Paralegal Studies - AAS ∞

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The Paralegal Studies program is designed to prepare students for positions as paralegals in the legal and business fields. Individuals who are already employed in the legal field and seeking advancement opportunities may also select this program of study. Paralegals work under the supervision of an attorney and their work includes preparing legal documents, researching and compiling information, and communicating with clients. Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as computer literacy skills, are important to the paralegal.

Credit Hours Required: 61

Note: This degree is primarily designed to prepare students for direct employment. Students who are preparing to transfer to a baccalaureate degree-granting institution for an advanced degree in paralegal studies should contact an academic advisor for assistance in establishing an educational plan.

∞Note: This program can be completed entirely online. Not all general education options or program electives are offered online, however there will be a variety of online classes from which to choose in order to meet the requirements.

General Education Requirements

Foundation Studies (12 credits)
1. College Composition or Applied Communication
  Credits: 6
2. Numeracy (Quantitative Literacy)
  Credits: 3
3. Critical Thinking
  Credits: 3
Area Studies (7 credits)
1. Physical and Biological Science
  Credits: 4
2. Behavioral
  or
  Social Science
  Credits: 3

Program Requirements

CSA 126 - Microsoft Office for Windows Credits: 3
LAW 100 - Introduction to Paralegal Studies Credits: 3
LAW 102 - Legal Computer Applications Credits: 3
LAW 103 - Ethics and the Law Credits: 3
LAW 205 - Contracts Credits: 3
LAW 217 - Legal Research & Writing I Credits: 3
LAW 218 - Legal Research and Writing II Credits: 3
LAW 220 - Civil Tort Litigation I Credits: 3
LAW 221 - Civil Tort Litigation II Credits: 3

Program Electives

Select 15 credit hours from the following courses:

AJS 109 - Substantive Criminal Law Credits: 3
AJS 260 - Procedural Criminal Law Credits: 3
AJS 278 - Neuroscience and the Law Credits: 3
AJS 290 - Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Credits: 3
LAW 104 - Wills, Trusts and Probate Credits: 3
LAW 107 - Law Office Management Credits: 3
LAW 202 - Real Estate Law Credits: 3
LAW 203 - Family Law Credits: 3
LAW 204 - Business Organizations Credits: 3
LAW 296 - Internship: Paralegal Studies Credits: 3
LAW 298 - Special Legal Topics Credits: 3

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Paralegal Studies Degree program, the learner will be able to:

Interview witnesses and interact with clients, conduct investigative work, manage cases, conduct legal research, draft legal pleadings, prepare legal documents and apply legal procedures in areas of real estate, corporate law, probate, mediation, litigation, family law, administrative law, bankruptcy law and criminal law. (LAW100, LAW205, LAW217, LAW218, LAW220, LAW221)
Apply written, oral and interpersonal skills in the legal and business settings. (LAW100, LAW217, LAW218, LAW220, LAW221)
Identify and evaluate technology needs and apply and adapt required skills to the rapidly changing legal and business community. (LAW102, LAW215)
Proficiently use word processing software and identify and adapt to different types of computer applications. (LAW102)
Identify ethical issues and apply the values of professional responsibility. (LAW100, LAW103)

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Paralegal Studies - AAS ∞

General Education Requirements

Program Requirements

Program Electives

Program Outcomes