Paralegal Studies Online Training Program

Online Paralegal Degree Program at Campus, formerly MTI College

Online Paralegal Associate of Arts Degree program at Campus, formerly MTI College, equips California students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to enter a successful paralegal career. Approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), students will have the tools they need to find employment in a wide range of legal practice areas.

Paralegal Associate Degree of Arts Program at Campus in Sacramento, California

The Paralegal Associate of Arts Degree program at Campus prepares graduates for employment as paralegals for both the private and public sector, performing substantive and procedural behind-the-scenes legal work for legal departments and law firms.

With over 20 years of experience, our instructors train students to learn how to understand legal principles and how to apply those principles through:

• Analytical thinking.
• Critical thinking.
• Practical application of the substantive and procedural law.

For those Applicants who have previously completed an associate or baccalaureate degree or have completed 54 approved quarter units (36 semester units) in general education from an accredited institution, these Applicants will begin their Online Paralegal Degree Program in Year 2 of the Program.

Review our course and industry information to see if the Paralegal Associate of Arts Degree program at Campus is right for you. Fill out a Request Information form to get started today!

Students must complete a minimum of 9 semester credits, or the equivalent (13.5 quarter credits) of legal specialty courses in synchronous instruction.

Next Start Dates:

What Is a Paralegal?

The ABA defines a paralegal as:
“A paralegal is a person, qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.”

Why Choose Campus's Online Paralegal Degree Program?

The Online Paralegal Degree program is ABA approved and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The course faculty includes experienced lawyers, paralegals, and other legal field professionals.

The program is designed to sharpen the students' logical reasoning and analytical skills and equip them with the ability to apply legal principles to the facts presented to them. The Online Paralegal Degree program at MTI College achieves these goals through theoretical teaching methods and hands-on experience. This program provides a solid foundation in legal research and writing, litigation procedures, legal technology software, and other key legal topics.

Campus features Relativity Software in its Computer Technology course, along with basic e-Discovery tools. Successful paralegals are expected to be tech-savvy. The Relativity Academic Partner program gives paralegal students hands-on experience with modern e-Discovery technology, allowing them to develop the skills needed to stand out for future employers. Campus is a unique California paralegal program that features Relativity software in its paralegal program.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to do the following:

• Serve as ethical, professional members of the legal field.
• Use sound communication and analytical skills to support lawyers, clients and others with pre-trial and trial preparation, depositions, document preparation, investigation, and other tasks.
• Conduct thorough legal research and integrate key facts when drafting legal documents.
• Keeping all skills and knowledge current through participation in continuing education and self-study.
• Work independently and as a team member to complete required projects and tasks effectively and within specific time frames.
• Utilize oral and written communication skills through the preparation of legal documents and by conducting research, interviews, and investigations.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to maintain and update legal skills and knowledge of the legal profession through continuing education, independent learning, and/or community service.
• Use technology effectively to research legal issues and cases; prepare and edit legal documents; maintain client/case files; perform electronic filing; computerized calendaring; e-Discovery and cloud-based repositories.

Who is This Program For?

• Students looking for ABA-approved, nationally recognized training to become a paralegal
• California residents who want to pursue a career in the legal field
• Legal secretaries who wish to get paralegal training
• Individuals who want to get paralegal training while retaining the flexibility of remote learning

Currently, this fully online program is only available to California residents, including people living in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Diego, the North Bay, Coastal California, Fresno and the Central Valley, Bakersfield, and Orange County.

Paralegal Job Placement Opportunities

The Campus Online Paralegal Degree program provides students with the training and the skills needed to work in a wide range of legal service positions. Graduates will have access to professional placement services.

Campus is a member of the Sacramento Valley Paralegal Association; San Francisco Paralegal Association; Sacramento Legal Secretaries Association; the National Federation of Paralegal Associations; and the American Association for Paralegal Education, a national organization comprised of paralegal educators and institutions offering paralegal and legal assistant education programs.

Students are encouraged to find legal internships or legal-related employment during the program. Having that experience will increase the chances of obtaining a job upon graduation. Students will be helped in identifying and securing positions and internships in the legal field, along with access to other career services.

Units and Hours

Year Two Only (for qualifying students) – 48.5 Quarter Units / 485–585 Clock Hours

What's Included in the Curriculum?

Paralegal students at Campus will learn from a robust curriculum, including, but not limited to, these courses:
*Course curriculum and credit values are subject to change. Students must complete a minimum of 9 semester credits, or the equivalent (13.5 quarter credits) of legal specialty courses in synchronous instruction.

Year 2 Courses

L101 Introduction to the Legal Environment (20/0 units)

This course prepares a transferring year two legal student to acclimate into the legal environment through instruction in legal terminology, court procedures, and the preparation of legal documents. The student creates documents on pleading paper using MS Word and Judicial Council forms.

