Paralegal

Graduates of this program are prepared for various careers within the field of law. They will be able to carry out key paralegal functions and responsibilities encompassing research, writing, communication, legal analysis, office management, and preparation of legal documents on various areas of law. They can provide services in all areas of the legal system, such as courts, law firms, and government agencies under the supervision of an attorney. Graduates are able to ethically communicate and interact with professionals and clients on all levels with a forward-thinking, interdisciplinary approach that utilizes emerging technology. Graduates value written and interpersonal communication, critical thinking and problem solving, information and financial literacy, and the significance of diversity awareness skills in academic and workplace situations.

• Paralegal
• Legal Secretary
• Legal Assistant
• Court Administrative Assistant
• Court Clerk
• File Clerk

Applicants for careers in this field may be subject to pre-employment screenings such as, but not limited to, criminal background checks, and drug/or alcohol testing. Employment decisions, including whether to require background checks and other tests, are made at the discretion of the employer. Rasmussen does not pre-screen for enrollment in this program. Any prospective student must consider their history, lifestyle and future actions before enrolling in this program, and carefully consider whether their actions may prevent them from attaining employment in the field they choose to pursue. Additional requirements, such as industry-specific training may be required to obtain employment in this field.

This program is not designed to prepare graduates for any professional certifications or state-issued licenses.

Admission into the Paralegal Certificate program requires candidates to have earned an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher learning as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

To be deemed eligible for consideration for admission, entrants must provide an official or unofficial transcript from the institution that awarded the degree for transcript evaluation. Official transcripts must be received by the University no later than the sixth business day of the first quarter of enrollment in the Paralegal Certificate program in order to be accepted into the program.

Developmental Education courses do not count toward total program credits and are not calculated in GPA. Students must demonstrate mastery of the subject matter in Developmental Education courses through a Rasmussen University entrance placement exam, approved exemption based on previously completed coursework, or by passing Developmental Education courses.