Paralegal Studies, Associate of Applied Science
Program Description
This program is offered completely online and will require that students work in the legal field to gain on the job training in their chosen career field. Learning will build each term through both theoretical competencies and practical skills required in this profession. Students will be prepared for highly responsible positions as paralegals upon completion of this program.
Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies will:
- Demonstrate various skills and aspects of the paralegal profession
- Conduct and document online legal research with accurate methods of citation
- Develop and edit legal documents using relevant legal terminology and current technology
- Apply professional skills and ethical standards expected of a paralegal
Career Considerations
The Paralegal Studies program prepares students for entry-level jobs and future careers in the following areas: law firms, businesses, insurance companies, financial institutions, public agencies, title companies, and government offices.
Program Course Requirements
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Term | Credits | |
| BA 180 or MTH 104 |
Business Mathematics I (MTH 65 or higher accepted) or Math Literacy |
3 |
| LA 100 | Legal Procedures I 1 | 4 |
| LA 102 | Legal Terminology 1 | 3 |
| OA 128 | Editing for Business 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Second Term | ||
| BA 214 | Business Communications | 3 |
| LA 101 | Intro to Paralegal Studies | 3 |
| PSY 101 or COM 218Z |
Psychology of Human Relations 2 or Interpersonal Communication |
3 |
| LA 128 | Legal Procedures II 1 | 4 |
| WR 121Z | Composition I | 4 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Third Term | ||
| CJ 114 | Diversity Issues in CJ 3 | 3 |
| LA 105 | Civil Procedure 1 | 3 |
| LA 132 | Ethics for Legal Prof | 3 |
| PSY 201Z | Introduction to Psychology I 3 | 4 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Second Year | ||
| First Term | ||
| BA 101Z | Introduction to Business | 4 |
| LA 204 | Legal Research and Writing I 1 | 4 |
| LA 208 | Family Law 1 | 4 |
| LA 210 | Wills Probate Estates 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Term | ||
| BA 226 | Business Law | 4 |
| LA 205 | Legal Research and Writing II 1 | 4 |
| LA 224 | Torts Pleadings and Practice 1 | 3 |
| LA 280 | CWE- Legal Assistant (6 credits required) 4 | 5 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Third Term | ||
| BA 231 | Computers in Business | 4 |
| LA 217 | Real Estate Law for Paralegals 1 | 4 |
| LA 226 | Criminal Law for Paralegals 1 | 3 |
| LA 280 | CWE- Legal Assistant (6 credits required) 4 | 5 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Minimum Credits | 90 | |
- 1
See advisor for full list of course options and prerequisites.
- 2
Meets Human Relations requirement
- 3
Any approved elective can be taken, see advisor for full list of course options
- 4
Contact instructor one term prior to complete paperwork
Advising Notes
- A grade of C or better must be attained in all LA courses or courses must be retaken.
Program Entrance Requirements
- Working knowledge of MS Word
- Recommended Keyboarding speed of 45 WPM or take OA 110 Alpha Keyboarding (2 cr.)
- Students with a criminal record are strongly urged to research employability before entering the paralegal program. If students enter the program with a felony conviction, they should disclose this information to their paralegal advisor and any Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) employer.