| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-04-15 | - |
| 2024-08-05 | - |
| 2024-08-12 | - |
Program Overview
Villanova's ABA-approved Paralegal Professional Certificate Program trains individuals in legal theory, ethics, and practical skills. Offered in full-time and part-time formats, the program emphasizes practical skills, ethics, and student success, preparing graduates for careers as paralegals in various legal settings.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
Villanova's Paralegal Professional Certificate Program is an ABA-approved program that has been educating paralegals for over 30 years. It is designed to train qualified individuals in the theory and philosophy of law, the ethics of legal practice, and the practical skills necessary to assist lawyers and executives in providing legal services.
Objectives:
- To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system and the role of paralegals within it.
- To develop students' legal research, writing, and communication skills.
- To prepare students for careers as paralegals in law firms, corporations, government agencies, and other legal settings.
Program Description:
The program is offered in both a full-time day (in-person) and part-time evening (online) format. The full-time program can be completed in one year, while the part-time program can be completed in two years. The curriculum includes courses in legal writing, legal research, contract law, family law, business organizations, ethics, and intellectual property law. Students also complete a capstone project that allows them to apply their skills to a real-world legal problem.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program covers a wide range of legal topics, including:
- Legal research and writing
- Contract law
- Family law
- Business organizations
- Ethics
- Intellectual property law
- Real estate law
- Torts and personal injury law
Program Structure:
The full-time program consists of 15 courses, while the part-time program consists of 16 courses. All courses are three credits each.
Course Schedule:
The full-time program is offered during the day, Monday through Friday. The part-time program is offered in the evening, one night per week.
Assessment:
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams
- Quizzes
- Papers
- Presentations
- Projects
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program is taught by a team of experienced lawyers and paralegals. They use a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Case studies
- Simulations
- Role-playing
Faculty:
The program's faculty includes:
- Jonathan Schiffman, JD: Professor Schiffman has been teaching in Villanova's Paralegal program for over 25 years and has served on the Villanova ABA Paralegal Advisory Board since 1985. He has extensive experience as a practicing attorney and has authored a book on criminal law.
- Teena M. Amador, Esq. : Professor Amador has been teaching at Villanova for three years. She is the Legal Counsel for LifeScan Global Corporation, where she oversees a variety of legal matters, including commercial, intellectual property, and employment matters.
- Matthew Carluzzo, JD: Professor Carluzzo is the Director of Villanova's Paralegal Program. He has helped students develop the specialized academic skills necessary to succeed in law school and in practice.
Unique Approaches:
The program has a number of unique features, including:
- A focus on practical skills: The program is designed to provide students with the skills they need to be successful in the workplace.
- A strong emphasis on ethics: The program emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior in the legal profession.
- A commitment to student success: The program's faculty and staff are committed to helping students succeed.
Careers:
Career Paths:
Graduates of the program are prepared for careers as paralegals in a variety of settings, including:
- Law firms
- Corporations
- Government agencies
- Non-profit organizations
Opportunities:
The program provides students with a number of opportunities to network with potential employers. The program also has a strong alumni network that can help graduates find jobs.
Outcomes:
Graduates of the program have a high success rate in finding employment as paralegals. Many graduates go on to successful careers in the legal profession.
Tuition $9,225 for online evening cohort ($615 per course) $8,625 for in-person daytime cohort ($575 per course) Books and parking are additional.
Villanova College Summary
Overview:
Villanova University is a private Augustinian Catholic university located in Pennsylvania. It is known for its personalized learning environment, where teachers and students collaborate in scholarly inquiry. The university emphasizes intellectual inspiration, moral grounding, and global perspectives, aiming to cultivate world changers who ignite positive change.
Services Offered:
Villanova offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Bachelor's:
Over 60 programs in liberal arts, business, engineering, nursing, and sciences.Master's:
Over 40 programs across various disciplines, including 5-year bachelor's/master's programs.Doctoral:
Distinctive programs in engineering, nursing, philosophy, and theology.Law:
JD and joint degrees offered in coordination with other schools and departments.Online:
Degree and certificate programs offered online, in-person, or hybrid depending on individual learning needs.Certificate:
A variety of undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate certificates, as well as non-credit professional programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Villanova provides a closely connected academic community with renowned faculty, rich resources, and a supportive learning environment. Students have access to exceptional opportunities for academic experiences, including hands-on research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and experiential learning.
The university also boasts a strong athletic tradition, with student-athletes excelling both academically and athletically. Villanova Athletics fosters a sense of community and pride within the "Nova Nation."
Key Reasons to Study There:
Personalized Learning:
Villanova emphasizes a close-knit community where teachers and students work together.Academic Excellence:
The university offers a wide range of programs with renowned faculty and resources.Global Perspective:
Villanova encourages students to develop a global mindset and engage in international experiences.Strong Athletics:
The university has a rich athletic tradition with a focus on academic and athletic success.Supportive Environment:
Villanova provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students to thrive.Academic Programs:
Villanova offers a diverse range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Liberal Arts:
A strong foundation in humanities, social sciences, and the arts.Business:
Programs in areas like finance, marketing, and management.Engineering:
Programs in fields like chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.Nursing:
Programs leading to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees.Sciences:
Programs in biology, chemistry, physics, and other scientific disciplines.Other:
- Villanova University is located on a 260-acre campus, 12 miles west of Philadelphia.
- The campus is conveniently located near major cities like Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, D.C.
- The university has a strong commitment to social justice and community engagement.
- Villanova has a high undergraduate placement rate of 98.9%.
- The university has a 98% NCAA graduation success rate.
- Villanova has been recognized by Forbes as a top college that dominates academically and athletically.
Entry Requirements:
- Official transcript(s) showing proof of Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
- Essay: Writing sample of career goals
- Resume or link to your LinkedIn page
International Admission:
In addition to the above requirements, international Paralegal Program applicants must also submit:
- TOEFL or IELTS for non-native English speakers
- Completed Certification of Finances form along with bank statement (dated no later than three months prior to the submission of your application) showing the ability to meet tuition and living expenses. If the bank statement is not in the applicant's name, then a letter of support must accompany the bank statement of the account holder stating he/she will financially support the application while he/she is attending Villanova.
