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, and legal research using LexisNexis and Westlaw. 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.
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 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
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 March 01, 2025 to September 01, 2025
Register for April 01, 2025 to October 01, 2025
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 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
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 March 01, 2025 to September 01, 2025
Register for April 01, 2025 to October 01, 2025
Cost & Aid
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.
Includes Tuition and Books
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.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Growth
1.2%
Median Salary
$60,970
Legal Support Workers, All Other
Growth
1.0%
Median Salary
$67,700
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Growth
-5.1%
Median Salary
$50,680
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.
