Diploma in Paralegal Studies

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Is the program ABA (American Bar Association) approved?
A: Yes, the Diploma in Paralegal Studies is approved by the American Bar Association.

Q: How long does it take to complete the program?
A: The program may be completed in two semesters, attending part-time, or in one semester, attending full-time. Students must complete the program within four years

Q: What are the requirements for admissions?
A: A Bachelor’s Degree is preferred.

• Students will be admitted with a minimum of 60 undergraduate credits, preferably in the form of an associate’s degree.
• Official transcripts must be sent by the institution directly to the Office of Admissions in a sealed envelope.
• A typed personal statement (150-250 words).
• A $35 application fee.

Q: What if I don’t have the minimum number of required credits?
A: A very limited number of exceptions may be made for applicants who have significant law-related work experience.

• Applicants must provide two letters of recommendation from their attorney-employers. It is preferable that one of these recommendations come from a current employer.
• Letters must attest to the applicant’s qualifications and clearly and fully describe the applicant’s work experience.

Q: If I have an undergraduate degree and I am submitting official transcripts, is it really necessary for me to provide two letters of recommendation from my employers? I would prefer that my employers not know that I am taking this program.
A: Recommendation letters are not necessary for applicants who submit complete and official undergraduate transcripts.

Q: I earned my degree in another country. Are transcripts from international universities/colleges accepted?
A: Yes. Applicants should provide an official English translation that shows course and degree equivalencies. Due to the expense involved, it is permissible to submit a copy, but you should be prepared to present the original upon the request of the Admissions Office.

Q: When are classes offered?
A: Students may enter the program in the fall, spring, or summer semesters and choose to attend classes full-time during the day, or part-time in the evening, during the day, or on weekends.

• The part-time evening program is offered every semester (fall, spring, and summer); the part-time day program must be started in the fall and completed in the spring; the weekend program is not available during the summer semester.
• The full-time program meets from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
• Evening classes meet from 6 to 9:45 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings during the fall and springs semesters. Summer classes meet Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
• Day classes meet from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
• Weekend classes meet every Saturday (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and every Sunday morning (9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)

Q: Is financial aid available?
A: Financial Aid is available in the form of a Federal Stafford Loan for those applicants who have previously completed a minimum of an associate’s degree program. In addition, up to two students per semester, in either the basic or advanced program sections, may be granted a $1,000 scholarship each on the basis of need and merit.

Q: Is there a partial payment plan available for tuition payments?
A: A deferred payment plan form will be included with your registration information, or will be available at the Bursar’s Office for those persons making in-person payment. Students receiving financial aid loans from the University are not eligible to use this plan.

• During the fall and spring semesters, the deferred payment plan requires students to make three monthly payments: first payment = 50 percent of total tuition fees, 50 percent of registration fees, and 50 percent of course materials fees; second payment = 50 percent of deferred balance; third payment = 50 percent of deferred balance.
• During the summer semester, the deferred payment plan requires students to make two monthly payments: first payment = 50 percent of total tuition fees, 50 percent of registration fees, and 50 percent of course materials fees; second payment = 100 percent of deferred balance.

Q: What kind of experience do the instructors have?
A: The program is taught by a faculty of practicing attorneys from the metropolitan area.

Q: Can I obtain a student visa?
A: An I-20 visa can be issued only to students enrolled in the full-time one-semester intensive program. Students should contact the Office of International Students and Scholars at (212) 998-4720.

Q: Is housing available?
A: New York University on-campus housing is available only for students accepted for the summer intensive Paralegal Diploma program. Applications for housing must be submitted by April. For further information on Summer Housing, please contact NYU Office of Summer Housing at (212) 998-4621.

Q: Are there any costs in addition to the tuition and registration fees?
A: An additional course materials fee of $50 will be charged per semester. Students are responsible to acquire their own textbooks.

Q: Where are the classes held?
A: All daytime classes, Monday through Saturday, are held at NYU’s Midtown Center, located at 11 West 42nd Street. Evening and Sunday morning classes are held at NYU’s lower Manhattan site, the Woolworth Building, located at 15 Barclay Street, between Broadway and Church Street.

Q: Can I switch programs once I have completed a semester (i.e. switch from the evening program to the day or weekend program)?
A: Yes, if it is offered the following semester.

Q: I am a Paul McGhee student, how do I go about enrolling in the program?
A: The course sequence in Paralegal Studies is available to satisfy elective credit only to those McGhee students who have completed more than 60 credits. Your advisor must approve these elective credits prior to registration. In addition, all McGhee students must complete a separate application and be accepted to the Institute of Paralegal Studies before beginning courses.

Q: May I transfer credits from another school?
A: Due to the limited nature of the program, transfers of credit from other schools or universities with advanced standing is not possible.

Q: May I transfer these credits to another school/university?
A: The transferability of these credits to a degree program is made and will depend on the specific requirements of that school. Diploma credits are professional credits and typically do not qualify for graduate credit, but may qualify as undergraduate credit.