| Admission deadlines: | Fall Priority Deadline - May 1 |
| Fall Final Deadline - August 1 | |
| Spring Priority Deadline - October 1 | |
| Spring Final Deadline - December 1 | |
| Recommendations required: | One (1) recommendation (preferably from a current supervisor) |
| Prior academic records: | Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be uploaded to your online application. Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission. |
| Transcripts from institutions outside the United States must be accompanied by an official transcript evaluation from an accredited independent evaluating agency. Please be sure you request a detailed, course-by-course evaluation that includes all course titles, credit hours, grade-point average (GPA), United States degree equivalency, and date of degree conferral. Please see the list of acceptable international credential evaluation services (https://www.naces.org/members.php). | |
| Statement of purpose: | In an essay of 250-500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in this field and describe your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also, discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, as well as any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form. |
| Additional requirements: | A resumé. |
| International applicants only: | Please review International Applicant Information (https://www.cps.gwu.edu/international-student-admissions) carefully for details on required documents, earlier deadlines for applicants requiring an I-20 or DS-2019 from GW, and English language requirements. |
Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:
College of Professional Studies – Office of Admission
George Washington University
805 21st Street, NW
Suite 301
Washington DC 20052
Contact for questions:
CPS Office of Admission
applycps@gwu.edu ~ 571-553-0025 (phone) ~ 202-242-1047 (fax)
8:30 am – 5:00 pm EST, Monday through Friday
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 32 credits in required courses. With program director approval an independent study can be taken in place of one of the required courses listed below.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| PSLX 6210 | American Jurisprudence | |
| PSLX 6211 | Legal Research and Writing | |
| PSLX 6212 | Litigation | |
| PSLX 6214 | Administrative Law | |
| PSLX 6215 | Government Contracts Law | |
| PSLX 6223 | Contracts | |
| PSLX 6224 | Advanced Legal Writing | |
| PSLX 6225 | Business Entities | |
| PSLX 6226 | International Law | |
| or PSLX 6230 | Advanced Topics in Family Law | |
| PSLX 6227 | Intellectual Property Law | |
| PSLX 6294 | Independent Research in Legal Studies | |
| PSLX 6298 | Paralegal Practicum | |
| Optional | ||
| PSLX 6240 | Independent Study | |
| With program director approval an independent study can be taken in place of one of the required courses listed above. | ||
See CPS regulations for additional information regarding enrollment status and time limits.
Explanation of Course Numbers
- Courses in the 1000s are primarily introductory undergraduate courses
- Those in the 2000s to 4000s are upper-level undergraduate courses that also may be taken for graduate credit with permission and additional work assigned
- Those in the 6000s and 8000s are for master’s, doctoral, and professional-level students
- The 6000s are open to advanced undergraduate students with approval of the instructor and the dean or advising office
PSLX 3210. Introduction to the U.S. Legal System. 4 Credits.
Introduction to the U.S. legal system. Foundations of law; issue spotting and legal writing; Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; rules of court; ethics and professionalism; and unauthorized practice of law.
PSLX 3211. Legal Research and Analysis. 4 Credits.
Students learn to conduct legal and data research, evaluate and synthesize their results, and communicate those results in proper legal style.
PSLX 3212. The Art and Science of Litigation. 4 Credits.
Pretrial litigation from client interviewing through the start of the trial. Focus is on strategy, technology, the law, and managing the mechanics of a case. The trial itself is covered in PSLX 3224.
PSLX 3213. Argument and Logic. 4 Credits.
Articulating strong arguments by recognizing weaknesses and fallacies in problematic arguments and dissecting effective arguments.
PSLX 3213W. Argument and Logic. 4 Credits.
Articulating strong arguments by recognizing weaknesses and fallacies in problematic arguments and dissecting effective arguments. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement.
PSLX 3214. Legal Writing. 4 Credits.
Advanced legal writing techniques and drafting for legal practice. Includes instruction on mechanics, style, and technical content. Students refine and advance their mastery of legal analysis and citation.
PSLX 3215. Law, Literature, and Pop Culture. 4 Credits.
Students will explore legal matters portrayed on the page, stage, and screen. Compare real and fictional substantive and procedural law, analyze professional-client relationships, and understand the legal system as a means for change.
PSLX 3216. The U.S. Constitution. 4 Credits.
The structure of the U.S. government, federalism, individual and civil liberties, and the Constitutional underpinnings of the justice system.
PSLX 3216W. The U.S. Constitution. 4 Credits.
The structure of the U.S. government, federalism, individual and civil liberties, and the Constitutional underpinnings of the justice system. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement.
PSLX 3217. Real Estate and Property. 4 Credits.
Survey of the bundle of rights and duties that exist with respect to property, including practical application of property law to real estate.
PSLX 3218. Survey of Torts and Criminal Law. 4 Credits.
