SPC's Paralegal studies Certificate is perfect if you have your bachelor's degree
The Paralegal Studies Certificate adds paralegal skills and knowledge to your existing bachelor's degree, along with critical thinking, communication and computer skills. The courses prepare you for the field and meet the educational requirement for the Certified Paralegal Examination administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants.
Paralegals are not licensed attorneys. A legal assistant or paralegal is a person, qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.
This academic program prepares you for the following careers. All job data is provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Salary Data
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Metro Area Average
Florida Average
Projected employment for Florida
2022 Employment
35,090
2032
43,810
Percent Change
25
Projected Job Openings
5060
Paralegal Studies Certificate with Financial Aid Eligibility
LEGAL-CT
Effective Beginning Catalog Term: Fall 2020 (580)
The requirements shown below are valid beginning Fall 2020 (580), and may not reflect degree requirements for current students. Current students should visit My SPC and view My Learning Plan to see specific degree requirements for their effective term.
Program Summary
The Paralegal studies courses identified in this certificate program will meet the educational requirement for the Certified Legal Assisting Examination administered nationwide by the National Association of Legal Assistants.
Academic Pathways
The Academic Pathway is a tool for students that lists the following items:- the recommended order in which to take the program courses
- suggested course when more than one option exists
- which semester each course is typically offered
- if the course has a prerequisite
- courses that may lead to a certificate (if offered in the program)
Please verify the Academic Pathway lists your correct starting semester.
Program Leadership Information
Florida CIP Code
5552203020 - PARALEGAL STUDIES
Federal CIP Code
22.0302 - Legal Assistant/Paralegal.
Paralegal Studies Bachelor's Certificate Program Goals
- Acquire and implement advanced critical thinking and analytical skills needed to effectively problem solve.
- Demonstrate the appropriate use of communication and organizational skills within and outside the legal system.
- Execute the technical skills, including legal research and writing, needed to succeed in the legal profession.
- Exhibit the ability to deliver professional and ethical legal services in a culturally and locally appropriate manner.
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of the American legal system.
Industry Certification
SPC's Paralegal Studies degrees prepare you for the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) exam to become a Certified Paralegal.
Continue your education at SPC
SPC's Associate in Science Paralegal Studies Degree transfers to our Paralegal Studies Bachelor of Applied Science degree, which is the only public baccalaureate program in Paralegal Studies in Florida approved by the American Bar Association.
SPC also offers this Paralegal Studies Certificate for those who have already earned a bachelor's degree.
ADMISSION Requirements
- Applicants must have graduated with at least a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Applicants must have a 2.0 overall grade point average.
- Applicants must meet the College's Computer/Information Literacy Competency Requirement.