Purpose Details
Please submit a typed, double-spaced essay of 300-350 words describing your reasons for pursuing a Paralegal program. Please specify the Paralegal program to which you are applying in your opening sentence or on the heading of your statement. The essay should focus on both of the following:
What about Loyola convinced you to apply to the program?
How completing this program will help you achieve your professional or personal goals. Include any information you believe to be relevant in assessing your application.
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Paralegal Studies Certificate: Corporate Practice are listed below. We encourage you to apply early for priority review. Please note that decisions may take longer during busy periods.
Rolling applications, recommended deadlines are:
Fall I 2023: August 9, 2023
Fall II 2023: October 11, 2023
Spring I 2024: January 4, 2024
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Paralegal Studies Certificate: Corporate Practice include:
Transcripts
2.5 Minimum GPA
Interview for Admission
Statement of Purpose
Prerequisite Standing Requirements
Post-baccalaureate applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Statement of Purpose Details
Please submit a typed, double-spaced essay of 300-350 words describing your reasons for pursuing a Paralegal program. Please specify the Paralegal program to which you are applying in your opening sentence or on the heading of your statement. The essay should focus on both of the following:
What about Loyola convinced you to apply to the program?
How completing this program will help you achieve your professional or personal goals. Include any information you believe to be relevant in assessing your application.
International Student Requirements
Additional information regarding the application process for international students can be found on the International Student Requirements page.
Additional Details
For general information and a step-by-step guide to applying for graduate and professional study, please visit our Admission Process page. There is no fee to apply to graduate programs at Loyola.
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