The substantive law of torts and crimes, including elements, defenses, and preparing for civil and criminal trials.
PSLX 3219. Estates and Trusts. 4 Credits.
The law of wills and estates. Types of of trusts; fiduciary duties; and practical applications, including drafting instruments.
PSLX 3220. Business Law. 4 Credits.
Foundational and ethical concepts of business law including constitutional considerations, contracts, business entities, and employment law.
PSLX 3221. Immigration Law. 4 Credits.
U.S. immigration law, including foundational concepts, current issues, policy considerations, and practical applications.
PSLX 3222. Senior Thesis. 4 Credits.
Capstone seminar that focuses on excellence in legal writing and current issues in the legal field through review and discussion.
PSLX 3224. Mock Trial. 4 Credits.
Application of the theoretical learning from practical experience and substantive courses to a trial simulation.
PSLX 3230. Topics in Family Law. 3 Credits.
This special topic course is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of specific areas within paralegal studies.
PSLX 3240. Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.
Provides motivated and self-directed students with the opportunity to explore specific areas of paralegal studies in-depth.
PSLX 3298. Undergraduate Internship. 4 Credits.
Students apply skills acquired in the marketplace; assess professional interests and skills; and learn how to market themselves through career tools and networking.
PSLX 5099. Variable Topics. 1-99 Credits.
PSLX 6210. American Jurisprudence. 3 Credits.
An introduction to the foundations, theories, history, and applications of the American legal system; local, state, and federal courts and sources of law; and ethics and professionalism issues of especial importance to paralegals.
PSLX 6211. Legal Research and Writing. 3 Credits.
Fundamentals of legal research using print and online tools.
PSLX 6212. Litigation. 3 Credits.
Legal technology and the rules of court, procedure, and evidence; technical and substantive skills necessary for effective litigation support.
PSLX 6213. Corporations and Contracts Law. 3 Credits.
PSLX 6214. Administrative Law. 3 Credits.
An introduction to administrative and regulatory law; history and development of administrative law; agency, due process, agency actions, administrative investigation and hearings, and judicial review.
PSLX 6215. Government Contracts Law. 3 Credits.
The law of procuring, forming, and executing government contracts, including drafting and litigation; competition requirements, contract changes, and contract terminations; researching and drafting documents common to a government contracts practice.
PSLX 6223. Contracts. 3 Credits.
Contract elements, their attendant legal ramifications, and the processes necessary to make such determinations. Development of legal reasoning skills in evaluating issues arising from contract law.
PSLX 6224. Advanced Legal Writing. 3 Credits.
Advanced legal writing techniques and drafting for legal practice. Legal writing in plain English; strategies for effective writing; emphasis on legal memoranda, legal correspondence, and preparing and drafting legal pleadings and documents for court. Refines and advances skills in written legal analysis and legal citation.
PSLX 6225. Business Entities. 3 Credits.
Overview of business organizations, including partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations. Key concepts applicable to business organizations, including regulation, business formation, document preparation. Application of legal analysis within the context of business entities and other topics applicable to paralegals in all disciplines.
PSLX 6226. International Law. 3 Credits.
Introduction and survey of international law, including international trade law and litigation. Rules and principles governing relations among sovereign states, international organizations, and sources of international law. Analysis of the rules and customs for handling international trade. International courts and tribunals; overview of the treaties, customary principles, and institutional structures governing international human rights law.
PSLX 6227. Intellectual Property Law. 3 Credits.
Introduction to the legal structure of an intellectual property practice. Trademarks, copyrights, and patents and the supporting practice concomitant to each element. Analysis of the processes, supporting documentation, laws, and rules regarding patent prosecution and litigation. This course complements and builds upon the legal issues and analysis introduced in the courses on contracts, business entities, and litigation.
PSLX 6228. California Law and Practice. 3 Credits.
Overview of the state of California's government and court structures, rules of court, litigation support procedures and technology, and professional ethics. May be used to satisfy the California paralegal continuing legal education requirement.
PSLX 6230. Advanced Topics in Family Law. 3 Credits.
Provides a comprehensive understanding of family law and the role of paralegals in assisting attorneys in family law cases, including, but not limited to, marriage, divorce, child custody, and domestic violence.
PSLX 6240. Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.
Provides motivated and self-directed students with the opportunity to explore specific areas of paralegal studies in-depth.
PSLX 6294. Independent Research in Legal Studies. 2 Credits.
Guided, independent research to demonstrate the higher level of competency in research, analysis, writing, and oral presentation. Restricted to students in the MPS in paralegal studies programs.
PSLX 6298. Paralegal Practicum. 3 Credits.
Students work in legal environments while completing their studies, taking active roles to obtain, manage, and maximize the value of their positions. Restricted to students in the MPS in paralegal studies program.