TESU Awards College Credit for Paralegal Certificate Earned by Incarcerated Learners

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) has approved college credit for individuals who complete the New Jersey Department of Corrections’ (DOC) Paralegal Studies and Training Program launched in 2024. Through TESU’s Professional Learning Review (PLR) process, the program has been evaluated and deemed equivalent to three college credits.

This recognition allows incarcerated learners who successfully complete the DOC program to apply the three-credit award toward select associate and bachelor’s degree programs at TESU, including the Associate in Applied Science in Administrative Studies and the Associate in Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (General Management).

“This credit award reflects the University’s commitment to expanding educational access and recognizing rigorous, real-world learning—even in the most unconventional classrooms,” said Dr. Mary Kierst, assistant vice provost for Learning Assessment and Accreditation at TESU. “Our review team was particularly impressed with the curriculum’s coverage of civil, administrative, and basic law concepts, as well as the high-quality reference materials aligned with New Jersey legal and corrections policy. This partnership reinforces the power of learning to transform lives and create new pathways to reentry and personal agency.”

A national study by the RAND Corporation found that incarcerated individuals who participate in correctional education programs are 43 percent less likely to return to prison. In New Jersey, a 2020 report from the State Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson similarly emphasized the role of postsecondary education in reducing recidivism and improving reentry outcomes.

“Programs like the Paralegal Studies and Training Certificate not only equip incarcerated learners with vital legal skills, but they also empower them to serve others, contribute to a safer facility environment, and prepare for meaningful careers post-release,” said Dr. Darcella Sessomes, Chief of Programs and Reintegration Services at NJDOC. “The recognition of this program by Thomas Edison State University reinforces the academic integrity of our correctional education offerings and affirms our commitment to transforming lives through learning.”

 NJDOC provides incarcerated learners with access to associate and bachelor’s degrees through partnerships with NJ-STEP, alongside career and technical programs in fields such as construction, culinary arts, and IT. These offerings, paired with our consortium of community-based reentry partners through our NJLEAD initiative, reflect the department’s commitment to rehabilitation and career readiness. The Paralegal Studies and Training Certificate builds on this foundation, equipping students with legal knowledge and the ability to support their peers from within.

Paralegals play a critical role in expanding access to justice for incarcerated individuals, particularly those navigating complex legal systems without direct legal representation. Within correctional settings, trained peer paralegals often act as de facto legal advocates, assisting incarcerated individuals with legal processes by helping them understand internal disciplinary procedures, interpret legal documents, file appeals, and prepare for administrative hearings.

TESU’s Office of Professional Learning Review partners with organizations, unions, training programs, and public institutions to evaluate noncollegiate learning for college credit. Approved credit recommendations are based on faculty-driven evaluations aligned with regional accreditation standards.

To learn more about the University’s credit awards for workplace and experiential learning, visit tesu.edu/plr.