International Students

The program is also ideal for international lawyers who wish to earn a streamlined professional credential to bolster their resume before pursuing a legal career in the United States. The paralegal certificate program delivers the skills and knowledge necessary for employment in the U.S. legal system, enabling international lawyers to gain valuable experience and earn a living while working toward the requirements necessary to practice law in the U.S.

The online Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is also an excellent fit for individuals who are accompanying their spouse or partner to the United States—usually due to a job relocation. Because the demand for skilled paralegals is strong, international students who earn a paralegal certificate can fast-track their way to a career in this quickly growing field.

Registration for the program requires no transcript, GPA, or minimum test score requirement. However, students must have high-level reading and writing skills in English to complete the necessary coursework.

International students need only complete the registration process to secure their spot in the program. Students must finish this process 11 days prior to each new term to provide adequate time for material preparation and the completion of the online orientation.

As the program is offered entirely online and is not for-credit, Boston University will not issue any documents needed to obtain a non-immigrant student visa. International students should also note that the coursework is entirely based on the United States legal system. The U.S. legal system is based on the common law of Great Britain. The laws are derived from a series of checks and balances between the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary. The laws of all three branches are discussed as is the balance between the Federal government and the individual States.

If you’d like to receive more information about the online Paralegal Studies Certificate Program, please complete the form below.