Paralegal Certificate

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Division: Business, Behavioral/Social Sciences, Public & Human Services
Academic Dept: Behavioral/Social Science
Curriculum Chair: Prof. Russell Ippolito
Tel: 914-606-6218

The Westchester Community College Paralegal Program is approved by the American Bar Association. The goal of the Paralegal Program is to provide students with substantive knowledge of the law, together with hands-on working experience, which will enable them to work ethically under the supervision of an attorney in the public or private sector.

Students entering into the Paralegal Certificate Program must have obtained at least 60 college credits from an accredited institution, eighteen (18) hours of which must be in general education as defined by the American Bar Association.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the ranks of paralegals will continue to swell through 2012. Employment opportunities exist in law offices, government agencies and court systems, banks, insurance and title companies, as well as in the contract or legal departments of various other governmental and business enterprises.

The certificate can be earned in two semesters of full-time study or on a part-time basis determined by the student (not to exceed three years).

Program of Study

PRLGL 101 - Introduction to Paralegal Studies *
PRLGL 116 - Computer Applications for the Law Office
PRLGL 106 - Litigation
PRLGL 102 - Legal Research & Writing
Internship or Approved Elective - Credit Hours 3
Paralegal Electives (see below) - Credit Hours 15

Paralegal Electives

Students choose five courses from the following:

Program of Study Note(s):

* This course is a prerequisite for all paralegal courses.

Minimum Total Credits: 30

Advisement Guide: The Advisement Guide provides important information to students about how best to complete this degree, including a semester-by-semester breakdown of how best to complete the required classes. Click here for the Advisement Guide’s 2-Semester Plan .