Paralegal Studies

The Paralegal Studies program at the University of Cincinnati is designed to prepare students for a successful career in the legal field by providing comprehensive education and practical skills essential for supporting attorneys and legal organizations. This program offers a rigorous curriculum that combines theoretical legal concepts with hands-on training, enabling graduates to confidently assist in various legal tasks such as conducting research, drafting legal documents, and managing case files. The program emphasizes critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication, equipping students to excel in fast-paced legal environments. Students will explore core areas of law including criminal law, civil litigation, contract law, and family law, gaining a broad understanding of the legal system as a whole. The curriculum is carefully structured to meet the educational standards required for certification and employment in the legal support field. In addition to classroom instruction, the program offers practical experience through internships, simulation exercises, and exposure to real-world legal settings, fostering skill development and professional growth. The university's location and partnerships provide valuable networking opportunities and access to legal practitioners, enriching the learning experience. Graduates of the Paralegal Studies program are well-prepared to work in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. The program also emphasizes ethical considerations and professionalism, ensuring students are ready to uphold the highest standards in their future careers. With dedicated faculty members who are experienced paralegals and legal professionals, students receive mentorship and guidance throughout their educational journey. Whether you are beginning your career or looking to enhance your legal knowledge, the University of Cincinnati's Paralegal Studies program offers a solid foundation for entering the dynamic world of legal support.

Year 1

• English Composition (EC)
• Introduction to Legal Studies (SE,SS)
• Legal Research & Writing I
• Student must select one 3 credit hour course to satisfy the Technology and Innovation requirement.
• Student must select one 3 credit hour college level mathematics course.
• Legal Research & Writing II
• Law Office Technology
• Family Law (SE,SS)
• Introduction to Effective Speaking (HU)
• Student must select one 3 credit hour Social Science (SS) elective.

Year 2

• Civil Litigation I (SE)
• Real Estate Law (SE,SS)
• Corporate Law & Business Organizations (SE,SS)
• Student must select one 3 credit hour course to satisfy the Fine Arts (FA) or Historical Perspective (HP) requirement.
• Student must select one 3 credit hour course from the Lower Level Legal Specialty Directives list.
• Student must select one 3 credit hour Natural Science (NS) course.
• Intermediate Composition (EC)
• Civil Litigation II (SE,SS)
• Estate Planning & Probate (SE)
• Administrative Litigation (SE,SS)
• Student must select one 3 credit hour course from the Lower Level Legal Specialty Directed Elective list.

Year 3

• Investigative Techniques and Evidence
• Student must select a Diversity & Culture (DC) or Social & Ethical Issues (SE) course. (DC,SE)
• Student must select one 3 credit hour course to satisfy the Focus Area/Minor/Certificate requirement.
• Student must select one 3 credit hour course from the Upper Level Legal Specialty Directed Elective list
• Student must select one 3 credit hour Free Elective.
• Student must select one 3 credit hour course to satisfy the Focus Area/Minor/Certificate requirement.
• Student must select one 3 credit hour course to satisfy the Focus Area/Minor/Certificate requirement.
• Criminal Procedure
• Student must select one 3 credit hour course from the Upper Level Legal Specialty Directed Elective list
• Student must select one 3 credit hour Free Elective.

Year 4

• Advanced Legal Research
• Student must select one 3 credit hour course to satisfy the Focus Area/Minor/Certificate requirement.
• Student must select one 3 credit hour course to satisfy the Focus Area/Minor/Certificate requirement.
• Student must select one 3 credit hour course from the Upper Level Legal Specialty Directed Elective list.
• Student must select one 3 credit hour Free Elective.
• Paralegal Internship
• Advanced Paralegal Seminar
• Student must select one 3 credit hour course to satisfy the Focus Area/Minor/Certificate requirement.
• Student must select one 3 credit hour Free Elective.

