Trimester I *	Trimester II	Trimester III
Introduction to The Legal System Legal Writing Legal Research Civil Procedures Cost: $2,000 Spring Term: 1/4/10 - 4/23/10 Deadline: 12/18/09 ** Location: Completely Online	Torts Criminal Law/Evidence Family Law Estates and Trusts Cost: $2,000 Spring Term: 1/4/10 - 4/23/10 Deadline: 12/18/09 ** Location: Completely Online	Business Organizations Contracts Real Estate Law Specialty Topics Cost: $2,000 Spring Term: 1/4/10 - 4/23/10 Deadline: 12/18/09 ** Location: Completely Online
*  Trimester I core courses are required to continue through the program. ** The deadline date is the application, registration, and payment deadline. While applications / registrations may be considered after the deadline date, it is not recommended. If applying after 12/18/09, please contact the LSI office.
What students need to know before registering: The program consists of three trimesters. Each trimester consists of four individual courses. Each individual course is approximately one month in duration and must be completed before beginning the next course in the trimester. Students must register and pass the Core Courses (Trimester I) prior to registering for the next trimester. Students must register by the beginning of every trimester in order to receive a password for the following trimester. Each trimester primarily focuses on federal procedures and forms enabling students to apply the information on a national level. Students may register online. Financial Aid (Stafford Loan) is also available to qualified students. Students will be expected to have moderate proficiency on a PC, be skilled in running an Internet Browser, and be able to use Microsoft Office. You may begin the program at any time during Fall, Spring, or Summer. The one-time payment of $25 for the application fee is non-refundable. The $25 application fee will be waived for FIU's active students, alumni, faculty, and staff with proof. Refund Policy: A full tuition refund may be granted for a course after a written request has been submitted and only if requested on or before the first class chat. A 75% tuition refund may be granted for a course after a written request has been submitted and only if requested by the second class chat. Westlaw Password: All Paralegal students are required to obtain a Westlaw password to perform the research in their online classes. The price of the password is $195.00, and it is good for one calendar year from date of purchase. You will receive an email containing information to purchase the Westlaw password after being admitted to the program. This will allow for activation prior to commencing your courses. Paralegal students need to learn how to use computer legal research because this is increasingly becoming a necessity in the workplace. With Westlaw access you can ensure that you are off to the best possible start. For further assistance, please click here to contact the Legal Studies Institute.

About the program

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an online and an “in class” course?

The difference between the online course and the “in class” sessions is the pace of the instruction. In a traditional classroom, the instructor sets the pace and directs the class learning activities. Online, the student sets his or her own pace, and directs him or herself towards completing the course materials.

The online course reach the student, wherever s/he may be without time nor location constraints.  At the "in class courses" the student must always go to the traditional class at a fixed time and place.

Which is better for me, the “online” or the “in class” course?

Every student needs to answer this question for him or herself and it really depends on several factors. Distance is, of course, the first consideration. If you are too far from the FIU campus, or if traveling to campus on a regular basis is not possible, then the online course is a better option. Another important consideration is your personality and your study habits/style. If you are a self-motivated person who accomplishes goals with little or no outside prodding or direction, then the online format is a better option. On the other hand, if you know you will not do the work unless you have tangible deadlines enforced by a teacher in the classroom, then the classroom environment will be key to your success in the program. The time you have available to dedicate to your studies is also an important consideration. Perhaps you work late hours, or an evening shift, and can’t attend classes scheduled on campus then you can still achieve your education goals by attending class online.

Moreover, if you take the online course, you will be saving driving and commuting time. This will give you extra time to spend on other activities with your family, your hobbies, or in studying for the class. In addition, the tuition for the online program is all-inclusive. There are no extra fees for books or materials, so this represents a savings for the student.

How is the Paralegal Online Certificate Program structured?

The Paralegal Online Certificate Program is three trimesters long. The three trimesters are offered simultaneously, in other words, regardless of which trimester you wish to start, we will be offering a trimester that term. The three trimesters can be completed within one calendar year. The trimesters are offered in the Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Each trimester consists of four units; each unit teaches one subject and is broken up into approximately four weeks of material. Upon completion of the unit the student must pass a final exam to continue to the next unit.

When a trimester is completed, the student must enroll for the following trimester in order to receive a password to access that trimester online.

What is the basis for the Paralegal Online Certificate Program’s curriculum?

Like the "on-campus" Paralegal Program, the online program's curriculum is based on National Association of Legal Assistants and American Association for Paralegal Education curricula for paralegal education courses. As members of the American Association for Paralegal Education, our Program is in compliance with its course guidelines. This ensures that our students are receiving an education on par with that of any paralegal program in the United States.

