updated: 10-24-05
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FAQ
Q. Tell me a little about your "entirely online paralegal
certificate program"
A: see
our Online Paralegal Certificate Program - click here.
Q: Why do we use the "Etudes" - Easy to use Distance
Education Software" - Learning Management System in
both our on campus and online/internet classes?
A: see our FAQ
about Etudes - click here.
Q. Do I have to fill out an application to get into the Paralegal
Program ?
A: No, we are a Community College - so it is open enrollment.
Just
apply to enroll as a Mission College Student, then add the
classes you need.
Q: What is the recommended order to take the Online Paralegal
Certficate Classes
A: see below (one year schedule)
Q: How long does the program take to complete?
A: Between 12-18 months.
Q. Once I complete the Paralegal Program, how do I obtain
my Certificate, and is there a final exam?
A. No there is no final exit exam, once you complete all 12 classes,
then you
apply or Petition for your Paralegal Certificate, and we
have a nice Paralegal
Graduation every May to celebrate the graduation of our Paralegals
from the Program.
Q: What are the Costs?
A: We are a California Community College, so the fees are $26
per unit, or $78 per class, for 12 classes, so it is about $936
for the total paralegal certificate, along with about $300
for books, or a grand total of $1236 - click
here for costs and "how to apply".
You may qualify for Federal Grants or Loans, check out our Financial Aid Department
and also http://fafsa.org
Q. How much do the books cost?
A:The textbooks are located at
http://profj.us/textbooks.htm, for Law 1,2, 10, and 19 you
will use just one book, West Business Law which costs $113.36,
- tht total costs of books are about $300, or so. You
may qualify for financial aid, so contact them about fees/costs
and books. You can order the books online, or come in and buy
them at our bookstore.
Q: Is this a full time school?
A: The On Campus Classes are held Monday through Thursday.
You usually will take 2-3 classes each semester. Each Class is
3 units, and each class meets just one night a week, from 7:10
pm to 10:10 pm. The online program is entirely online - with
no required meetings "on campus"
Q: Do I have to come to campus for an orientation session
if I do the online paralegal certificate program?
A: No, if you live close to the school, and would like
to get a tour of the campus, and our computer facilities, and
meet the program Director, Prof. Jordan - you are welcome to
do so, just call Prof J. on his cell phone 818-415-2015 to set
up a convenient date and time for you to visit. Please
read this if you are a new online student.
Q: Is your Program ABA approved?
A: No, Seeking American Bar Association approval is voluntary
on the part of the institution. There are some quality programs
that have chosen not to seek approval and Mission College for
a number of reasons has chosen not to seek ABA approval at this
time However, the ABA
guidelines are useful in evaluating a program you are considering,
and in helping you to decide whether a particular program will
meet your needs. We have structured our program around those
guidelines to ensure that your needs will be met.
Here are some
factors in evaluating the quality of a Paralegal Program.
We believe Mission College has a high quality paralegal program.
Also, BPC
6450 now regulates paralegals in the State of California
- and the new law states the paralegal should receive a certificate
either from an ABA approved school, or a certificate of completion
of a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a postsecondary
institution that requires the successful completion of 24 semester
units. ( Mission College is an approved post secondardy institution,
regulated by California Law, and approved through the California
Department of Education, and accredited through the Western Association
of Schools and Colleges. - in fact, we exceed the state requirements
by 12 units or 4 classes (our
program is a total of 12 classes or 36 units)- the minimum
accepted are 8 classes or 24 semester units.
Q. Are you accredited?
A. Yes we are a California Community College. Read
our Accreditation
and Statutory Compliance Statement. Our Paralegal Program
has stability. We have been graduating paralegals for 15 years
since 1987, and we have only had two directors in that time.
Prof. Jordan is the second director. (check out his
biography, and his CV
for his qualifications). Also check out the history
of our program.
Q. Do you have job placement?
A. We do help and
assist our paralegals to find jobs. We help the student to
write resumes, cover letters, and network with paralegal associations.
Q: What are the residency requirements?