Paralegal

Cupola atop a building on the Molloy University campus

Paralegal Studies Certificate Program
Molloy University's Paralegal Studies Program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). The ABA established standards for the education of paralegals, advancing the highest quality legal education, ethical conduct and legal professionalism. With this prestigious and respected designation Molloy is among the select group of the distinguished programs nationwide to have satisfied the ABA's rigorous process. 

Molloy's Paralegal Studies Program provides student's with a practical foundation in the substantive areas of the law, a strong ethical base and the ability to develop proficiency in both oral and written communication. Students are empowered with marketable skills to be prepared for employment as a paralegal or legal professional. Courses in this program take place in the evenings, some are in person, some are online/synchronous (although you may be learning from a distance, you will virtually attend a class session each week, at the same time as your instructor and classmates. This is a firm weekly time commitment. Some are Asynchronous (allows you to learn on your own schedule, within a certain timeframe. You can access and complete lectures, readings,  homework and other learning materials at any time. The time and day will not be listed).

Depending on your personal commitments and schedule you can take 1-4 courses per semester, take at your own pace- the more you take per semester the sooner you would complete the program. At the least it could take 2 semesters (1 years) to complete.

Where are paralegals needed? Pretty much everywhere! Because the law affects every aspect of our lives, there are jobs out there for individuals with paralegal skills in most areas of government, business and non-profit organizations. Below are a few specialties to consider while planning your paralegal education and career. 

Corporate paralegals, Real Estate and Title Insurance paralegals, Public Defender paralegals, Judicial paralegals, Government and Non-Government Organization paralegals, Nursing and Health Care paralegals.

Career Changers can benefit from this course of study. The Paralegal Studies Program teaches legal skills that can be utilized in combination with the  student's life experience to provide a better understanding of the legal system.

Entrance Requirement and Admission: A Bachelor's degree is strongly suggested however a student's life and work experience is applicable. For an Application to enroll contact the Continuing Education and Professional Studies office at 516 323-3550 or email conted@molloy.edu

or click here for application

Program Requirements: Student will receive a Certificate in Paralegal Studies upon completion of the requires course work and outlined below. 21 credits taken on a non-credit basis.

Required courses:         
Introduction to Legal Studies (3 Credits)
Professional Responsibility in the Law (1 Credit)
Legal Research and Writing (3 Credits)
Litigation (3 Credits)

Complete 8 credits from the following courses: not all are offered every semester
Tort Law (1 Credit)
Family Law (1 Credit)
Probate Law (1 Credit)
Real Property Law (1 Credit)
Technology in the Law Office (3 Credit)
Substantive Law and Drafting Essentials (3 Credit)
Professional Law Office Management (3 Credit)
Interviewing & Investigation (1 Credit)
Complete 3 credits from the following courses:
Elder Law (1 Credit)
Immigration Law (1 Credit)
Alternative Dispute Resolution (1 Credit)
Electronic Discover Skills (1 Credit)

Once you complete the certificate requirements you can request a certificate of completion by emailing our records coordinator, Danielle Albanese at: dalbanese1@molloy.edu to request it.

How to Become a Notary Public (upcoming schedule) This class is not required to complete the program. See information from New York State on becoming a Notary dos.ny.gov/notary-public

Faculty: Comprised of scholar professionals with experience and knowledge in the various fields of Law and Law Enforcement. 

Course Schedule and Plan of Study: Courses are scheduled in the Fall and Spring semesters. You can begin your program in either semester. For the Fall 2024 schedule of classes Click Here  

Tuition and Registration: Non-credit tuition is $5250 for the entire program. Textbooks are not included. Students who pay in full prior to attending classes receive a substantial discount. Payment plans are available.

Financial Assistance
When planning to attend a continuing education course or program, an important consideration is the cost, which may include tuition, books and travel. With Molloy College, Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies, various financial assistance options are available to help students afford tuition. Since most Continuing Education courses do not lead to a college degree, they are not eligible for the traditional forms of financial aid, such as TAP and Pell. Below are some links that may offer financial assistance.

Hempstead Works: https://www.hempsteadworks.com/

Department of Occupationalit) Resources: https://hempsteadny.gov/202/Occupational-Resources

Disability Services: http://www.acces.nysed.gov/vr
Veteran Benefits: https://www.va.gov/education/

Questions?
Please contact Continuing Education and Professional Studies at 516.323.3550. Or Email