George Washington University - College of Professional Studies
Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies
Alexandria, USA
MLS
DURATION
14 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning, On-Campus
* in-person and online program
Key Summary
As Washington D.C.’s only academic-credit bearing paralegal studies program, the master’s degree in Paralegal Studies is more than a powerful credential: it’s a signal to the best employers that you withstood the academic rigor of one of the nation’s best paralegal programs.
You’ll study with the nation’s leading experts and get the critical knowledge and skills you need to enter legal, corporate, healthcare, or government practice with confidence and acumen. Paralegals perform substantive legal work, but may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.
The master’s degree can make you eligible for salary increases, promotions, and enable you to reach a higher GS level. And as a credit-bearing program, you can qualify for military benefits and federal financial aid.
Program at a Glance
- Flexible
The program is geared towards working professionals and other nontraditional students. Evening classes and online options help you manage your life’s multiple priorities.
- Powerful
This academic credit-bearing credential has been named among the best in the nation and will boost your professional profile in tangible ways.
- Connected
With alumni across the country, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Italy, China, Japan, England and Taiwan, you’ll join a global network of professionals.
Where You'll Study
You can study on campus at the Graduate Education Center in Alexandria, Virginia or online. Students in the online program must take nine semester credits of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction. This will be provided through live online class sessions.
What You'll Study
The 12 courses within the MPS in Paralegal Studies provide the perspective and understanding you need to succeed in the legal field. This program includes a total of 32 credits.
The MPS in Paralegal Studies with a Certificate in Healthcare Corporate Compliance provides a solid legal education and a graduate certificate in healthcare corporate compliance that is accredited by the Compliance Certification Board.
You will be required to take 10 courses, complete Independent Research, and a Practicum as part of the curriculum.
- PSLX 6210: American Jurisprudence
3 credits. This course introduces students to the foundations, theories, history and applications of the American legal system.
Participants examine local, state, and federal courts and sources of law and survey ethics and professionalism.
- PSLX 6211: Legal Research and Writing
3 credits. The legal research portion of this course introduces students to the methods, tools and rules of print and online legal research and writing, including online databases and the Bluebook.
In the legal writing portion of the course, students draft, edit, and present legal documents based upon their research, including memorandums, motions, and briefs.
- PSLX 6212: Litigation
3 credits. This course provides the professional skills that are essential to supporting litigation. Ethical considerations in litigation and using legal technology are woven throughout the course.
Students explore the art and science of litigation, which includes the elements of standard civil actions; how to use technology in litigation; and examine the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, criminal procedure, juvenile procedure, and administrative procedure.
- PSLX 6223: Contracts
3 credits. This foundational course examines contract elements and attendant legal ramifications; students engage in the deep analytical thinking and develop legal reasoning skills in evaluating issues arising from contract law and practice drafting and reviewing contracts.
- PSLX 6224: Advanced Legal Writing
3 credits. This course includes advanced legal writing techniques and drafting for practice, including legal writing in plain English; strategies for effective writing. Students draft legal memoranda, legal correspondence, and legal pleadings. Students will refine and advance legal analysis, writing and legal citation skills.
- PSLX 6225: Business Entities
3 credits. This course addresses business organizations and related business law topics including securities regulation, consumer protection, regulation and compliance.
- PSLX 6214: Administrative Law
3 credits. This course explores sources of law, administrative procedures, immigration law, trials and hearings, and ethical considerations.
- PSLX 6215: Government Contracts Law
3 credits. This course surveys how to create, administer, draft, change, and terminate government contracts and introduces students to the unique research materials and sources of government contract law.
- PSLX 6226: International Law
3 credits. This course introduces students to the rules and principles that govern relations among sovereign states, international organizations, the principles and sources of international law and the differences between international and national law, trade law and international litigation.
- PSLX 6227: Intellectual Property Law
3 credits. This course surveys the legal structure of trademarks, copyrights, and patents and the processes, supporting documentation, laws, and rules regarding prosecution and litigation.
- PSLX 6228 CA: California Law and Practice
3 credits. This course looks at an overview of the California government structure, court structure, rules of court, litigation support procedures and technology, and professional ethics.
- PSLX 6294: Independent Research
2 credits. This course is a capstone to the legal study that precedes it in this program. Students conduct independent research that provides significant new insight, formulate theses based upon the research, and present their results in 20- to 30-page papers and oral presentations.
- PSLX 6298: Practicum
Non-credit but required. Students work in a professional environment, using and applying the skills, knowledge and abilities they acquired in previous courses. Students engage in academic activities, including journaling, group discussions, and mock interviewing to ensure that they have an educationally significant experience that will prepare them to enter the legal field.
Explore Similar ProgramsSimilar Programs
