Legal Studies Program Admissions and Transfer Credit Policies

Enrollment and Entrance Requirements

Applicants to our program must be accepted to Clayton State through the Office of Admissions.  Please note that paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. 

1. Paralegal Certificate Program
   1. All applicants to the Paralegal Certificate (including if you already possess a bachelor’s or higher degree) should apply as a “Transfer” student, to ensure you are assigned to the correct major and academic advisor. Do not apply as a “Post-Baccalaureate” student, or you will be sent to the graduate school. Apply for the Paralegal Certificate as a transfer student
   2. If you have any prior college credit and/or have an associate’s degree, you may apply for the Paralegal Certificate if you have already earned at least 60 semester hours of college credit, of which at least 18 semester credits/27 quarter credits are general education courses in at least 3 different areas, such as English, Math, Science, Social Sciences. Please contact our Program Coordinator for a preliminary records review, if you are unsure whether you have satisfied the 60 college credits requirement. The preliminary records review is not a formal admissions determination. You must still apply through the Admissions Office as a Transfer Student.
2. B.S., Legal Studies Degree and A.S., Paralegal Studies Degree
3. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Legal Studies and the Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Paralegal Studies are open to applicants who do not qualify for (or who choose not to enter) the Paralegal Certificate Program. You should indicate on your application to Clayton State that you are applying for the B.S. degree or the A.S. degree in Paralegal Studies.
4. Graduates of an A.S. Degree are encouraged to pursue a 4-year B.S. degree in Legal Studies at Clayton State.

NOTE:  All Legal Studies/Paralegal Studies program students are required to take at least nine semester credits or equivalent of legal specialty courses through traditional classroom (face-to-face) instruction at Clayton State.

Policy on Transfer Credits for Legal Specialty Courses:

1. We accept course credits from institutions in the USG (University System of Georgia) and the TCSG (Technical College System of Georgia).
2. We also accept course credits from regionally-accredited institutions outside of the USG and the TCSG that are ABA-approved or institutional member​s of AAfPE (American Association for Paralegal Education).
3. We may also accept course credits from regionally-accredited institutions that are not ABA-approved or institutional member​s of AAfPE if adequate evidence is provided to document that the transfer course meets an appropriate level of academic rigor and compliance with ABA guidelines for paralegal education.
4. The student must have earned a grade of "C" or higher in any legal specialty course for which transfer credit is sought.
5. The student must comply with Clayton State residency requirements as contained in our Academic Catalog.
6. Whether a legal specialty course is transferable to Clayton State is subject to the discretion of the Legal Studies Program Coordinator.  Clayton State reserves the right to request additional course materials for any class for which transfer credit is sought.

General Admissions and Financial Aid Information