Online Learning
Designed and instructed by Texas attorneys, this online non-credit program is designed to quickly and efficiently develop the job skills demanded by legal employers. The program consists of three phases: Paralegal 1, Paralegal 2, and Paralegal 3, each of which is a semester in length. Phases can be completed entirely at a distance, although field trips to a local law library and courthouse are optional.
This program is self-paced, meaning students learn on their own time and schedule. Although assignments and projects have firm due dates, students are not required to learn at the same time as others. Courses are delivered via UTSA’s Blackboard website and contain multimedia and creative instructional technology.
Curriculum Overview
The Paralegal Program consists of the following sections: Introduction to Law, Legal Research, Civil Litigation I & II, Legal Writing, Contracts and Business Organizations, Nexis Uni and TXdocs, Family Law, Wills and Probate, and Criminal Law and Procedure.
Family Law
The paralegal's role in a family law practice, including the substantive law and procedures relating to divorce, community property, conservatorship and child support.
Criminal Law
The paralegal's role in the criminal justice system with emphasis on legal research and drafting projects. Includes criminal law discovery lab and career skills workshops.
Wills and Probate
The paralegal's role in a wills and probate practice, including the law of intestate succession, preparation of basic wills and other estate planning documents.
Civil Litigation
Interviewing clients and witnesses; recognizing causes of action underlying civil litigation, including intentional torts, negligence and professional.
Legal Research
Hands-on use of digests, case reporters, statutory codes and secondary sources to locate relevant law; introduction to legal analysis and legal writing.
Nexis Uni and TXdocs
Learn to leverage technology to complement traditional legal research methods and streamline legal document drafting.
Virtual Classroom vs. Online Learning
Virtual Classroom students receive identical content as in-person instruction. Interactive learning strategies and activities are utilized throughout the program to ensure effective engagement and student comprehension.
| Description | Virtual Classroom |
Online |
|---|---|---|
| Courthouse Project | optional |
|
| Classroom Attendance Required | ||
| Personal Instructor Feedback | ||
| Communication Workshops (resume, cover letter, mock interviews) | optional |
|
| Access to Library Resources | ||
| Library Research Experience | optional |
|
| Offered year-round (fall, spring, summer) | ||
| Instructed by Practicing Attorneys | ||
| Program can be Completed in 11 Months |
| Description | Virtual Classroom |
Online |
|---|---|---|
| Access to Nexis Uni on your Personal Computer | ||
| Access to TXdocs on your Personal Computer |
| Description | Virtual Classroom |
Online |
|---|---|---|
| Videotaped Lectures | ||
| Discussion Board Participation Required | ||
| Friday Deadlines for Assignments and Quizzes |
Virtual Information Sessions
Receive a 10% Registration Discount!
Want to learn more about the Paralegal Certificate Program before you register? Sign up to attend an information session!
Led by the PaCE Paralegal Program Coordinator, you will be introduced to program curriculum, the opportunity outlook in the paralegal field, and the required skills to become a successful paralegal.
Can't decide what learning option is best for you? The advantages of both the online and live, virtual classroom delivery method will be discussed.
- After registering for your desired session, you will receive an email one week prior to the start date with a link to the virtual session.
- By attending an information session, you will receive a 10% registration discount for the first semester of the program.
Upcoming Information Sessions
Career Outlook
In Texas, Paralegal and Legal Assistant positions are expected to grow at a rate of 19% between 2022-2032, almost five-times faster than the average growth rate of 4% for all occupations nation-wide.
Background
According to U.S. News and World Report, Paralegal is ranked as the 74th best job in the 2024 100 Best Jobs rankings. The rankings consider annual salary, career advancement, work-life balance, and career demand to determine rank.
Sample of reported job titles include: Certified Paralegal, Corporate Law Assistant, Law Associate, Legal Analyst, Legal Assistant, Litigation Paralegal, Paralegal, Paralegal Assistant, Paralegal Specialist, Real Estate Paralegal, Immigration Paralegal.
Industries
It is a common misconception that paralegals work exclusively in law firms. Paralegals are employed in a wide variety of industries including:
- Accounting
- Banking
- Government Agencies
- Healthcare
- Insurance
- Non-Profit
- Oil and Gas
- Protective Services (Police and Detectives)
- Real Estate
Program Cost & Policies
The program cost per semester is $1,750. Textbooks are not included in the program price. Students paying by use of an approved benefits program or loan will be permitted to attend class pending receipt of the payment/disbursement if, prior to the registration deadline, all loan and/or benefit pre-approval forms have been received in the paralegal office.
If paying for the program in full, program costs for the three-semester program is $5,250. Students who pay in this manner must take each course consecutively as it is offered. Failure to do so will result in the student not being registered in the program, and it will initiate the refund procedure. Monies paid in advance will be refunded, less a nonrefundable $150 processing fee.
If you currently work in the legal field, you may wish to ask your employer to reimburse all or a portion of the cost for the program.
Estimated Cost of Attendance
| Cost Name | Cost |
|---|---|
| Program full cost (3 semesters) | $5,355 |
| Books (for the entire program) | $800 |
| Personal/Miscellaneous | $2,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost of Attendance | $8,155 |
The Paralegal Certificate Program offers affordable payment plans to assist participants through all three semesters: Paralegal 1, Paralegal 2, and Paralegal 3.
Participants are required to remit each payment according to the payment plan schedule below. A payment must be received by UTSA Professional and Continuing Education no later than 5:00pm on the date corresponding with the numbered payment. If payment is not received, the participant will be dropped from the program without a refund.
Each payment will incur a $25.00 Transaction Fee. This fee is included in the payment amounts below. If the semester cost is paid in full prior to the start of the semester, the Transaction Fee will be waived. Participants may pay the semester cost in two payments, if requested.
Payment Plan Schedule - Spring 2025
Total semester cost $1,785.00 payable in up to three payments:
| Installment | Amount |
Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| One | $620 |
During Registration |
| Two | $620 |
February 14 |
| Three | $620 |
March 14 |
Payment Plan Schedule w/ Information Session Discount
Total semester cost $1,606.50 payable in up to three payments:
| Installment | Amount |
Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| One | $560.50 |
During Registration |
| Two | $560.50 |
February 14 |
| Three | $560.50 |
March 14 |
Refunds
All refunds will incur a $150 nonrefundable processing fee, which will be withheld from the refunded monies. Students who have paid one semester of program costs will receive a refund less the $150 processing fee. Students who have pre-paid all program costs and who withdraw prior to the first day of class, will receive a refund of the future program costs less the $150 processing fee. No refunds will be issued after the start of the semester.
Discounts
The Paralegal Certificate Program offers a 10% discount to students that attend an information session before registering.
The discount applies to the program price for the first semester. The discount may not be applied to the cost of processing fees, late registration fees, refunds, or fees associated with any payment plan.
To receive the discount, a prospective student must register for the first semester of the Paralegal Certificate Program within three months of attending the information session.
January 18 - April 19, 2025
Self-paced
Asynchronous Learning
Information Session Discount available during registration.