Certificate in Paralegal Studies
California State University, East Bay, University Extension · Hayward, CA
- Cost
- $8,350
- Length
- 48 weeks
- Working 6 months later
- 33%
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
- 412
- Finished the program
- 73%Based on 254 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
- 33%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
- $12,877A 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
Hayward 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 program provides online instruction, e-learning, or distance learning only.
The American Bar Association (ABA)-approved California State University, East Bay Certificate in Paralegal Studies qualifies aspiring paralegals for positions in the field, whether in law offices, corporations, government agencies, or other organizations. Earning a certificate is also an excellent option for existing paralegals who seek to differentiate themselves, increase their earning potential, and meet or exceed the educational requirements dictated by California law. San Francisco Bay Area legal professionals hold Cal State East Bay's Paralegal Certificate Program in high regard. Many graduates have become accomplished paralegals at some of the most prestigious law firms in the East Bay Area. Students who take advantage of our ABA-approved program enjoy maximum convenience and flexibility. Classes are held in the evenings year-round online. Students will also enjoy small class sizes, personal attention, job placement assistance, internship opportunities, and other benefits. Paralegals cannot provide legal advice, except as directed by an attorney, nor can they establish a client/business relationship or represent a client in court.
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
Eden Area AJCCComprehensive center
Phone: 510-670-5700; for resources and services
24100 Amador StreetGail Steele Multi-Service Center , 3rd FloorHayward, CA 94544about 3 miles away
Hours: Mon/Tues/Thurs 8:30am-5pm -Wed 8:30am-7pm-Fri 8:30am-12:30pm
America`s Job Center of California- FremontAffiliate site
Phone: 510-794-3669
39155 Liberty StreetFremont Family Resource Center ,Suite B200Fremont, CA 94538about 7.5 miles away
Hours: Mon - Fri 8 AM - 5 PM
Has a veterans' representative
Tri-Valley Career CenterAffiliate site
Phone: 925-416-5100
5860 Owens Drive3rd FloorPleasanton, CA 94588about 8.4 miles away
Hours: Walk-ins Welcome, Monday, Wednesday & Thursday: 9:00am - 5:30pm; Tuesdays: 10:30am - 5:30pm, Fridays: Closed
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 →