Why ODU for Paralegal Certificate?

Our Paralegal Certificate Program provides a comprehensive legal education designed by practicing attorneys and judges. In as few as four months, you will gain the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a paralegal.

You will develop expertise in legal processes, court structure, client interviews, investigations, document preparation, the use of AI in the law, and legal research using Lexis +AI. Coursework also covers key areas of law, including Tort Law, Contract Law, and Civil Procedures.

ODU can also prepare you for career success with real-world instruction from experienced legal professionals and career support services, including resume preparation and job search guidance.

When you complete the program, you will be equipped with the practical skills and legal expertise to excel in the legal field.

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Program Information

Course Structure

  • In person instruction from judges and attorneys
  • Two evenings per week for four months
  • Extensive online study support
  • Successful graduates receive the Old Dominion University Paralegal Certificate
  • Good for students who prefer a more structured environment

Courses are offered during Spring and Fall terms. Launch your legal career with our Paralegal Certificate Program. Enroll today and gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the legal field.

Fall Semester

  • August 12, 2025 to November 13, 2025
  • 6 - 8:30 p.m.
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays
  • Online via Zoom

Register for Fall 2025 Term


Spring Semester

  • January 27, 2026, to April 30, 2026
  • 6 - 8:30 p.m.
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays
  • Online via Zoom

Register for Spring 2026 Term

Course Structure

  • Go-at-your-own-pace format and enroll at anytime
  • Study online when it is convenient for you.
  • Every student is assigned her or his own attorney/judge instructor.
  • Students are provided with the instructor's email and phone number.
  • Successful graduates receive the Old Dominion University Paralegal Certificate.
  • Best for students who are able to be disciplined and focused.

Courses are offered monthly. Launch your legal career with our Paralegal Certificate Program. Enroll today and gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the legal field.

Register for July 01, 2025 to January 01, 2026

Register for August 01, 2025 to February 01, 2026

Register for September 01, 2025 to March 01, 2026

Course Structure

  • In person instruction from judges and attorneys
  • Two evenings per week for four months
  • Extensive online study support
  • Successful graduates receive the Old Dominion University Paralegal Certificate
  • Good for students who prefer a more structured environment

Courses are offered during Spring and Fall terms. Launch your legal career with our Paralegal Certificate Program. Enroll today and gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the legal field.

Fall Semester

  • August 12, 2025 to November 13, 2025
  • 6 - 8:30 p.m.
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays
  • Online via Zoom

Register for Fall 2025 Term


Spring Semester

  • January 27, 2026, to April 30, 2026
  • 6 - 8:30 p.m.
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays
  • Online via Zoom

Register for Spring 2026 Term

Course Structure

  • Go-at-your-own-pace format and enroll at anytime
  • Study online when it is convenient for you.
  • Every student is assigned her or his own attorney/judge instructor.
  • Students are provided with the instructor's email and phone number.
  • Successful graduates receive the Old Dominion University Paralegal Certificate.
  • Best for students who are able to be disciplined and focused.

Courses are offered monthly. Launch your legal career with our Paralegal Certificate Program. Enroll today and gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the legal field.

Register for July 01, 2025 to January 01, 2026

Register for August 01, 2025 to February 01, 2026

Register for September 01, 2025 to March 01, 2026

Eligible for ODU Undergraduate Credit

Students who are admitted and enrolled in an ODU undergraduate degree program are eligible for (8) 300-level CPD elective credits upon completion of this program.

Explore CPD Elective Credits Program

Cost & Aid

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Calculating Cost
Zoom Delivery
$5670
Self-Paced Delivery
$7670

Continuing Education can accept payments for courses in several different forms. ODU's helpful staff can assist you in determining if you might qualify for any number of various funding options that could assist you with non-credit continuing educational opportunities to improve your marketability and advance your career.

Explore Continuing Education Financial Information

Includes Tuition and Books

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Refund Policy

To withdraw from this course, you must send a request in writing to cepd@odu.edu seven days prior to the class start date and before starting the course. Failure to attend a course does not constitute withdrawal. Course registration fees, less a $100 processing fee, will be refunded back to your original form of payment. There are no refunds once you have logged in and the class has begun.

Careers in Paralegal

Our graduates pursue roles as paralegals, legal assistants, compliance specialists, and contract administrators, assisting attorneys with legal research, document preparation, and case management.

Bright Outlook

Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 10 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Paralegal Specialty Certificates

In today’s ultra-competitive labor market, you need skills that will help you stand out amongst the crowd. With ODU’s convenient, self-paced legal courses, you can advance your legal career in only a matter of months.  ODU’s Paralegal Specialty Certificates provide graduates the opportunity to concentrate on high demand segments of the law that they are passionate about, such as Bankruptcy Law, Elder Law, Health Care Law, Immigration Law and more!

  • Complete the online programs at your own pace, with no trips to campus required.
  • Learn from a distinguished faculty of legal professionals.
  • Earn a sought-after credential backed by a major research university.
  • Convenient registration happens on an open-enrollment basis — no application required.
  • We recommend that participants in this self-paced program have a degree in Paralegal Studies, have completed their Paralegal Certificate, or have at least four years of experience as a paralegal.
Explore paralegal speciality certificates
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Contact Continuing Education
Phone: 757-683-5650
Email: cepd@odu.edu
Address: 1105 Student Success Center, Norfolk, VA 23529

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