Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate)
Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate)
Approved by the American Bar Association, the Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate) Certificate prepares students for a career as a professional paralegal in a law firm, businesses, government, or nonprofit organization. The program fulfills educational requirements to work as a paralegal in California and is taught by UCLA School of Law-approved instructors. Available Format: Live Online.
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What you can learn.
ABA-approved program for over 50 years. Our program was one of the first to be approved by the American Bar Association as meeting high standards in faculty selection, academics, resources, curriculum, programming, administration, and student services.
Become a paralegal in under a year
For over five decades, UCLA Extension’s Paralegal Training Program has been setting students up for success. Recognized by employers throughout Los Angeles and beyond, our program equips students with a thorough understanding of the functions and ethics needed in this ever-growing profession. Our program qualifies graduates to hold themselves as paralegals under the California Business & Professions Code §6450. It has been designed specifically to prepare students to perform and adapt successfully in an ever-changing legal environment.
Financial Aid is Available
The Paralegal Training Program is approved for Federal Financial Aid. For more information, see Financial Aid Eligibility and FAQs.
UCLA School of Law
Program curriculum is developed in cooperation with the UCLA School of Law, with input from our Advisory Committee of industry experts. Instructors are also vetted and approved by the UCLA School of Law and include attorneys, judges, paralegals, and other legal professionals, selected from a broad spectrum of the legal community. Some are also graduates of the program themselves, who have gone on to careers as practicing attorneys or judges. Our diverse instructor base delivers a unique and relevant perspective on the legal field.
Choose the Program That Works for You
Already mid-career, or have a busy schedule? No problem! There's no need to put your life on hold to switch careers, or expand your career options.
5-Month Daytime Program
Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. PT
This 5-month program offers a more traditional class schedule, designed for those who work nights or have other obligations, but have the mornings available for study.
11-Month Evening Program
2 evenings a week, from 6:30-10 p.m. PT
This 11-month program is designed to meet the busy schedules of working professionals.
Live Online Instruction
The 5- and 11-month programs are both offered live online which means all class meetings are scheduled and held in real-time using Zoom, allowing for live interaction with your classmates and instructors.
Learn More
Online Information Session
Join us for a live webcast to learn more about paralegal career paths, industry requirements and the benefits of our program. Hear directly from a program graduate, instructor, and a member of the Los Angeles Paralegal Association.
The goals of the Paralegal Training Program are to prepare students to:
- Function as ethical, effective, and efficient professional paralegals in law firms, businesses, government, and nonprofit organizations
- Perform a wide variety of legal work under the supervision of attorneys
- Adapt easily to the changing role of the paralegal and to the changing needs of the legal community
The objectives of the Paralegal Training Program are to:
- Provide candidates with high quality-ABA approved instruction with an emphasis on substantive and procedural law, legal analysis, and practical paralegal skills from a variety of legal professionals including judges, attorneys, and paralegals
- Develop in candidates a practical understanding of the role, function, and ethical responsibilities of paralegals in various legal environments
- Provide candidates and graduates with guidance and tools for successful career planning and professional development in the legal profession
Live Online Instruction
The 5- and 11-month programs are both offered live online which means all class meetings are scheduled and held in real-time using Zoom, allowing for live interaction with your classmates and instructors.
5-Month Daytime Program
Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. PT
11-Month Evening Program
2 evenings a week, from 6:30-10 p.m. PT
Applicants must possess the following education:
- An associate degree
OR - 60 semester or 90 quarter units (or hours) earned from a regionally accredited college or university.
Note: At least 18 semester or 27 quarter units (or hours) must be considered general educational courses as defined by the ABA in at least three different disciplines. General education courses defined by the ABA include college-level courses that provide students with critical reasoning and writing skills such as social and behavioral science, English composition and literature, foreign language, mathematics, humanities, and natural science. Courses designed to develop professional, vocational, and technical skills are not considered general education.
Applicants with a conferred/awarded baccalaureate (BA/BS) or higher degree should apply using the graduate application. See https://www.uclaextension.edu/legal-programs/paralegal-studies/certificate/paralegal-studies.
The Paralegal Training Program does not accept transfer credits of legal specialty course work completed at other institutions or award legal specialty credit by examination or portfolio review.
Upcoming Program Dates and Deadlines
Application Required Prior to Enrolling
Candidates must apply and be accepted into the program before enrolling in the required course.
5-Month Program (Daytime)
Location: Live Online
Days & Time: Mon-Fri, 9am-12:30pm PT
Program Dates: TBD (coming soon)
Paralegal Application Deadline: September 19, 2025
Financial Aid Application Deadline: September 19, 2025
11-Month Program (Evening)
Location: Live Online
Days & Time: Mon & Wed, 6:30-10pm PT
Program Dates: TBD (coming soon)
Paralegal Application Deadline: September 19, 2025
Financial Aid Application Deadline: September 19, 2025
2-Quarter Program (Daytime)
Location: Live Online
Days & Time: Mon-Fri, 9am-12:30pm PT
Program Dates: April 1, 2026-September 2, 2026
Application Deadline: November 21, 2025
Financial Aid Deadline: November 21, 2025
4-Quarter Program (Evening)
Location: Live Online
Days & Time: Mon & Wed, 6:30-10pm PT
Program Dates: April 2, 2026-March 16, 2027
Application Deadline: November 21, 2025
Financial Aid Deadline: November 21, 2025
Apply Now
Winter 2026 Application Deadline Has Passed.
Spring 2026 Application and Financial Aid Deadline is November 21, 2025.
Cost and Fees
This program is a total of 36 to 40 quarter units. Estimated tuition per credit hour is $243.88.
Required Courses
Effective Writing in Legal and Business Settings
Legal Internship
Oral Communication and Presentation Skills for Legal and Business Professionals
An internship in paralegal studies can provide you with practical experience in a variety of legal job functions. This course is restricted to students and graduates of the Paralegal Training Program.
Study with a nationally recognized program.
Recognized by employers throughout Los Angeles and beyond, our Paralegal Studies program equips students with a thorough understanding of the functions and ethics needed in this ever-growing profession to launch their career.
Download our brochure, or contact us for more information.
Related Programs
Paralegal Studies
Approved by the American Bar Association, the Paralegal Studies Certificate prepares students for a career as a professional paralegal in a law firm, businesses, government, or nonprofit organization. The program fulfills educational requirements to work as a paralegal in California and is taught by UCLA School of Law-approved instructors. Available Format: Live Online