California State University, Los Angeles

 California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) offers an American Bar Association (ABA)-approved Paralegal Studies Certificate Program through its Downtown LA campus. This program is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for a successful career as a paralegal or legal assistant. The curriculum encompasses various areas of law, including civil procedure, contracts, legal research and writing, and ethics. Courses are scheduled in the evenings, Monday through Thursday, from 6:30 to 9:15 p.m., catering to working professionals. The program can typically be completed within two to three semesters by enrolling in two to three courses per term. Each course is priced at $900, totaling $5,400 for all six required courses. While federal financial aid is not available, students may explore private loan options. Prospective participants must hold a baccalaureate or associate degree from an accredited institution; those without a degree need to have completed a minimum of 42 semester units with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. For more information, contact Cal State LA at 323-343-4900 or visit their official website.