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Paralegal Certificate Program

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Requirements to Earn a Paralegal Certificate

The Marist Paralegal Program is designed to ensure that you have a solid liberal arts foundation, plus the specialized knowledge you need to work as a paralegal.

Students must complete 60 credits to earn the Paralegal certificate:

  • 36 general education credits, which must include 18 credits in liberal arts and demonstrate writing proficiency. These credits may be transferred from an accredited college or university.
  • 24 paralegal credits which include six credits in law-related courses and 18 credits in legal specialty coursework.
  • Students must earn a 2.5 minimum GPA in law-related and specialty course work.

Transfer Policy

Students may transfer in up to 36 credits that fulfill the general education requirements set forth above. A student may transfer from another institution a maximum of six of the 24 required paralegal credits. However, the transfer of legal specialty courses is limited to three credits to be transferred from an institution that is approved by the American Bar Association or a community college that has a signed articulation agreement with Marist's Paralegal Program. The Director reviews the course syllabus from any course to be transferred to ascertain that the course is similar in scope and content to the standards of our course. Students must receive a grade of "C" or better in the course in order to transfer the credit to Marist. The Paralegal Program will only accept credits from accredited colleges and universities that meet Marist's transferability requirements.

Formats

The Paralegal Program is offered at Marist's Poughkeepsie campus with evening or weekend formats. Depending upon which format you are interested in, please contact the following:

Format Contact
Evenings Adult Admissions at (845) 575-3226 
Weekend Cohort Donna Tompkins at (845) 575-3202  

 

The cost of attendance is determined by Marist in accordance with federal regulations and may vary from student to student.

Estimated Cost of Attendance 
Credits Weekend Format ($495 per credit) Evening Format ($900 per credit)
Estimated Billable Expenses*
Tuition $11,880 $21,600
Estimated Non-Billable Expenses
Housing** $18,400 $18,400
Food $9,900 $9,900
Books and Supplies $1,225 $1,225
Transportation $2,250 $2,250
Miscellaneous/Personal $1,535 $1,535
Federal Loan Fees $100 $100
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance $45,290 $55,010

* An additional annual estimated Health Insurance Fee ($2,990) will be assessed for students who require Marist’s comprehensive health insurance plan. To opt-in or opt-out if you are already covered under an insurance plan, please visit http://www.haylor.com/marist-university. Please note that all international students must enroll in the health insurance plan.  

** The Housing and Food expenses assume that the student will live off-campus.