Lower Level Legal Specialty Directed Electives

• Introduction to Criminal Law & Procedure (SE,SS)
• Bankruptcy Law (SE,SS)
• Employment Law (SE,SS)
• Special Topics in the Law (SE)
• Study Abroad: Cultural and Legal Systems of the World (DC,SS)

Focus Area, Minor or Certificate (18hrs)

Students may select from any available university minors that consist of 18 credit hours OR select 18 credit hours of coursework that has been approved by an Academic Advisor to further enhance the educational experience and knowledge base.

• 1000 level course(s) or above

Upper Level Legal Speciality Directed Electives

• Environmental Law
• Federal Income Tax Law
• Sports and Entertainment Law
• Intellectual Property

• Common Application and Writing Supplement
• Application fee or application fee waiver submitted via the Common Application
• ACT and/or SAT scores sent directly from the testing agency
• Official high school transcript
• Letter(s) of recommendation
• $100 application fee
• SAT/ACT 
• Proof of English Ability and Proof of Math Ability
• TOEFL: 79 iBT
• IELTS: 6.5
• SAT-I: 480 Critical Reading
• ACT: 20 English
• PTE: 53
• ELS: 112

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The University of Cincinnati offers various financing options to support students enrolled in the Paralegal Studies program. Tuition and fee costs are available on the university's official website, but specific figures may vary depending on the mode of study and the student's residency status. Financial aid opportunities include federal grants, scholarships, and work-study programs designed to make education accessible for a diverse student body. The Federal Pell Grant is available to eligible students and does not require repayment, providing vital financial support for undergraduate students pursuing paralegal education. Additionally, the university offers departmental scholarships specifically for students in the College of Arts and Sciences, which encompasses the Paralegal Studies program. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, and other criteria, with applications typically submitted through the university's scholarship portal. Students may also consider private scholarships from external organizations supporting legal or paralegal education.

Federal student loans are accessible for qualified students, with options including subsidized and unsubsidized loans that offer manageable repayment terms. The university's financial aid office provides comprehensive guidance to help students navigate the application process for these loans, including assistance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Payment plans are also available, allowing students to divide tuition payments into manageable installments over the academic year. Veterans and active military personnel can access additional benefits through the GI Bill and other military education assistance programs.

Work opportunities on campus, including positions related to the law and law-related departments, provide practical experience and supplemental income. The university encourages students to explore part-time employment, internships, and cooperative education programs that not only help finance their studies but also enhance their professional skills. Financial planning is recommended for prospective students to evaluate all available resources and determine the most suitable options for funding their Paralegal Studies education at the University of Cincinnati.

The University of Cincinnati offers a Paralegal Studies certificate program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the legal field. This program provides a comprehensive overview of legal principles, procedures, and ethics necessary for supporting attorneys and legal teams. The curriculum typically covers areas such as legal research and writing, civil and criminal law, contract law, real estate law, family law, and constitutional law, among others. Students learn how to prepare legal documents, conduct client interviews, organize case files, and utilize various legal research tools and databases. The program emphasizes practical skills through hands-on experiences, including internships and simulated legal exercises, helping students transition smoothly into professional roles.

The program is structured to accommodate working adults and may be available in various formats, including evening or online classes, to provide flexibility for students balancing other commitments. Graduates of the certificate program are equipped with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to support lawyers, paralegals, or legal assistants across different legal settings, such as law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments.

Admission requirements typically include a high school diploma or GED, with an application process that may require transcripts and possibly an interview. Upon completion, students receive a certificate that enhances their employment prospects in the legal industry. The program aligns with the university’s broader commitment to applied learning, offering students a solid foundation in legal concepts alongside real-world practice.

The University of Cincinnati’s paralegal studies program emphasizes ethical considerations and professional responsibility, ensuring that graduates are prepared to uphold the highest standards of integrity in their work. Additionally, the program may facilitate networking opportunities through connections with legal professionals and alumni, providing graduates with valuable contacts for job placement and career advancement. Overall, the program aims to be an accessible, rigorous, and practical pathway for individuals seeking to enter the legal field as paralegals or legal assistants.