The online program covers Introduction to Paralegalism, Basics of the Legal System, Civil Procedure, Legal Research and Legal Writing. In addition, the program covers seven other legal education subjects and four specialty seminars.

What are the requirements for enrolling in the Paralegal Online Certificate Program?

Prospective students must complete an online application form and submit it along with two letters of character reference, a resume, and the appropriate fees to the office of the Legal Studies Institute.

Upon receipt of your documentation, you will receive an e-mail confirming admission into the program, followed by additional e-mails providing a registration form, your password and access information, and course schedule.

If I am an attorney from a foreign country, what would be the advantages of taking the Paralegal Online Certificate Program?

For an attorney practicing in a foreign country there are several advantages to completing the Program. The first advantage is that you can study from the comfort of your own home or office. Additionally, you can use this Program as a means to familiarize yourself with the terminology, theory and practical applications of the United States legal system and jurisprudence.

If you are considering expanding your practice to serve clients from the United States, this Program will expose you to legal terminology in this country. If you are considering emigrating to the United States, this may be an initial step towards obtaining your credentials to practice law in the United States.

How long are the Paralegal Online Certificate Program classes?

Each class is called a “unit.” The unit is designed to be completed within one month. However, the student can spend as much time as necessary to complete the unit. The student must complete all the work in the trimester by the end of that trimester.

How long will it take to complete the Paralegal Online Certificate Program and receive my certificate?

The entire Program can be completed in one calendar year. Once all three trimesters are completed you will receive your certificate. Some students do not choose to do the three trimesters in a row. This will extend the period it takes to earn your certificate. As with many online programs, the individual student decides how quickly or how slowly he or she can finish the Program.

Who are the instructors for the Paralegal Online Certificate Program?

There are currently two instructors for the Paralegal Online Certificate Program. The two instructors are Mercedes M. Prieto, who designed the program, and Judge Jose M. Rodriguez, who has been teaching the Online Program since its inception. You will remain with the same instructor throughout the three trimesters.

What is the grading system for the Paralegal Online Certificate Program?

The Online Program is graded on a pass/fail basis. Pursuant to the student handbook, a passing grade is a “C” (70-79%) or above. You can, if you prefer, request that a letter grade be given for your coursework. You must ask the individual instructor to give you letter grades at the beginning of your first trimester.

Am I given credit for the Paralegal Online Certificate Program?

The Online Certificate Program is a non-credit professional program. Students will not earn regular college credits towards a degree.

Can I take some courses online  and some courses in the classroom?

The only way you can take courses online is to enroll for an entire trimester. Partial enrollments are not permitted.

What materials do I need to complete the Paralegal Online Certificate Program?

The reading materials required to complete the Program will be available online, from the course text, and from other websites to which you will be directed. Occasionally an instructor may recommend additional reading material. These materials can be purchased on any commercial website and in many bookstores.

How do I communicate with my instructors in the Paralegal Online Certificate Program?

You will communicate with instructors in several ways. First, there is an e-mail on your course’s webpage. This ensures that your e-mails go directly to the instructor. This eliminates the possibility of an e-mail being lost in cyberspace or in another system. You will  also communicate with your instructor in the discussion and chat rooms. The times for these meetings will be set by the instructor. Additionally, some instructors will provide students with a phone number where the instructor can be reached in case of an emergency.

In many ways you will have more contact with your instructor in an online course than in a traditional classroom class. This is because online you must interact with the instructor in order to complete course requirements, therefore, you will be “speaking” directly with the instructor practically on a weekly basis. This isn’t necessarily so in a traditional classroom.

Will I have any contact with my fellow students?

Yes! As part of the online course experience you will be e-mailing, online chatting and participating in discussions with your fellow students for the entire Program. You will be exchanging views and ideas with your classmates in a variety of formats. Some of the discussion will be moderated by the instructors. At some points, the instructors will expect you to interact with your classmates without supervision. Please note that all of this activity will take place on the same website and will be secure.

How do I submit my work in the Paralegal Online Certificate Program?

How the work is submitted depends on the particular assignment and the instructor. Some instructors prefer that   assignments be e-mailed. Others will provide you with an area on the course page where you can do your work. Exams will also be done online through the course webpage.

What are the financial aid options available to me?

Financial Aid is available only in the form of a “Stafford Loan.” Students may contact the Office of Financial Aid at (305) 348-7272 for further information.

When is the best time to start the course?

Right now! Because our Program only spans one calendar year, the sooner you start the sooner you will complete your studies and receive your Certificate! Trimester one is offered each term so you never have to wait to begin your coursework.