Paralegal Studies Online Certificate
ABA-Approved Paralegal Program
Seize the opportunity to be part of the high-demand paralegal profession. Established in 1975 in San Francisco, California, SFSU's Paralegal Studies online certificate program is approved by the American Bar Association and offers rigorous curriculum, synchronous online courses, connected legal faculty, a vast SFSU alumni community, and a thriving professional network to prepare you for a successful career as a paralegal. You can begin your legal career in just one year. Take your first step today.
Apply & Register
Learn how to apply. Applications are accepted in fall, spring and summer. Find admission requirements and course registration information.
Online Courses & Certificate
Learn about program requirements, and find the courses currently offered. Courses are fully online. The certificate can be completed in two semesters.
Program & Profession
Paralegal Studies educates students for positions as paralegals to improve the quality, accessibility and affordability of legal services.
Paralegal Studies Faculty
SFSU's ABA-approved Paralegal Studies program is led by a faculty of practicing attorneys, paralegals and law school professors.
Paralegal Jobs
SFSU Paralegal Studies students and alumni have access to exclusive job opportunities. Explore our active job board and career resources.
Student & Alumni Success
Take advantage of our connections with the legal community in the SF Bay Area, Northern California and beyond. Here's what students and alumni say.
News & Events
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Start in Fall: Apply by August 1 Take the first step toward a rewarding career in the legal field, and apply to our ABA-appr… -
American Society of Criminology President’s Award for Distinguished Contributions to Justice Project Rebound won the Preside… -
Earn a Paralegal Certificate Online All Paralegal Studies classes are now taught 100% online, in the synchronous modality. T…
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Fall Classes The fall class schedule is now up. Find professional development classes to help you advance in your career or…
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The Chancellor’s Office will upgrade the PeopleSoft Campus Solutions and Human Resources servers to Linux 8. System downtime… -
SFSU will be closed for Labor Day on Monday, September 1, 2025.
About the Program
Why Enroll?
- Study in an ABA-Approved Program
Our ABA-approved fully online program offers you a certificate that is respected across the legal industry nationwide. - Build Industry Connections
Since 1975, our Paralegal Studies program has established a strong network in the legal community, supported by San Francisco State University's enduring alumni network since 1899. - Learn Software Used in the Legal Field
Get hands-on training and experience with case management, e-discovery and trial software, and insight into common paralegal tasks with these programs. - Choose from Diverse Course Electives
Our comprehensive range of elective courses allows you to tailor your studies and concentrate on specific legal practice areas that align with your interests and career goals.
ABA-Approved Online Paralegal Certificate Program
The SFSU Paralegal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Recent California legislation defines who may call themselves 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 California Legislation on Paralegals. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. For more information on the ABA approval, please contact us.
California State University
SFSU is part of the California State University (Cal State) system. The California State University is the nation's largest and most diverse four-year public university, providing opportunities for upward mobility to students across the state and empowering them to become leaders in the changing workforce.
Professional and Continuing Education
SFSU's College of Professional & Global Education offers Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE), bringing the resources of the California State University to the San Francisco Bay Area local community, region, nation and international audiences.
Cost and Length
Cost:
$9,000, 24 units at $375 per unit
Gator Pass: Receive a free transit pass while enrolled. (Fall and spring only. $130 value per term.)
Application Fee:
$70
Length:
The program can be completed in as little as two semesters. (Eight courses, 24 academic units)
When to Apply:
Fall: June 1 - August 1
Spring: October 10 - January 1
Summer: March 1 - May 1
Professional Outlook
Sources: 2021-2022 SFSU Paralegal Studies Student Survey, Robert Half Legal Salaries and Hiring Trends