Georgia Paralegal Certificates at KSU
Have Questions?
Complete the form below and our team will reach out.
Course Overview
Kennesaw State University's Paralegal Certificate adheres to the highest professional curriculum and prepares you to work in law offices, banks, government agencies, corporations, and real estate firms. All courses are grounded in Georgia law and taught by practicing legal professionals.
The program consists of 13 required courses (12 for Online Asynchronous students). Complete all required courses within 36 months and earn a KSU Paralegal Certificate along with a digital badge for every course completed along the way.
Upcoming Classes
Civil Litigation I
The first course of a two-part litigation series. You will learn the fundamentals of civil and criminal litigation, initiation of lawsuits, how to draft a complaint, courts and jurisdiction, discovery, calendars, docket checks and depositions.
View classLegal Research and Writing I
The first class in a two-part legal research and writing series. You will develop research skills and the ability to write legal documents. The focus is on techniques, methods and legal terminology.
View classReal estate Law
Principles of real estate law are covered, including terminology, documents, types of estate ownership, mortgages, real estate closings, title searches and courthouse records.
View classTort Law
Tort law includes automobile accidents, product liability, premises liability, professional malpractice, trespass, nuisance, defamation, negligence, strict liability, invasion of privacy and various factors that affect the right of a plaintiff to bring suit against a defendant.
View classHow Each Format Works
| In-Person & Online Live | Online Asynchronous | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Live, instructor-led courses held in-person or online at a set time | Self-paced course material, no live sessions required |
| Schedule | Class meets at a specific day and time each week | Set start and end date with approximately 90 days of access to complete coursework |
| Pacing | Follows the published class schedule | Learner sets the pace within the access window |
| Attendance | Attendance required at scheduled class times | No required log in times |
| Instructor Access | Live instructor interaction during class sessions | Instructor available to answer questions and give assignment feedback |
| Course Material | Specialized course material developed by subject matter experts in the legal field | Specialized course material developed by subject matter experts in the legal field |
| Technical Requirements | Working knowledge of computers, Windows PC, Microsoft Office, personal email, and internet access required. Basic Microsoft Excel and Word knowledge recommended | Working knowledge of computers, Windows PC, Microsoft Office, personal email, and internet access required. Basic Microsoft Excel and Word knowledge recommended |
| Textbooks | Textbooks required | Textbooks required |
| All formats: instructor support · KSU digital badge per course · same Paralegal Certificate upon completion within 36 months | ||
Key Benefits
Taught by Legal Professionals
Every course is led by a practicing attorney or paralegal who brings real-world Georgia legal experience to every lesson.
Three Flexible Formats
Choose weekly classroom sessions, online live classes, or fully self-paced asynchronous access — whatever fits your life.
KSU Digital Badges
Earn a verifiable KSU digital badge for every course you complete — shareable on LinkedIn, resumes, and portfolios.
Financial Assistance Available
WIOA funding and early enrollment discounts may be available. WIOA is accepted for in-person classes but is not accepted for the asynchronous online classes. A Sallie Mae Education loan may be right for you. Explore your Financial Assistance options and contact us to learn more.
Study From Anywhere
Online live and asynchronous formats let you access your courses from anywhere in the world.
Established Since 1985
With 40+ years of graduates, KSU CPE's Paralegal Certificate is recognized by Georgia law firms and legal employers.
How to Enroll
-
1
Choose an entry course.
Consider starting with Overview of the Law, Contracts and Business Associations, or Tort Law for a solid foundation. Overview of the Law is held asynchronously every quarter for your convenience.
-
2
Pick your format.
Decide between in-person, online live, or online asynchronous based on your schedule and learning style.
-
3
Register or speak with an advisor.
Select "Explore Our Courses" to enroll online or complete the form to connect with an enrollment advisor.
-
4
Earn KSU digital badges
Display each course you complete along your journey.
-
5
Complete all required courses
Finish within 36 months to receive your Paralegal Certificate, plus access to advising, resume review, and job search resources.
Speak With an Enrollment Advisor Today
We'll get back to you within one business day.
Required Courses
Complete all required courses within 36 months to earn your Paralegal Certificate. Most courses are $299; see price exceptions noted. Click any course to view schedule details by format.
