Online Learning

Designed and instructed by Texas attorneys, this online non-credit program is designed to quickly and efficiently develop the job skills demanded by legal employers. The program consists of three phases: Paralegal 1, Paralegal 2, and Paralegal 3, each of which is a semester in length. Phases can be completed entirely at a distance, although field trips to a local law library and courthouse are optional.

This program is self-paced, meaning students learn on their own time and schedule. Although assignments and projects have firm due dates, students are not required to learn at the same time as others. Courses are delivered via UTSA’s Blackboard website and contain multimedia and creative instructional technology.

UTSA Paralegal Program

Curriculum Overview

The Paralegal Program consists of the following sections: Introduction to Law, Legal Research, Civil Litigation I & II, Legal Writing, Contracts and Business Organizations, Nexis Uni and TXdocs, Family Law, Wills and Probate, and Criminal Law and Procedure.

Family Law

The paralegal's role in a family law practice, including the substantive law and procedures relating to divorce, community property, conservatorship and child support.

Criminal Law

The paralegal's role in the criminal justice system with emphasis on legal research and drafting projects. Includes criminal law discovery lab and career skills workshops.

Wills and Probate

The paralegal's role in a wills and probate practice, including the law of intestate succession, preparation of basic wills and other estate planning documents.

Civil Litigation

Interviewing clients and witnesses; recognizing causes of action underlying civil litigation, including intentional torts, negligence and professional.

Legal Research

Hands-on use of digests, case reporters, statutory codes and secondary sources to locate relevant law; introduction to legal analysis and legal writing.

Nexis Uni and TXdocs

Learn to leverage technology to complement traditional legal research methods and streamline legal document drafting.

Virtual Classroom vs. Online Learning

Virtual Classroom students receive identical content as in-person instruction. Interactive learning strategies and activities are utilized throughout the program to ensure effective engagement and student comprehension.

Description
Virtual Classroom
Online
Courthouse Project
optional
Classroom Attendance Required
Personal Instructor Feedback
Communication Workshops (resume, cover letter, mock interviews)
optional
Access to Library Resources
Library Research Experience
optional
Offered year-round (fall, spring, summer)
Instructed by Practicing Attorneys
Program can be Completed in 11 Months
Description
Virtual Classroom
Online
Access to Nexis Uni on your Personal Computer
Access to TXdocs on your Personal Computer
Description
Virtual Classroom
Online
Videotaped Lectures
Discussion Board Participation Required
Friday Deadlines for Assignments and Quizzes

Virtual Information Sessions

Receive a 10% Registration Discount!

Want to learn more about the Paralegal Certificate Program before you register? Sign up to attend an information session!

Led by the PaCE Paralegal Program Coordinator, you will be introduced to program curriculum, the opportunity outlook in the paralegal field, and the required skills to become a successful paralegal.

Can't decide what learning option is best for you? The advantages of both the online and live, virtual classroom delivery method will be discussed.

  • After registering for your desired session, you will receive an email one week prior to the start date with a link to the virtual session.
  • By attending an information session, you will receive a 10% registration discount for the first semester of the program.

Upcoming Information Sessions

Career Outlook

In Texas, Paralegal and Legal Assistant positions are expected to grow at a rate of 23% between 2018-2028, almost seven-times faster than the average growth rate of 4% for all occupations nation-wide.

Background

According to U.S. News and World Report, Paralegal is ranked as the 53rd best job in the 2021 100 Best Jobs rankings. The rankings consider annual salary, career advancement, work-life balance, and career demand to determine rank.

Sample of reported job titles include: Certified Paralegal, Corporate Law Assistant, Law Associate, Legal Analyst, Legal Assistant, Litigation Paralegal, Paralegal, Paralegal Assistant, Paralegal Specialist, Real Estate Paralegal, Immigration Paralegal.

Industries

It is a common misconception that paralegals work exclusively in law firms. Paralegals are employed in a wide variety of industries including:

  • Accounting
  • Banking
  • Government Agencies
  • Healthcare
  • Insurance
  • Non-Profit
  • Oil and Gas
  • Protective Services (Police and Detectives)
  • Real Estate

Program Cost & Policies

The program cost per semester is $1,750. Textbooks are not included in the program price. Students paying by use of an approved benefits program or loan will be permitted to attend class pending receipt of the payment/disbursement if, prior to the registration deadline, all loan and/or benefit pre-approval forms have been received in the paralegal office.

If paying for the program in full, program costs for the three-semester program is $5,250. Students who pay in this manner must take each course consecutively as it is offered. Failure to do so will result in the student not being registered in the program, and it will initiate the refund procedure. Monies paid in advance will be refunded, less a nonrefundable $150 processing fee.

If you currently work in the legal field, you may wish to ask your employer to reimburse all or a portion of the cost for the program.

Estimated Cost of Attendance
Cost Name
Cost
Program full cost (3 semesters)
$5,250
Books (for the entire program)
$800
Personal/Miscellaneous
$2,000
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance
$8,050

The Paralegal Certificate Program offers affordable payment plans to assist participants through all three semesters: Paralegal 1, Paralegal 2, and Paralegal 3.

Participants are required to remit each payment according to the payment plan schedule below. A payment must be received by UTSA Professional and Continuing Education no later than 5:00pm on the date corresponding with the numbered payment. If payment is not received, the participant will be dropped from the program without a refund.

Each payment will incur a $25.00 Transaction Fee. If the semester cost is paid in full prior to the start of the semester, the Transaction Fee will be waived. Participants may pay the semester cost in two payments, if requested.

Payment Plan Schedule - Summer 2024

Total semester cost $1,750.00 payable in up to three payments:

Installment
Amount
Due Date
One
$550
During Registration
Two
$600
June 7
Three
$600
July 12
Payment Plan Schedule w/ Information Session Discount

Total semester cost $1,575.00 payable in up to three payments:

Installment
Amount
Due Date
One
$525
During Registration
Two
$525
June 7
Three
$525
July 12
Refunds

All refunds will incur a $150 nonrefundable processing fee, which will be withheld from the refunded monies. Students who have paid one semester of program costs will receive a refund less the $150 processing fee. Students who have pre-paid all program costs and who withdraw prior to the first day of class, will receive a refund of the future program costs less the $150 processing fee. No refunds will be issued after the start of the semester.

Discounts

The Paralegal Certificate Program offers a 10% discount to students that attend an information session before registering.

The discount applies to the program price for the first semester. The discount may not be applied to the cost of processing fees, late registration fees, refunds, or fees associated with any payment plan.

To receive the discount, a prospective student must register for the first semester of the Paralegal Certificate Program within three months of attending the information session.

UTSA PaCE
Registration
Semester I

May 11 - August 17, 2024

Self-paced
Asynchronous Learning

Information Session Discount available during registration.

$1,750

Connect With Us

(210) 458-PACE (7223)

501 W. Cesar Chavez Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78207