Introduction: Paralegal Studies
ABA-Approved School for Paralegal Studies
San Francisco State University is pleased to announce that the American Bar Association has granted approval to the Paralegal Studies program offered by SF State Extended Learning.
This is the only ABA-approved paralegal studies program in San Francisco.
Recent California legislation defines who may call himself or herself a paralegal and sets forth educational criteria for paralegals. One of the criteria is graduation from a program approved by the American Bar Association. Please refer to the section on New California Legislation on Paralegals.
For more information on the ABA approval, please contact our program coordinator at 415.817.4223.
Daytime Classes
- PLS 300: Introduction to Law/Civil Procedure
Tuesday, January 24-May 15, 2:00pm-4:45pm
- PLS 310: Communication Skills & Legal Ethics
Thursday, January 26-May 17, 1:00pm-3:45pm
- PLS 320: Legal Research & Writing
Wednesday, January 25-May 16, 1:00pm-3:45pm
- PLS 395: Pleadings & Motions
Wednesday, January 25-May 16, 2:00pm-4:45pm
- PLS 426: Contracts
Wednesday, January 25-May 16, 2:00pm-4:45pm
- PLS 430: Computer Applications in Law Practice
Monday, January 23-May 14, 2:00pm-4:45pm
Paralegal Education & Training
Paralegal Courses & Certificate
Our school offers a variety of
courses in all aspects of paralegal studies. You may select any class that interests you, or follow our comprehensive Paralegal Studies certificate curriculum.
Paralegal Studies Graduate Benefit
Paralegal graduates may audit an elective course of their choice at a 50% registration fee discount. Registration forms must be submitted to Pat Medina for verification. Payment must be made in person at the 6th floor front desk.
Paralegal Studies Brochure
Download the brochure for this program.
You will need Adobe Reader to view this PDF file.
Program Cost
The total cost of the program is approximately $8,200 plus a $50 non-refundable application fee. Most courses are $275 per unit. Lab fees are added for courses that require computer lab sessions. Students pay for courses on a semester-by-semester basis only. Additional costs for texts and materials vary by course from approximately $15 to $100.
Financial Aid
SF State Extended Learning receives no state money to support its programs; therefore, financial aid is extremely limited. Financial aid, if granted, is only available to students who are admitted to the academic certificate program, enrolled in at least six units per semester, and have not yet earned a baccalaureate degree. Financial aid is only available in the fall and spring semesters. Students should start the financial aid application process as soon as possible.
For further information, see our financial aid section, and go to the SF State Financial Aid site. For Financial Aid questions, please contact 415.338.2765, mohrmill@sfsu.edu.
Program Statistics & Data
The program of ten classes (30 units) can be completed in 12-24 months. The average time for completion varies between four and five semesters, 18-24 months. For the 2010-11 academic year, 126 students earned certificates in Paralegal Studies, and 93 of these students (73.8%) completed the program within 24 months.
The job placement rate for students who completed the program in 2009-10, based on those graduates who responded to surveys sent by the Paralegal program staff, is 63%. It should be noted that many graduates relocated without leaving a forwarding address, and also several graduates were accepted into law school.
The Paralegal Studies program prepares students for positions as Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC code 23-2011). Please see the Occupational Outlook Handbook - Paralegals and Legal Assistants for information about these positions.
The median Title IV loan debt for financial aid students in this certificate program is $12,500. The median private educational loan debt for financial aid students in this certificate program is $19,500.
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