-
An examination of relief available for individuals and businesses under the Bankruptcy Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA) is the basis of this course. The rights and duties of debtors and creditors are presented. Special emphasis is placed on the responsibilities of the paralegal in interviewing the client and preparing documents to be filed.
Online AsyncSee OfferingStart Date: Oct 5, 2026
Access Window: ~90 days
Self-paced · No set meeting time
-
The first course of a two-part litigation series. You will learn the fundamentals of civil and criminal litigation, initiation of lawsuits, how to draft a complaint, courts and jurisdiction, discovery, calendars, docket checks and depositions.
Online AsyncSee OfferingStart Date: Oct 5, 2026
Access Window: ~90 days
Self-paced · No set meeting time
-
The second course in the two-part litigation series. You will learn how to assist counsel to prepare for litigation, including producing and organizing documents, interrogatories and pleadings, file summaries, and chronologies. Prerequisite: Civil Litigation I
Online AsyncSee OfferingStart Date: Jan 4, 2027
Access Window: ~90 days
Self-paced · No set meeting time
-
Legal concepts, principles, and procedures behind contracts and corporations. Emphasis on interpretation, modification, and assignment of contracts, with instruction on breach, remedies, and damages. Includes incorporation procedures and regulations, business planning, structure and organization.
Online AsyncSee OfferingStart Date: July 5, 2026
Access Window: ~90 days
Self-paced · No set meeting time
-
An introduction to substantive and constitutional law that includes search and seizure, arrest, confessions, citizens' rights, court functions, admissible evidence and investigative techniques. Emphasis is placed on the practical uses in assisting defense attorneys including procedural issues for arrest warrants, probable cause hearings, grand juries and trial issues.
Online AsyncSee OfferingStart Date: July 5, 2026
Access Window: ~90 days
Self-paced · No set meeting time
-
Learn basic concepts and general procedures governing estates, trusts and wills. Instruction also covers federal estate and gift taxes, estate planning, administration and probate.
Online AsyncSee OfferingStart Date: Jan 4, 2027
Access Window: ~90 days
Self-paced · No set meeting time
-
Learn the practical and procedural aspects of family law practice. Includes matrimonial law, divorce, alimony, child custody, adoption, paternity, abortion, and family violence.
Online AsyncSee OfferingStart Date: Oct 5, 2026
Access Window: ~90 days
Self-paced · No set meeting time
-
Develop essential skills you will utilize throughout your legal career, including the parameters, policies, and the different types of programs you will be using as a paralegal. Focus on the nuts and bolts of a law office and the various legal management areas including legal fees, timekeeping, billing and financial management, ethics and professional responsibility. You will also be introduced to Microsoft Office Suite, document assembly software, trial presentation software and online legal research engines.
Online AsyncSee OfferingStart Date: April 5, 2027
Access Window: ~90 days
Self-paced · No set meeting time
-
The first class in a two-part legal research and writing series. You will develop research skills and the ability to write legal documents. The focus is on techniques, methods and legal terminology.
-
The second course in the two-part legal research and writing series. You will develop research skills and the ability to write legal documents. The focus is on techniques, methods and legal terminology. Prerequisite for this course: Legal Research and Writing I.
-
In the Online Asynchronous format, Legal Research and Writing I and II are offered as a single combined course. You will develop research skills and the ability to write legal documents, covering both foundational techniques and advanced written legal arguments.
Online AsyncSee OfferingStart Date: Jan 4, 2027
Access Window: ~90 days
Self-paced · No set meeting time
-
Learn the principles of substantive and procedural law, and review functions of the judicial system, legislature, administrative agencies, law firms, and legal departments in other firms. An emphasis is given to the role of the paralegal, including history and development of the profession, job responsibilities, prospects, ethics and personal characteristics for success.
Online AsyncSee OfferingStart Date: Oct 5, 2026
Access Window: ~90 days
Self-paced · No set meeting time
-
Principles of real estate law are covered, including terminology, documents, types of estate ownership, mortgages, real estate closings, title searches and courthouse records. You will understand the basic concepts and terms of real estate law; examine a title and prepare a title report; become familiar with the documents required in residential and commercial real estate closings.
