Degree Program
Paralegal – A.A.S.
The A.A.S. is designed for those seeking to become qualified paralegals.
The A.A.S., with an emphasis in paralegal studies is designed to prepare individuals for a career in the paralegal field. Specifically, what the functions of a paralegal in a law office or company are, the legal training necessary to become skilled in the profession, and the ability to transfer to a 4 year program if desired. Most paralegal courses will transfer to a pre-law program as well.
A paralegal is an in demand professional who is able to perform substantive legal tasks such as research and writing, case management, client interaction and various other tasks depending on the area of law they choose to work in. Most paralegals perform tasks that attorneys perform, but are supervised by the firm or attorney they work for. Many courts also utilize paralegals for all aspects of the judicial process.
| Paralegal Program Requirements (24 Credit Hours) | ||
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Introduction to Law |
3 |
|
Torts |
3 |
|
Contracts |
3 |
|
Civil Litigation |
3 |
|
Property Law |
3 |
|
Criminal Law |
3 |
|
Legal Research & Writing I |
3 |
|
Legal Research & Writing II |
3 |
|
Emphasis Requirements |
24 |
|
| Electives Requirements (9 Credit Hours) | ||
| Select three courses from the following: | ||
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Family Law |
3 |
|
Legal Ethics |
3 |
|
Evidence |
3 |
|
Employment Law |
3 |
|
Environmental Law |
3 |
|
Bankruptcy Law |
3 |
|
Intellectual Property Law |
3 |
|
Constitutional Law |
3 |
|
Electives Requirements (Choose 3 Courses) |
9 |
|
| General Education Requirements (27 Credit Hours) | ||
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
English |
ENG 121 |
3 |
Mathematics or Science |
Choose any AST-Astronomy, BIO-Biology, CHE-Chemistry Mat-Math 120 or higher, or PHY-Physics |
3 |
Social & Behavioral Sciences |
ECO 201 Principles of Macroeconomics |
3 |
Humanities |
SPE 115 or SPE 125 is recommended |
3 |
Business and Management |
BUS 216 Legal Environment of Business |
3 |
Total General Education Core |
27 |
|
Total Specific Program Requirements |
33 |
|
Total Required Credits for AAS Degree |
60 |
|