Delaware Law’s Online Legal Studies and Paralegal Certificate

100% Online Paralegal Certificate Overview

At Delaware Law School, our online legal studies certificate and specialty course concentrations are designed for students who have already earned 60 college credits. The 24-credit certificate and various concentrations in paralegal studies build on previous instruction by offering further practical lessons in legal research, legal writing, ethics, and document preparation from experienced professionals and attorneys.

Our legal studies certificate is conveniently offered in a fully online format and includes various live online class sessions to meet ABA standards that require students to take at least nine semester credits, or the equivalent of three legal specialty courses, through synchronous instruction. All other program credits are completed asynchronously, in which students still access class materials online, but at their convenience.

The online general paralegal certificate is versatile and should be taken at your own pace — choose to finish it in one summer (14 weeks) or in one academic year (two semesters: fall and spring). View the upcoming course schedule.

Apply to Delaware Law School’s Non-JD Programs

Widener University Delaware Law School offers a variety of online compliance degree and certificate programs to advance graduates’ careers in compliance, business law and global financial and cyber crimes. These master of jurisprudence programs and certificates are specifically designed for non-lawyers to expand their knowledge of legal compliance.

Request information to learn more about our online non-JD programs at Delaware Law, or start your application.

One Summer General Paralegal Certificate

The 24-credit paralegal summer program offers you the opportunity to earn your ABA-approved paralegal certificate in just 14 weeks from mid-May through mid-August. With a combination of synchronous live online evening class sessions and asynchronous online classes, you can gain a head start on your paralegal or legal assistant career.

One Year General Paralegal Certificate

Students may elect to complete the 24-credit general paralegal training in one academic year (two semesters: fall and spring). View the general paralegal certificate curriculum to learn more about required courses and class registration.

Paralegal Certificate Concentrations

If you have a specific career goal or academic interest, you can complete your online legal studies certificate with a concentration in one of the following areas:

• Corporate law
• Criminal law
• Litigation
• Health law
• Estate administration

Guided by an academic advisor, students may obtain their paralegal certificate in a variety of multiple concentrations, even by adding just one or two additional courses. Learn more about the paralegal concentration options and their course requirements.

Paralegal Certificate FAQs

I already have a bachelor’s degree in another course of study. Is a legal studies certificate right for me?

Yes, many students already have a bachelor’s degree in another area of study. This online legal studies certificate allows you to continue gaining professional education and new skills essential for pursuing a paralegal or legal assistant career.

I have more than 60 credits but haven’t yet earned a degree. Is a paralegal studies certificate right for me?

Yes, if you have already earned 60 college credits, you qualify to begin your paralegal studies certificate or one of our online concentrations. You can also apply your certificate or concentration course credit toward a future bachelor's degree.

How long does it take to complete the certificate program?

The length of the online paralegal certificate varies. While some students complete the paralegal program in one summer (about three months), you can choose to complete the program over two traditional semesters (about eight months). Our academic schedule is highly flexible, allowing you to start your studies at the beginning of any of our three semesters and schedule online classes at a time that works best for you.

Where can I learn more about tuition rates?

Review Delaware Law’s detailed cost of attendance for current tuition rates and other fees and expenses. Financial aid is available for qualified students.

Start Your Delaware Law Paralegal Certificate Application

Widener University offers a 100% online paralegal certificate through Delaware Law School. This ABA-approved paralegal training provides the comprehensive skills needed to work under the supervision of an attorney. Begin your application, and choose from our paralegal summer program or two-semester certificate to select the coursework that fits your personal and professional goals.