Online AsyncSee OfferingStart Date: April 5, 2027
Access Window: ~90 days
Self-paced · No set meeting time
-
This course deals with the law of torts - civil wrongs - and the claims and defenses available to the parties. Tort law includes automobile accidents, product liability, premises liability, professional malpractice, trespass, nuisance, defamation, negligence, strict liability, invasion of privacy and various factors that affect the right of a plaintiff to bring suit against a defendant. In this course students will learn the fundamentals of tort law including how to identify a tort and how tort claims are filed, investigated, pursued and defended.
Online AsyncSee OfferingStart Date: April 5, 2027
Access Window: ~90 days
Self-paced · No set meeting time
Note on Legal Research and Writing: In-Person and Online Live students complete Legal Research and Writing I and II as two separate courses (13 courses total). Online Asynchronous students take them as a single combined course (12 courses total). All paths lead to the same Paralegal Certificate.
Career Outcomes in Georgia
KSU's Paralegal Certificate prepares you for steady demand and strong earning potential in Georgia's legal field.
- The median annual salary for paralegals in Georgia is $62,400, with paralegals in the Metro Atlanta area earning a median of about $64,080.
- The Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Roswell metro area ranks seventh in the nation for paralegal employment.
- Georgia employs over 14,000 paralegals statewide, with opportunities in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies.
- Build in-demand skills in legal research, civil litigation, contract law, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Classes will start on the first Monday of January, April, July, and October and end the first Sunday of the following April, July, October, and January. This gives students approximately 90 days to complete their classes each quarter for the next two years.
NOTE: No class work assignments, quizzes, discussion board or exams will be given an exception to the due date because of the length of time student has to complete asynchronous classes. There are no exceptions.
Classes start in July: “Overview of the Law”, “Criminal Law”, “Contracts and Business Assoc.”
Classes start in October: “Overview of the Law”, “Family Law”, “Bankruptcy”, “Civil Litigation I”, and "Collection Law”
Classes start in January: “Overview of the Law”, “Legal Research Writing I and II”, “Estate Planning and Probate” and “Civil Litigation II”
Classes start in April: “Overview of the Law”, “Law Office Management and Tech.”, “Real Estate Law” and “Tort Law”
NOTE: Legal Research and Writing I and Legal Research and Writing II must be taken together for asynchronous. If students have already completed Legal Research and Writing I in the synchronous classes, the options are to take Legal Research and Writing II synchronously or to retake Legal Research and Writing I and Legal Research and Writing II in the asynchronous classes. There are no exceptions.
From Our Students
“While working as a Legal Assistant, I wanted to advance my career opportunities by becoming a Paralegal. A quick Google search led me to KSU's online paralegal program that offered the flexibility I needed. The curriculum is only 13 courses, at a reasonable price. There are opportunities to save money by registering early.”
“KSU's e-learning platform, Moodle, was easy to use. Each course was taught by an experienced attorney (or paralegal) who shared his/her professional experiences to reinforce what was being taught in the class.”
“KSU's administrative staff was quick to resolve any issues I had and they were always polite and professional.”
“I highly recommend the KSU online paralegal certification program, especially if you want to open the door to more career opportunities!”
Wendy Johnson, ’25 KSU CPE Paralegal Certificate Graduate
Ready to Level Up Your Career?
Tell us your goals — we'll recommend the best Paralegal course path for you.
Talk to an Enrollment Advisor
We'll get back to you within one business day.
Helpful Resources
Articles, guides, and insights related to this program area.
Is a Paralegal Career Right for You? 5 Signs You’d Thrive in the Legal Field
Find out if a paralegal career is right for you. From problem-solving skills to a passion for the law, these five traits reveal whether this rewarding, high-demand profession fits your goals—and how KSU CPE can help you get started.
Unlocking Your Legal Career: The Benefits of the KSU CPE Paralegal Certificate Program
Take the next step toward a rewarding legal career. KSU’s Paralegal Certificate Program delivers a comprehensive curriculum, expert-led instruction, and networking opportunities to help you stand out in today’s competitive legal job market.
Graduate Spotlight: Legal Assistant Advances Career with Paralegal Certificate
Discover how KSU’s Paralegal Certificate helped alumna Danielle Cortolano advance from a legal assistant to a pre-closing specialist. Real-world instruction, Georgia-focused law courses, and career growth in just 12 months.