Certificate - Paralegal Studies

The Paralegal Certificate Program provides students with an understanding of the basic areas of law. Many students entering this program are changing careers and returning as non-traditional students. As such, they may not be able to maintain a full-time course load, nor do they need to complete a full degree in Paralegal Studies to obtain a job in a law office. This program also meets the needs of students who are already practicing as paralegals, but their employers would like them to expand their knowledge base.  Students will be required to complete 15 credit hours (5 courses).  Students who complete this Certificate can continue their studies with an Advanced Civil Practice or Advanced Criminal Practice Certificate.

Programmatic Outcomes:

Students will develop skill in interpreting Federal and Maine rules of evidence and the application of case law to those rules.  Interpretation includes examining the truth-finding function of the rules and other goals such as trial process efficiency, fairness, effective exercise of guided judicial discretion and regulation of some out of court behavior.

Students will demonstrate improved oral and written presentation skills.

Candidates for a Certificate Paralegal Studies are required to complete a minimum of 15 semester credit hours maintaining a 2.0 overall cumulative grade point average.