Paralegal Certificate Program
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. What are the requirements for enrollment?
A. It is strongly recommended that students considering this program have a bachelor's degree or law related work experience. This work experience can be as a legal secretary, real estate agent, insurance claims person, banking, or substantial management experience.
Q. Can this program earn me credit towards a degree?
A. Yes, you can elect to enroll in this program and earn undergraduate college credit. Whether you enroll as a credit or noncredit student the content and expectations of the program are the same. The tuition is $3,595 for credit and $3,095 for noncredit.
Q. Is there financial aid available?
A. Loan programs are available based upon your credit history and ability to repay the loan for the credit program version (PRL 1400) only. Financial aid is not available for students enrolled in the noncredit version (PRL 0100) of the program.
Q. How much work outside of class time is expected?
A. You should expect to spend at least as much time outside of class as you spend in class.
Q. Are there any classes that are mandatory?
A. Yes, the Ethics class is mandatory.
Q. Is there an attendance requirement?
A. In order to receive your certificate you must attend 90% of the class time. If you
miss a class it is up to you to get the information that was presented and any homework assignment made up.
Q. Is there testing? If so, is there a requirement to maintain a cumulative average?
A. There are some tests, but mostly project-based assignments. These are projects that paralegals would be expected to complete on the job. You must maintain a B average when the grades for all five content areas (probate, research, litigation, real estate, and corporations) are averaged together. If students fall below the minimum grade average, the course will need to be repeated in order to obtain the certificate.
Q. Would I be in jeopardy of not completing the program if I did not complete an assignment from a law area?
A. Yes, if you do not complete an assignment within a specific area or miss more than two classes in any one content area, you will be in jeopardy of not passing the module and the program.
Q. Will I need to purchase any additional textbooks as part of this program?
A. You should expect to purchase about $400 worth of textbooks.
Q. Should I keep a copy of my assignments that I pass in for my files?
A. Yes, absolutely. Many assignments are submitted to the instructor in an electronic format and some by U.S. mail. If there is an issue you want to make sure you can resubmit anything.
Q. Is there a deadline for registration?
A. You should plan to be registered into the program two weeks before the program start date. Registration will be left open until one day before the program begins.
Q. Do you offer job placement?
A. The Northeastern Department of Career Services provides students access to a job bank and resume match service. They can also assist with resume writing and interview skills as well as tips and techniques to look for paralegal positions.
