About the Paralegal Program
Focus
The primary goal of the Paralegal Program at Oakland University is to introduce students to the study of law with emphasis on real-world applications and legal procedures. Classes are taught by attorneys, judges and qualified professionals who understand the role of the paralegal in modern legal practice.
Course of Study
Oakland's 14-course Paralegal Program consists of: 10 core courses (required of all students); three legal specialty courses (selected according to interest); and the final course which includes a field studies element of supervised internship. Students may choose to specialize in litigation, business or estate administration.
Program Calendar
Evening and Saturday courses are offered in three 12-week terms beginning in September, January and April. Full-time students can complete the program in approximately one year with a fall start date. Part-time students may take up to six years to complete the program.
ABA Approved
Oakland University's Paralegal Program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) through its Standing Committee on Legal Assistants. This committee is charged with fostering excellence in paralegal educational programs by requiring adherence to a defined set of guidelines. ABA guidelines focus on admission standards, student services, educational programming, faculty, library and administrative procedures. One of the first established in Michigan, Oakland University's Paralegal Program has maintained the ABA endorsement since its initial recognition in 1976.
Admission Requirements
To earn the paralegal certificate, students must be admitted to the program. To be admitted, students must:
- Complete an online Program Application Form.
- Have certified transcripts sent from an accredited higher education institution, college or university showing satisfactory completion of a minimum of 45 semester hours or 60 quarter hours. Eighteen of those hours must represent a broad general education. A limited number of individuals without college credit, but with substantial work experience in a legal setting, can be admitted. Students without 45 college credits who are looking to attend should submit a letter requesting admission and describing their work experience. This letter should be accompanied by an employer's letter of recommendation verifying the work experience.
- Submit a one-page, typed autobiography
Students who are not admitted to the program may register and take up to two semesters of courses not totaling more than a maximum of five courses. All application requirements are due before the end of a students second semester.
Professional Development
Many working professionals choose to take paralegal courses for individual professional development, and to update and increase their own knowledge base, employment skills, and overall marketability. Legal, finance, or business professionals may benefit from taking paralegal courses for professional development without applying to the paralegal certificate course plan. Paralegals who are already certified through OU or elsewhere may also take courses without completing entire certificate program requirements. Please meet with an advisor to discuss your options.
Internship
A flexible 80-hour internship in a legal setting concludes the Paralegal Program. Internships are designed to give students exposure to the real world of legal practice. Students already employed in a legal setting can use the internship to explore new areas of law or legal procedure. Ongoing internship opportunities are available with the following companies:
- General Motors at the Renaissance Center
- Oakland County Circuit Courthouse
- Entertainment Corporation in Troy
Completing the Program
The paralegal certificate is awarded to students who have been admitted to the program, earned 34 Continuing Education Units (CEU) including 10 core courses and three legal specialty courses with a grade of 2.0 or better, and satisfied the internship and computer competency requirements. Students who concentrate their studies in one area of law may, in addition, earn a Specialty Certificate.
Free Job Referral Service
The Paralegal Program maintains an ongoing, customized job referral service for graduates and students.
A Comment From One of Our Graduates
"... I would like to take the opportunity to thank the university, and your department, for this area of study. It is a wonderful program in which I learned and continue to learn. The big surprise was the degree of difficulty. I assumed it was going to be easy with a minimum amount of work. I could not have been more wrong, of which I am grateful. In addition to completing the courses, my reasoning and writing skills have certainly improved, which may be the greatest assets I can take to a prospective employer. I will continue to take courses after receiving my certificate as I am assured that the program is of the highest quality. Thank you."