Prepare for a career in the legal field with the Paralegal Certificate Program at UT San Antonio. Designed for aspiring paralegals and professionals seeking to expand their legal knowledge, this comprehensive program provides 225 clock hours of practical legal education taught by practicing San Antonio attorneys.
Complete the program in approximately 11 months through live virtual classroom instruction or flexible online learning. The curriculum emphasizes real-world legal skills, including legal research and writing, civil litigation, family law, probate, criminal law, and Texas legal procedures.
Discover how UT San Antonio Paralegal Certificate graduate Akaza Flores '21 used her education to build a career as a full-time paralegal while pursuing her goal of attending law school.
The UT San Antonio Paralegal Certificate Program offers two flexible learning options to accommodate different schedules and learning preferences. Both formats provide 225 hours of legal coursework and can be completed in approximately 11 months.
Experience the structure of a traditional classroom from the convenience of your home. Attend scheduled Saturday classes taught by practicing attorneys, with opportunities for real-time discussion, interaction and instructor feedback.
Best for: Students who prefer a structured schedule, classroom interaction and direct engagement with instructors.
Complete your paralegal education through a flexible, asynchronous online format. Access course materials and assignments on your schedule while meeting established coursework deadlines.
Best for: Working professionals, career changers and students balancing busy schedules who prefer greater flexibility in completing their coursework.
Paralegals and legal assistants play an essential role in the legal profession, supporting attorneys through legal research, document preparation, case management and litigation support. Career opportunities extend beyond traditional law firms into corporate legal departments, government agencies and other industries.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants was $62,890 in May 2025. Approximately 40,800 job openings are projected annually nationwide from 2025 to 2035, primarily from workers changing occupations or retiring.
While overall employment is projected to remain relatively unchanged during this period, paralegals continue to support legal operations across a variety of industries. Salaries vary by location, experience, employer and area of legal specialization.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025).
Graduates may pursue positions supporting attorneys and legal departments, depending on their qualifications, experience and employer requirements.
Common job titles include Paralegal, Legal Assistant, Litigation Paralegal, Corporate Paralegal, Real Estate Paralegal, Immigration Paralegal and Legal Analyst.
It is a common misconception that paralegals work exclusively in law firms. Paralegals are employed in a wide variety of industries including:
Beginning with foundational legal concepts and advancing into specialized areas of Texas law, the curriculum develops practical skills in legal research, document preparation, litigation, family law, probate and criminal law.
Phase 1 includes: Introduction to Law, Legal Research, and Civil Litigation I. This phase takes approximately 14 weeks to complete.
Phase 2 includes: Civil Litigation II, Legal Writing, Contracts and Business Organizations, LexisNexis and ProDoc. This phase takes approximately 14 weeks to complete.
Phase 3 includes: Family Law, Wills and Probate, Criminal Law and Procedure. This phase takes approximately 14 weeks to complete.
Aspiring paralegals can pursue several educational pathways, including professional certificate programs, associate degrees and bachelor's degrees. While degree programs typically include broader general education requirements, a paralegal certificate focuses on developing practical legal knowledge and career-related skills.
Unlike traditional degree programs, the UT San Antonio Paralegal Certificate emphasizes specialized legal training without requiring students to complete a separate academic degree. Its career-focused curriculum prepares students to develop practical skills applicable to law firms, corporate legal departments and other legal settings.
| Feature | Paralegal Certificate | Paralegal Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Focus | Practical legal skills and specialized coursework | Legal studies plus broader academic coursework |
| Typical Duration | UT San Antonio: Approximately 11 months | Associate: Approximately 2 years; Bachelor's: Approximately 4 years |
| Credential Earned | Professional Paralegal Certificate | Associate or Bachelor's Degree |
| Learning Format | Live Virtual or Online | Varies by institution |
| Best Suited For | Students seeking focused paralegal training, including those who already hold a degree | Students seeking an academic degree alongside legal studies |
Which pathway is right for you? The best choice depends on your educational background, career goals and employer requirements. Some legal employers prefer candidates with both a college degree and paralegal training, while others consider relevant skills, experience and professional certificates.
The UT San Antonio Paralegal Certificate Program costs $5,355 in total tuition, divided into three phases at $1,785 per phase. Students may also have the option to use a payment plan during each phase. Additional course-related expenses may apply.
The UT San Antonio Paralegal Certificate Program is not approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). The program provides 225 clock hours of legal education taught by practicing attorneys, emphasizing practical legal skills and Texas law.
ABA approval is not required for every paralegal position. Graduates interested in professional certification may explore the Certified Paralegal (CP) credential offered by NALA, subject to individual eligibility requirements.
Completing the UT San Antonio Paralegal Certificate Program earns students a university-issued professional certificate, but does not automatically grant the Certified Paralegal (CP) credential.
The CP credential is administered separately by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). Eligibility depends on an applicant's education, paralegal coursework and professional experience. Graduates may pursue certification after meeting NALA's requirements.
Once a student begins Phase 1 (P1) of the Paralegal Certificate Program, they will have up to 18 months to complete all program requirements. Within this period, students may pause their enrollment for up to one semester, if needed. If the program is not completed within the 18-month timeframe, the student will be required to restart from Phase 1.
Texas does not require general licensure to work as a paralegal under attorney supervision. However, paralegals must work within applicable rules governing legal services and may not independently practice law. Employers establish their own education and experience requirements.
The Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) offers voluntary board certification for experienced paralegals in designated areas of law. This credential is separate from the UT San Antonio Paralegal Certificate and requires additional professional experience and qualifications.
Learn more through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
NALA administers the Certified Paralegal (CP) examination in two parts. The Knowledge Exam is offered year-round by appointment, while the Skills Exam is administered during designated testing windows in February, April, July and October.
Registration, eligibility verification and examination fees are handled directly through NALA. For current testing locations, remote testing options and examination requirements, visit NALA's official website.
Educational requirements vary by employer and position. Some law firms and corporate legal departments prefer candidates with both a college degree and paralegal training, while others consider relevant professional certificates, legal experience and demonstrated skills.
The UT San Antonio Paralegal Certificate Program provides specialized legal education that can complement previous academic or professional experience.
While no school can guarantee that every student who completes its program will find a job, our program does include important tools to help you obtain a job in the legal field. All classroom students will receive assistance in drafting a resume and writing a cover letter particular to the legal industry, and will participate in a mock interview. Online students and alumni can have their resume and/or cover letter reviewed by the program director. Additionally, the Paralegal Program office posts job opportunities in the San Antonio area and surrounding areas for students and alumni.
To register for a new phase, a student’s account balance for the current phase must be paid in full. If payment is not received before the start of the next semester, the student will not be permitted to enroll.