Paralegal Certificate (PAC)
2020-2021
Type: Career, Certificate (C1)
Special admissions requirement
Division: Career & Technical Education and Business
The certificate program provides career education, professional skills and a credential for students with either an associate's or baccalaureate degree. Students with an associate's degree must meet the general education requirements set by the American Bar Association. This certificate program can be completed in a year: September to August. This program is approved by the American Bar Association.
If you have questions related to program admissions or applications, please contact
info@northshore.edu or call 978-762-4188
If you have advising related questions, please contact paralegal@northshore.edu or call 781-477-2215.
First Year
Fall
| CPS100 | Information Technology and Its Applications | 3 |
| PLG101 | Introduction to Law and Paralegal Practice | 3 |
| PLG102 | Legal Research | 3 |
| PLG202 | Litigation | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Spring
| PLG106 | Legal Writing | 3 |
PLG-ELECTIVE
| Paralegal Certificate Directed Elective | 9 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Summer 1
| PLG205 | Computer Applications for the Law Office | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Requirement Notes
CPS100: May be fulfilled by challenge exam and 3 liberal arts elective credits
PLG-Elective: Paralegal Certificate Directed Elective: PLG104, PLG108, PLG201, PLG203, PLG204, AND PLG206
Program Information
Communication and Mathematics proficiency required to graduate.
See guided pathway sheets for advising information specific to your area of focus.
Total Credit Hours: 27
Program Student Learner Outcomes
- Demonstrate ability to think critically, reason abstractly, use oral and written language effectively
- Display knowledge of legal theory, practice, and ethics
- Develop the organizational and interpersonal skills necessary to work as part of a legal team
- Demonstrate computer literacy
Occupational Skills Required
- Using computers and computer systems
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Interpersonal communication
- Critical thinking
Experiential Learning Optional in Program
Most Common Linked Occupation Title – Associate’s or Less
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Average Annual Growth (10-Year Projection)
- US - 1.40%
- Boston MSA – 1.40%
- Essex County – 1.20%
- Boston MSA Average Entry-Level Wages (2016) – $34,700
- Boston MSA Median Wages (2016) – $53,300