Certificate Stats
Certificate of Completion (36-39 credit hours)
Cost per credit hour: $250
Career Choices
Our paralegal certificate of completion program is specifically designed to give you the skills and knowledge you’ll need to prepare you to work in a professional legal setting.
Classes You’ll Take
You’ll learn the fundamentals of legal research and writing. Our certificate program will take you through the ethics training and legal knowledge you’ll need to prepare you for entering the paralegal field. You’ll learn about tort law, software, critical thinking, litigation, business law, and the foundations of the paralegal profession. Go full-time or earn your certificate part-time: Learn at your own pace.
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What Will I Learn?
Topics covered in this certificate:
- Use of various software applications. (BPC110, CIS105)
- Review written materials to determine tone, purpose, audience, and viewpoint. (CRE101, ENG101, ENG107)
- Rhetorical contexts such as circumstance, purpose, topic, audience, and writer. (ENG101, ENG107)
- Role, responsibilities, and ethical standards of the paralegal. (PAR102, PAR104, PAR222, PAR224)
- Paralegal ethical issues. (PAR102, PAR104, PAR224)
- Organization and responsibilities of the various court systems. (PAR102, PAR106, PAR112)
- Regulation of the paralegal industry. (PAR104)
- Elements of types of torts, negligence, and defenses. (PAR104, PAR106, PAR208)
- Responsibilities of the paralegal in the civil litigation process. (PAR106, PAR112, PAR114)
- Sources of federal and state law. (PAR106, PAR112, PAR222)
- Paralegal responsibilities in the evidentiary phase of trial, post-trial, and appeals. (PAR106, PAR114, PAR224)
- Elements of contracts. (PAR106, PAR206)
- Legal principles of tort, contract, and criminal law. (PAR106, PAR206, PAR208, PAR222)
- Responsibilities of the paralegal in tort law. (PAR106, PAR208)
- Role of the paralegal in the research process. (PAR106, PAR222, PAR224)
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Class Schedule
Classes you’ll take
CIS105 (3): Survey of Computer Information Systems or BPC110: Computer Usage and Applications
CRE101 (3): College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking or Equivalent as indicated by assessment
ENG101* (3): First-Year Composition or ENG107*: First-Year Composition for ESL
PAR102 (3): Foundations of the Paralegal Profession
PAR104 (3): Ethics for the Paralegal
PAR106 (3): Legal Foundations for Paralegals
PAR112 (3): Paralegal Fundamentals of Litigation
PAR114* (3): Paralegal Litigation
PAR206* (3): Paralegal Business Law
PAR208* (3): Introduction to Tort Law
PAR220* (3): Paralegal Writing
PAR222* (3): Paralegal Research
PAR224* (3): Law Office Technology for the Paralegal
*Indicates course has prerequisites and/or corequisites
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Flexible Block Calendar Scheduling
Rio offers flexible start dates and class times, so you can create a schedule that works for you. Plan out your degree and certificate classes by checking out our Block Calendar System.
Looking to take just a few classes?
Browse the class schedule to find the classes you need.
Plan for Success with Our Team of Experts
As a paralegal student, you’ll learn all about the value of research, collaboration, and fact-checking. Our Success Coaches apply that same standard of due diligence to their work. Our Success Coaches are here to guide you through every step of the Rio process. When it comes to enrollment, advising, and financial aid, our Success Coaches have the expertise to help you find the most flexible and affordable college options to get you on the fast track towards achieving your goals.