ABA Approved Paralegal Studies
UCSD Division of Extended Studies · La Jolla, CA
- Cost
- $8,870
- Length
- 45 weeks
- Working 6 months later
- 13%
Program names, program descriptions and occupation titles appear here in English, because that is the only language the federal and state records publish them in. Everything else on this page is translated.
What happened to people who took this
- People enrolled
- 378
- Finished the program
- 100%Based on 271 peopleTypical California program: 85% of 1,951 reportingThat median pools every California program that reported this measure, whatever its length, credential, or field, and leaves out the ones that reported nothing. It is a reference point, not a rating of this program.
- Working 6 months later
- 13%Typical California program: 69% of 1,690 reportingThat median pools every California program that reported this measure, whatever its length, credential, or field, and leaves out the ones that reported nothing. It is a reference point, not a rating of this program.
- Earnings in one quarter after
- $16,058A single quarter of earnings, roughly three months, not a yearly salary. Do not compare it directly with the yearly pay shown for the occupation.Typical California program: $10,900 of 1,339 reportingThat median pools every California program that reported this measure, whatever its length, credential, or field, and leaves out the ones that reported nothing. It is a reference point, not a rating of this program.
The job this trains for
This describes the jobs people do, not the classes this program teaches. It comes from the U.S. Department of Labor, which asks people already doing the work. The Department publishes it in English only, so the job names and the sentences below stay in English on this page.
No regional figures for this program's city
La Jolla is not one of the metropolitan or rural areas California names when it publishes wages and openings. A neighbouring area's figures would look exactly like a correct answer, so none are shown and the statewide figures stand alone. About half of California's programs are in this position.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Job ads may call this: Paralegal · Legal Clerk · Law Associate · Legal Analyst
Some of what people in this job do. The Department rates how important each one is, and they appear in that order.
- Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system.
- Prepare, edit, or review legal documents, including legislation, briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements.
- Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records and internet sources, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
- Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
- Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of cases.
- Typical pay in California
- $79,556per year
- Projected openings
- 52,900
- Projected change
- +6%
- Usually needs
- Associate's degree
Getting in
- Experience needed first
- None
- Training after you are hired
- None
No earlier job experience is expected, and new hires are not put through a long training period. For work like this, a program is usually the way in.
These are the federal government's answers for the occupation, not rules this provider sets. California publishes the same two answers for every one of these jobs.
What people in this job actually studied
Most common: Four-year degree — 37% of the people doing this work.
California says this job usually needs: Associate's degree. 34% of the people doing it went less far than that.
- No high school diploma
- 1%
- High school diploma
- 12%
- Started college, no degree
- 21%
- Two-year degree
- 18%
- Four-year degree
- 37%
- Master's degree
- 7%
- Doctorate or professional degree
- 3%
This counts people already doing this job, across the whole United States. Every other figure on this page is California's, and the federal government publishes no state version of this one. It is what people happen to have, not a rule about who gets hired. A small row does not mean you would be turned away, and a large one is not a promise of a job.
Program details
This is a hybrid or blended program providing both in-person and online instruction.
Today, paralegals are in demand not only in law offices but also in a wide variety of organizations, including consumer groups, corporations, courts, government agencies, health care facilities, insurance companies, and real estate brokerages. UC San Diego Extended Studies' ABA-Approved Paralegal Program combines practical skills with legal theory and analysis, providing students with a balanced perspective and insight into the tasks paralegals perform.The part-time program allows participants to study for a new career without disrupting their current work schedules. With daytime, evening and online* course options, students can choose a schedule that fits their availability. The part-time program also gives students the flexibility to pay for each course individually with an enroll as you go format.Admission Requirements: Associates Degree or equivalent general educations units requiredOfficial degree conferred transcripts of college workThree letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with the applicant's academic and/or professional background. Please review the Conditions for Admission tab for additional requirements.*Degrees completed outside of the United States may have an additional English language proficiency requirement. In order to be considered for admission to the Paralegal Studies Program, the following is required:payment of the non-refundable $50 application fee, submission of application for candidacy, three letters of recommendation, official degree conferred transcripts and payment of the $125 certificate fee.Program Acceptance will not be granted without the above requirements completed.For more information, please visit the program website at extendedstudies.ucsd.edu/paralegal.
Someone else may be able to pay for this
This program was on California's Eligible Training Provider List when the state last reported it to the U.S. Department of Labor (2026-08-04). Programs on that list can be paid for through an Individual Training Account. Listings are renewed periodically and can lapse, so a program listed when the state last reported may not be listed today. Ask before you rely on it.
The place to ask is an America's Job Center of California
Metro Career CenterAffiliate site
Phone: 619-319-9675 and 619-266-4253
4389 Imperial AvenueSan Diego, CA 92113about 14.3 miles away
Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Has a veterans' representative
East County Career CenterAffiliate site
Phone: 619-319-9675
151 Van Houten AvePCGEl Cajon, CA 92020about 16.4 miles away
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am- 5:00pm
South Bay Career CenterComprehensive center
Phone: 619-319-9675
333 H StreetSouth Bay Career Bldg. Suite 1055Chula Vista, CA 91910about 19.1 miles away
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5 :00p.m.
Distances are straight-line, so the drive is longer. Call before you travel: opening hours here are as the federal directory published them, and the state notes its own staff are not present at every location.
Find a center anywhere in California, and check what is on the list today:
CareerOneStop — American Job Center Finder (U.S. DOL) · California EDD — Office Locator · California EDD — Eligible Training Provider List
How this gets paid for, and what to ask →
Whether a person can have a program paid for is decided by their local workforce development board and the America's Job Center staff who interview them — not by this site, and not by the training provider. California has 45 local workforce development areas and each sets its own policies, so the answer can differ between two people in neighboring counties. Nothing here is a promise of funding or a determination of eligibility.
The rules cited here, and the state and federal sites linked to, are published in English.
How this site gets its figures, and what they do not tell you →