LA215 Legal Writing and Analysis (40/4.0 units)

This course is designed to help students learn legal analysis and writing skills. Clarity, logical organization, precision, and conciseness are developed through lectures, class participation, practice materials, and writing assignments. The student learns how to read and analyze legal cases and materials. The process of legal writing, including planning, organization, and structure, is covered.

LA218 Introduction to the Paralegal Profession, Ethics, Client Interviewing, and Investigation (40/4.0 units)

This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the role of the paralegal in private law firms, corporations, government offices, and nonprofit organizations. Topics include billing, the Fair Labor Standards Act exemptions, regulation of the profession, and voluntary testing. Emphasis is placed on defining the unauthorized practice of law, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, fee arrangements, and professional responsibilities of the legal profession in general, particularly as they relate to paralegals. The course enhances students’ basic interview skills and investigation techniques through a combination of lecture and in-class or online interactive role-play scenarios. Emphasis is placed on learning the major techniques to achieve factual comprehensiveness during a legal interview and while conducting varied investigations.

LA221 Introduction to Civil Litigation (40/4.0 units)

This course provides an overview of the basic concepts of civil litigation, including pleading practice, discovery, and trial preparation. The course focuses on civil litigation in California and federal courts. The student becomes familiar with all phases of California civil court procedures including jurisdiction, venue, pleadings, discovery, pre-trial motions, summary judgment and trial preparation/procedure. (Prerequisite: demonstrated Word proficiency)

LA226 Legal Research (40/4.0 units)

This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of legal research, including locating case and statutory law, primary and secondary source materials, and updating and validating legal authority. The student learns how to cite legal authorities and use legal authorities effectively in legal documents. In addition to covering standard law library resources, the computer is introduced as a research tool. (Prerequisites: Grade of “C-” or better in LA215, LA218 or LA221)

LA235 Torts in Personal Injury Cases (40/4.0 units)

This course incorporates a comprehensive presentation of substantive tort law designed for the paralegal student with a study of typical procedural components in personal injury cases. These areas are explored from the perspective of actual and hypothetical cases, emphasizing the paralegal’s participation from initial investigation through trial preparation and settlement. (Prerequisites: Grade of “C-” or better in LA215, LA218 or LA221)

LA246 Technology for Paralegals (40/4.0 units)

This course introduces the student to the knowledge and skills necessary to use various technologies associated with the legal environment effectively. Topics such as the use of case management software, Internet resources and search logic, billing and time use software, docket control, e-discovery cloud-based repositories are addressed. Students practice in Relativity and earn a technology certificate in NSLT software modules. (Prerequisites: Grade of “C-” or better in LA215, LA218 LA221, LA226, LA235)

LA251 Advanced Litigation (40/4.0 units)

This course is designed to offer an in-depth view of the civil litigation process from both the California and federal viewpoints. The class focuses on the role of the paralegal in civil litigation, the observance of the civil procedure process, the evidentiary requirements, and the practical application for paralegal participation in the case process through post-trial procedures (Prerequisites: Grade of “C-” or better in LA215, LA218, LA221, LA226, LA235, LA246, LA281, LA283)

LA260 Career Workshop for Paralegals (5.0/0.5 unit)

The student learns how to identify transferable skills and use that information to develop a résumé appropriate to a law firm setting. The student begins a job-hunting notebook, conducts informational interviews, discusses potential job markets, and participates in a mock interview.

LA281 Principles of Contract Law (40/4.0 units)

This course provides a general understanding of the essential principles of contract law, the manner in which contracts are formed, and the elements that must be present for a contract to be valid and enforceable. The student learns the rights and obligations of the parties involved and remedies that are available when contracts are breached. (Prerequisites: Grade of “C-” or better in LA215, LA218, LA221, LA226, LA235)

LA283 Administrative Law (40/4.0 units)

This course offers an overview of the administrative law field, including authority, rule-making, adjudication, and judicial review. It presents a survey of the administrative process and conveys knowledge so that the student can use typical reference material; ascertain agency power; and understand agency decisions, rules and proceedings, and the role of the paralegal in the administrative law arena. The student is exposed to administrative hearing procedures, including discovery, rules of evidence, due process, findings, conclusions, and decisions. (Prerequisites: Grade of “C-” or better in LA215, LA218, LA221)

LA500 Advanced Legal Writing Practicum (40/4.0 units)

