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How to Apply

Currently accepting applications Next program starts: Winter 2009 Program location: Online Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>

• Admission Requirements
• Technology Requirements
• English Competency
• Earning the Certificate
• Application Process
• Fees and Tuition

If you are familiar with the program and application process, you can go directly to the application form.

Admission Requirements

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year institution.
2. Relevant transferable skills, including, but not limited to, the ability to work independently, project management skills, objectivity and conscientious attention to details.

Technology Requirements

Participants must have access to a computer to complete assignments. Minimum requirements:

• Internet Explorer version 5.0 or higher, Mozilla 1.0, version 6.2 of Netscape Navigator, or an equivalent browser.
• A modem speed of 56K (for dial-up connections) or a broadband connection (DSL or cable).
• A CD-ROM drive plus Real Player, Windows Media Player, or similar software.

English Competency

All paralegal students are expected to be able to read and write English at an upper-division undergraduate level. The paralegal field not only requires that students be able to understand English delivered at a rapid pace, but also to learn the special jargon that is key to legal work. The program does not state a minimum TOEFL level for admission, however a suggested level is 540 (207 in the computerized version).

People for whom English is a second language should be confident of their ability in English before registering for the online Paralegal Studies Certificate Program. Special help is not available through the program, and refunds are not given to enrolled students who find that their ability in English is not sufficient.

All applicants are asked to submit application materials that are entirely their own work, unedited by others. These materials will be considered as evidence of competence in written English during the admissions process.

Earning the Certificate

Participants are evaluated in each course or module on the basis of standards established by the instructors and advisory board. At the end of each course, participants are notified of successful or unsuccessful completion. Because courses are arranged sequentially, participants need to successfully complete classes in the previous term before they advance to the next term.

When the required courses are completed in this noncredit program, participants earn a certificate, which is presented at the annual UW Extension awards ceremony.

Application Process

The 2009 winter-start program begins in January 2009. Applications are now being accepted and will be reviewed in the order they are received starting October 8 through December 3, 2008. After December 3, 2008, you are encouraged to call 206-685-8936 or e-mail us to learn if a program is still accepting applications.

To Apply: Please submit one copy of the application form with a $50 certificate program fee* and two stapled application sets, which include the following clearly labeled documents:

1. A typed (250-word maximum) letter of application which demonstrates good written communication skills and describes your interest in and expectations for the certificate program
2. Your résumé listing education and applicable experience
3. Your college transcript from the institution, including the UW, which awarded your highest or most pertinent degree. Unofficial transcripts, including photocopies, are acceptable

Application Review: Applications are evaluated by a review committee designated by the advisory board. Selection of program participants is based on admission requirements. Applicants receive written notification of their acceptance or non-acceptance within two weeks after their application is received.

Enrollment: Applicants accepted to the program receive enrollment information for the first-term course and are encouraged to make their fall tuition payment early. Enrollment in the program is on a first-come, first-served basis, upon receipt of the first-term tuition payment.

Waitlist: Some programs maintain a waitlist for applicants accepted after the program has reached enrollment capacity. If space becomes available, waitlisted applicants will be notified and given an opportunity to enroll. If space does not become available, waitlisted applicants will be offered a space in the next program offering.

* The certificate program fee is not refundable and does not guarantee admission to, or enrollment in, the program.

Fees and Tuition

Tuition is payable on a term-by-term basis. Tuition for the entire program is $4,615 excluding certificate program and registration fees and textbooks. There is a $50 nonrefundable certificate program fee to apply to this program and a $35 nonrefundable registration fee each term. First-term tuition of $1,538, plus the $35 nonrefundable registration fee, is due two weeks before the start of the first course. The University's tuition exemption policy does not apply to this program. Fees and tuition are subject to change.

Information on registration and refund policies and procedures is included with registration materials.