Paralegal Studies Certificate

Gain the knowledge and skills to succeed in the legal field

Program Fast Facts

  • Start date: May 30, 2024
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays
    6 – 9 p.m.
  • On Campus
  • 6 months
  • 5,495 Priority Tuition
    (expires 5/16/24)
    $5,745 Standard Tuition

Paralegal Studies Certificate

Why Paralegal Studies at SMU?

Distinguished faculty and highly experienced practitioners

Learn from Legal Experts

Instructors are practicing attorneys and paralegals who share diverse perspectives and real-world examples in class.

Meet your instructors

SMU Paralegal Studies Certificate badge image

Highlight Your Accomplishment

Complete your certificate and earn a digital badge to add to your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Learn more

Acquire the in-demand skills

Demonstrate your knowledge and skills

Program graduates have been hired by Dallas’ top legal firms who recognize and trust SMU’s commitment to excellence.

Contact a Program Specialist

SMU’s global alumni organization

Build your Professional Network

With instructors as guides, students progress through the program with the same group of peers from class-to-class.

 

Learn more

Essential to the practice of law, the paralegal profession is expected to grow 10% by 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The SMU Paralegal Studies Certificate program covers a comprehensive curriculum of 129 hours. Through content designed by practicing attorneys and paralegals, you will gain substantive foundational legal knowledge and practical experience. Includes modules in legal technology and career planning will help you prepare for success the industry.

Upcoming Start Dates

May 30

Tuesdays & Thursdays

6 – 9 p.m. 

On campus

August 17

Saturdays

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

On campus

October TBD

Mondays & Wednesdays

6 – 9 p.m. 

Live online

February TBD

Saturdays

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Live online

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Video

Paralegal Studies Certificate Program

Hear from instructors and students about the career benefits of the SMU Paralegal Studies Certificate program.

Emilie Taos

Student Success

"I'm more marketable now as an executive assistant with a paralegal certificate."

— Emilie Beavers, SMU Paralegal Studies Certificate student

Featured Instructors

Michele Boerder

 
Lindsey Hardy

Lindsey Hardy

 

Kristine Horn

 

Did you know?

$62,690

Average annual salary for DFW paralegals.

Source

#9

Best Social Services Jobs

Source

14%

growth expected for the paralegal job market by 2031

Source