This course helps the student transition from the academic to the working environment. The class simulates a legal office with the student working as a paralegal under the direction of a supervising attorney or supervising paralegal. The student is exposed to the problems and pressures that occur in the legal profession on a day-to-day basis. Assignments are based on handout materials dealing with a series of legal problems occurring for hypothetical clients. The student uses extensive research and writing skills with application to particular legal settings. Issues covered integrate the substantive areas of law that the student has already studied. (Prerequisites: Grade of “C-” or better in LA215, LA218, LA221, LA226, LA235, LA246, LA281, LA283)

LA230E Probate and Estate Planning (elective) (40/4.0 units)

This course introduces the student to estate planning and the ways in which property can be held and transferred. The course includes drafting of wills, durable powers of attorney, and community property agreements. The student gains knowledge of probate and summary probate procedures and is exposed to the tax considerations in estate planning and estate administration. (Prerequisites: Grade of “C-” or better in LA215, LA218, LA221, LA226, LA235)

LA240E Family Law (elective) (40/4.0 units)

This course is designed to familiarize the student with proceedings brought under the applicable Family Law Statutes. The pleadings and issues commonly raised in actions for the dissolution of marriage are covered in a problem-solving format. The student also learns the basic legal theories involved in dissolution of marriage actions. (Prerequisites: Grade of “C-” or better in LA215, LA218, LA221, LA226, LA235)

LA282E Employment and Workers’ Compensation Law (elective) (40/4.0 units)

This course covers major aspects of employment law with an emphasis on discrimination, wrongful termination, and workers’ compensation issues. The student learns to identify the regulation of the employment environment, relationships, and discrimination. The student also learns the basic functions of OSHA, ERISA, and FLSA. (Prerequisites: Grade of “C-” or better in LA215, LA218, LA221, LA226, LA235)

LA284E Law of Business Organizations (elective) (40/4.0 units)

This course introduces the student to general business organizations. Coursework includes the basics of forming, organizing, and maintaining sole proprietorships, general and limited partnerships, limited liability companies and corporations in California. The emphasis is on corporate formation and maintenance. (Prerequisites: Grade of “C-” or better in LA215, LA218, LA221, LA226, LA235)

LA286E Criminal Law (elective) (40/4.0 units)

This course is designed to teach the fundamental nature, extent, and degree of criminal acts and omissions. It defines both the mental states and physical acts needed to warrant punishment. Topics include attempt, conspiracy, sentencing, and accomplice liability. (Prerequisites: Grade of “C-” or better in LA215, LA218, LA221, LA226, LA235)

LA288E E-Discovery (elective) (40/4.0 units)

This course is designed to provide students in depth knowledge with respect to what constitutes E-Discovery, how to conduct and respond to E-Discovery, the process and procedure for handling, managing, and using E- Discovery throughout the litigation process, and ethical considerations that arise from the ever-evolving field of E- Discovery. Students will complete real-world practicum modules that provide breadth and depth understanding of E- Discovery; will review and discuss recent influential case law that continue to change the field of E-discovery, and will draft substantive legal memoranda concerning ethical considerations and real world application of E-discovery tools in litigation. At the conclusion of the course, students who pass the final exam with an 80% or better will obtain an E-Discovery Certificate and Badge from ACEDS. (Prerequisites: Grade of “B” or better in LA246 and Department Chair Approval)

LA560E Internship for Paralegals (elective) (120/4.0 units)

The student participates in an internship with a local law firm, nonprofit agency, or government department. The internship consists of 120 hours of field time, plus mandatory attendance at three consecutive meetings. The student is required to keep a journal, give an oral presentation on the internship assignment, and complete an exit evaluation. (Prerequisites: Grade of “C-” or better in LA215, LA218, LA221, LA226, LA235)

Fully Online Paralegal Program

This fully online program allows paralegal students to attend classes through our Learning Management System (LMS). Upon graduation, students will be able to work under the supervision of licensed lawyers in a paralegal career. The Online Paralegal Program is ABA-approved, and has the same paralegal curriculum and benchmarks as traditional paralegal studies programs.

Next Steps

Related Documents

• Program Assessment 2022 (PDF)
• Program Assessment 2016 (PDF)

Program Costs

Grants and other forms of tuition assistance are available to those who qualify. To find out what you’re eligible for, contact an admissions advisor today!

Tuition and Fees

Applicants that have completed an associate or baccalaureate degree or have completed 54 quarter units (36 semester units) in general studies and business from an accredited institution may enter directly into year two of the paralegal studies program upon acceptance.

Admissions Registration Fee: $50

Year One
Tuition: $19,257
Books and Supplies: $1,148.76
Total: $20,455.76

Year Two
Tuition: $17,010
Books and Supplies: $1,550
Total: $18,610

Additional Expenses (Monthly)

Living with Parent
Housing: $0
Food: $817
Personal/Misc: $451
Transportation: $199

Not Living with Parent
Housing: $1,637
Food: $1,277
Personal/Misc: $552
Transportation: $218