Certificate Program

Certificate of Paralegal Studies (CPLS)

The Certificate of Paralegal Studies (CPLS) program is designed to equip students with a strong foundation of legal knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to a variety of practical tasks required of the profession. As legal professionals, paralegals are able to interview clients, perform legal research, and draft and analyze legal documents. The CPLS will focus on the practical expertise of filing legal forms.

Currently, CPLS program is not available for F-1 students.

Admissions Requirements

 

Major: CIP Code 22.0302

Related Jobs: Legal Assistant / Paralegal

Job Outlook and Salary:  Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Overview
Requirements

Program Learning Objectives (PLO)

Primary objectives of this program include equipping students with the knowledge and ability to:

  1. Develop legal writing skills in the form of research memos, case briefs, client-intake summaries, and professional correspondence. (SLO1)
  2. Develop competent oral presentation skills to explain legal concepts and written artifacts. (SLO2)
  3. Demonstrate basic elements of critical thinking to analyze issues, solve problems, and make legal decisions. (SLO3)
  4. Identify Christian ethical implications of legal practices. (SLO4)
  5. Demonstrate information literacy by recognizing when legal information is needed; identifying, locating, and critically evaluating authoritative legal and professional sources. (SLO5)

Mode of Instruction

Instruction can be completed through hybrid and/or online instructional methodologies.

Completion Time

 

ProgramFull Time
Standard (Yrs)
Part Time Standard (Yrs)Full Time 150% (Yrs)Part time 150% (Yrs)
CPLS11.2511.25

Curriculum

CPLS Program RequirementsSem. Hrs.
Core Component
8 courses
24 Sem. Hrs.
LAW 200 Legal Research & Writing for Paralegals3
LAW 205 Civil Litigation Practice & Procedure for Paralegals3
LAW 210 Contracts for Paralegals3
LAW 220 Immigration Law Practice for Paralegals3
LAW 225 California Corporations Law & Practice for Paralegals3
LAW 230 Family Law3
LAW 240 Ethics & Professional Responsibility for Paralegals3
Elective3
Internship Component
2 Sem. Hrs.
LAW 440 Internships2
TOTAL CPLS26

For the course descriptions, click here.

Graduation Requirements

  1. Complete 26 semester units of the prescribed curriculum.
  2. Complete all required coursework with a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  3. Apply for graduation and meet all academic and financial requirements.
  4. F-1 students must maintain lawful status.
Overview
Requirements

Program Learning Objectives (PLO)

Primary objectives of this program include equipping students with the knowledge and ability to:

  1. Develop legal writing skills in the form of research memos, case briefs, client-intake summaries, and professional correspondence. (SLO1)
  2. Develop competent oral presentation skills to explain legal concepts and written artifacts. (SLO2)
  3. Demonstrate basic elements of critical thinking to analyze issues, solve problems, and make legal decisions. (SLO3)
  4. Identify Christian ethical implications of legal practices. (SLO4)
  5. Demonstrate information literacy by recognizing when legal information is needed; identifying, locating, and critically evaluating authoritative legal and professional sources. (SLO5)

Mode of Instruction

Instruction can be completed through hybrid and/or online instructional methodologies.

Completion Time

 

CPLS
Full Time Standard (Yrs)
1
Part Time Standard (Yrs)
1.25
Full Time 150% (Yrs)
1
Part time 150% (Yrs)
1.25

Curriculum

CPLS Program Requirements
Core Component
8 courses
24 Sem. Hrs.
LAW 200 Legal Research & Writing for Paralegals3
LAW 205 Civil Litigation Practice & Procedure for Paralegals3
LAW 210 Contracts for Paralegals3
LAW 220 Immigration Law Practice for Paralegals3
LAW 225 California Corporations Law & Practice for Paralegals3
LAW 230 Family Law3
LAW 240 Ethics & Professional Responsibility for Paralegals3
Elective3
Internship Component
2 Semester Hours
LAW 440 Internships2
TOTAL CPLS26

For the course descriptions, click here.

Graduation Requirements

  1. Complete 26 semester units of the prescribed curriculum.
  2. Complete all required coursework with a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  3. Apply for graduation and meet all academic and financial requirements.
  4. F-1 students must maintain lawful status.

Quality and Cost Effective

Certificate

Level

Hybrid/Online

Instruction Methods

1 Year

Program Length

Student Testimonials

  • I am truly honored and proud to be a graduate of this outstanding university. My academic journey here has been an unforgettable experience that shaped not only my professional skills but also my character and vision for the future.

    The university provided me with a supportive environment, excellent professors, and opportunities to grow and challenge myself.

    I will always carry the values and knowledge I gained here.

    Read more

    Mohammad Bassam Deeb Alabed
    DBA 2025 Student
  • The DM program enhanced my executive skills with a more confident approach and a different dynamic. Meeting classmates from different parts of the world has greatly enriched both my professional and personal life. I have connected with peers who are already established professionals in their respective countries, and these connections are invaluable and life-changing.

    Read more

    Rocio Pacheco
    DM 2025 Student
  • Every class, every professor, every experience to me was a blessing during this journey. Thank you Dr. Alex Sherm, Dr. David Johnson, Dr. Nina Asna, Dr. Rocio Pacheco, Dr. Sanaz Tehrani, and Dr. Vahick Yegdarian. If I have to describe IAU with one word, I would definitely say a “blessing” because that’s what IAU means to me.

    Read more

    Maria Fernanda Mora Salas
    MBA 2025 Student

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