Paralegal Studies Certificate

Paralegal Studies

These undergraduate programs are offered for career enhancement and to assist individuals in meeting entry-level requirements. They are designed to provide students with a program of concentrated studies to enhance professional skills. Two-thirds of the credits required must be earned at Rockhurst University.

In 1974 Rockhurst began one of the first paralegal programs in the United States and has conferred more than 600 certificates. Courses are designed as preparation for paralegals, legal administrators, and others who work or plan to work in law offices, the court system, corporations, government agencies, bank trust departments, and insurance claim offices. The Paralegal minor is also good preparation for students who are planning to continue their education by attending law school.

Carefully structured courses are taught by practicing attorneys and judges with expertise in specialized areas of law. Presentations by paralegal guest speakers illustrate and explain practical application skills. College graduates with specialized training in Paralegal Studies are projected to have promising career opportunities.

Certificate in Paralegal Studies:

Students preparing for a paralegal career will be awarded a Certificate in Paralegal Studies after successfully completing PA 2000 , PA 3400 , PA 3600 , PA 4000 , and a minimum of six additional upper-division credit hours of paralegal elective courses. A grade of C or better is required in each course of the certificate. (A grade of C- will not satisfy the requirement.) Courses may be applied as electives toward a bachelor’s degree at Rockhurst University.

Required:

The courses required for completion of the certificate are:

• PA 2000 - Legal Theory and Practice (3)
• PA 3400 - Ethics and Professionalism (3)
• PA 3600 - Litigation and Trial Practice (3)
• PA 4000 - Legal Research (3)

Upper Division Electives:

Two three-credit, upper-division paralegal electives from the following:

• PA 3100 - Business Organization (3)
• PA 3200 - Real Estate Law (3)
• PA 3300 - Estate Planning and Probate Administration (3)
• PA 3520 - Contract Law (3)
• PA 3570 - Evidence Law (3)
• PA 3700 - Introduction to the Criminal Justice System (3)
• PA 3750 - Tort Law (3)
• PA 3800 - Domestic Relations (3)