Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between an online and an “in class” course? The difference between the online course and the “in class” sessions is the pace of the instruction. In a traditional classroom, the instructor sets the pace and directs the class learning activities. Online, the student sets his or her own pace, and directs him or herself towards completing the course materials. The online course can go to the student, wherever s/he may be without regard to time constraints. The student, however, must always go to the traditional class at a fixed time and place. Which is better for me, the “online” or the “in class” course? Every student needs to answer this question for him or her self.
Which course is better for you depends on several factors. Distance
is, of course, the first consideration. If you are too far from
an FIU campus, or if traveling to campus on a regular basis is
not possible for you, then the online course is better for you.
Another important consideration is your personality and your study
habits/style. If you are a self-motivated person, who accomplishes
the goals you set for yourself with little or no outside prodding
or direction, then the online format will be successful for you.
On the other hand, if you know you will not do the work unless
you have tangible deadlines enforced by a teacher in the classroom,
then the classroom environment will be key to your success in
the program. The time you have available to dedicate to your studies
is also an important consideration. Perhaps you work late hours,
or an evening shift, and can’t attend classes scheduled
on campus, you can still achieve your education goals by attending
class online. How is the Paralegal Online Certificate Program structured? The Paralegal Online Certificate Program is three trimesters long. The three trimesters are offered simultaneously. In other words, regardless of which trimester you wish to start, we will be offering a trimester one that term. The three trimesters can be completed within one calendar year. The trimesters start in early January, May and September. Each trimester consists of four units; each unit teaches one discrete subject and is broken up into four weeks of material. As the student completes the work for a given week, s/he progresses to the next week. Upon completion of the unit the student must pass a final exam to go on to the next unit. When the student completes one trimester, the student must enroll for the next trimester to receive a password to access the next trimester online. What is the basis for the Paralegal Online Certificate Program’s curriculum? The Online Program’s curriculum is based on NALA and American Association for Paralegal Education curriculum for paralegal education courses. As members of the American Association for Paralegal Education, our Program is in substantial compliance with its course guidelines. This ensures that our students are receiving an education on par with that of any paralegal program in the United States. The online program covers Introduction to Paralegalism, Basics of the Legal System, Legal Research and Legal Writing. In addition, the program covers seven other legal education subjects, and four specialty seminars. If I am an attorney in a foreign country, what would be the advantages of taking the Paralegal Online Certificate Program? There are several advantages to completing the Program for an attorney practicing in a foreign country. The first advantage is that you can study from the comfort of your own home or office. Additionally, you can use this Program as a means to familiarize yourself with the terminology, theory and practical applications of the United States legal system and jurisprudence. If you are considering expanding your practice to serve clients from the United States, this Program will serve to orient you in the terminology of law in this country. Perhaps you may only need to take the first trimester of study, which exposes you to the basics of jurisprudence. If you are considering emigrating to the United States, this may be an initial step that can help you ease into the process of working towards obtaining your credentials to practice in the United States. How long are the Paralegal Online Certificate Program classes? Each class is called a “unit.” The unit is designed to be completed in one month. However, the student can spend as much time as necessary to complete the unit. The student must complete all the work in the trimester by the end of that trimester. How long will it take to complete the Paralegal Online Certificate Program and receive my certificate? The entire Program can be completed in one calendar year. Once all three trimesters are completed you will receive your certificate. Some students do not choose to do the three trimesters in a row. This will extend the period it takes to earn your certificate. As with many online programs, the individual student decides how quickly or how slowly he or she can finish the Program. Who are the instructors for the Paralegal Online Certificate Program? There are currently two instructors for the Paralegal Online Certificate Program. The two instructors are Mercedes P. Alonso-Knapp, Esq., who designed the course, and Judge Jose M. Rodriguez, who has been teaching the Online Program since its inception. When you begin the Program with either instructor you will be progressing throughout the entire Program with that instructor if you do the trimesters in sequence. What is the grading system for the Paralegal Online Certificate Program? The Online Program is graded on a pass/fail basis. Pursuant to the student handbook, a passing grade is a “C” - 70-79 points or above. You can, if you prefer, request that a letter grade be given for your coursework. You must ask the individual instructor to give you letter grades at the beginning of your first trimester. Am I given credit for the Paralegal Online Certificate Program? The Online Certificate Program is a non-credit professional program. Students will not earn regular college credits towards a degree. Can I take some courses online, and some courses in the classroom? The only way you can take courses online is to enroll for an entire trimester. Partial enrollments are not permitted. What materials do I need to complete the Paralegal Online Certificate Program? The reading materials required to complete the Program will be available online, from the course text, and from other websites to which you will be directed. Occasionally an instructor may recommend additional reading material. These materials can be purchased on any commercial website and in many bookstores. How do I communicate with my instructors in the Paralegal Online Certificate Program? You will communicate with instructors in several ways. First, there is e-mail directly on your course’s webpage. This ensures that your e-mails go directly to the instructor, and the instructor’s e-mails to you are also direct. This eliminates the possibility of e-mail being lost in cyberspace or on another system. Additionally, you will communicate with your instructor in the discussion and chat rooms. The times for these meetings will be set by the instructor. Additionally, some instructors will provide students with a phone number where the instructor can be reached in case of emergencies. In many ways, you will have more contact with your instructor in an online course than in a traditional classroom class. This is because online you must interact with the instructor in order to complete course requirements. Therefore, you will be “speaking” directly with the instructor practically on a weekly basis. This isn’t necessarily so in a traditional classroom. Will I have any contact with my fellow students? Yes! As part of the online course experience you will be e-mailing, “chatting” and participating in discussions with your fellow students for the entire Program. You will be exchanging views and ideas with your classmates in a variety of formats. Some of the discussion will be moderated by the instructors. At some points, the instructors will expect you to interact with your classmates without supervision. However, please know that all of this activity will take place on the same website and will be secure. How do I submit my work in the Paralegal Online Certificate Program? How the work is submitted depends on the particular assignment and the instructor. Some instructors prefer that you e-mail your assignments. Others will provide you with an area on the course page where you can do your work. Exams will also be done online through the course webpage. What are the requirements for enrolling in the Paralegal Online Certificate Program? Prospective students must complete an application form and submit it along with two letters of character reference, a resume, and the appropriate fees to the office of the Legal Studies Institute. Students may apply by completing and faxing the form to (305) 348-2030 or mailing it, along with documentation and payment, to: Florida International University, Continuing and Professional Studies, Legal Studies Institute, University Park, GL-120, Miami, Florida 33199. Upon receipt of your documentation, we will send you an e-mail confirming admission into the program, along with a registration form, your password and access information, and course schedule. What is the tuition for the Paralegal Online Certificate Program? Please scroll below to the next section for more details about the program, including tuition information. What are the financial aid options available to me? Financial Aid is available only in the form of a “Stafford Loan.” Students may contact the Office of Financial Aid at (305) 348-7272 for further information. When is the best time to start the course? Right now! Because our Program only spans one calendar year, the sooner you start the sooner you will complete your studies and receive your Certificate! Trimester one is offered each term, so you never have to wait to begin your coursework. |
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