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 | |
| LA 100 | Legal Procedures I 1 | 4 |
| LA 102 | Legal Terminology 1 | 3 |
| MTH 104 or BA 180 | Math Literacy (or higher) or Business Mathematics I | 3-4 |
| OA 128 | Editing for Business 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 13-14 | |
| Second Term | ||
| BA 214 | Business Communications | 3 |
| COM 218Z or PSY 101 | Interpersonal Communication 3 or Psychology of Human Relations | 3-4 |
| LA 101 | Intro to Paralegal Studies | 3 |
| LA 128 | Legal Procedures II 1 | 4 |
| WR 121Z | Composition I | 4 |
| Credits | 17-18 | |
| Third Term | ||
| LA 105 | Civil Procedure 1 | 3 |
| LA 132 | Ethics for Legal Prof | 3 |
| Program Elective 4 | 3 | |
| Program Elective 4 | 3 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| 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 226Z | Introduction to 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 2 | 3 |
| Program Elective 4 | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| 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 2 | 3 |
| Program Elective 4 | 2 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Minimum Credits | 90-92 | |
- 1
See catalog for course co-requisites or pre-requisites
- 2
See instructor the term prior for information on cooperative work experience. 6 credits needed to meet program requirements.
- 3
Meets Human Relations requirement
- 4
Program elective
Approved Paralegal Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BA 161 | Career Planning | 1 |
| BA 165 | Customer Service | 3 |
| BA 211Z | Principles Financial Acct | 4 |
| BA 213Z | Principles Managerial Acct | 4 |
| CIS 120 | Intro to Digital Literacy | 4 |
| CJ 105 | Concepts of Criminal Law | 3 |
| CJ 114 | Diversity Issues in CJ | 3 |
| CJ 120 | Intro to Judicial Process | 3 |
| COM 111Z | Public Speaking | 4 |
| COM 218Z | Interpersonal Communication | 4 |
| LA 280 | CWE- Legal Assistant | 1-6 |
| MED 111 | Medical Terminology I | 3 |
| PS 201 | United States Government I | 4 |
| PSY 101 | Psychology of Human Relations | 3 |
| PSY 201Z | Introduction to Psychology I | 4 |
| PSY 202Z | Introduction to Psychology II | 4 |
| SOC 204Z | Introduction to Sociology | 4 |
| SOC 206Z | Social Problems | 4 |
| SOC 207 | Juvenile Delinquency | 3 |
| WR 122Z | Composition II | 4 |
| WR 227Z | Technical Writing | 4 |
Advising Notes
- A grade of C or better must be attained in all courses or courses must be retaken.
Program Entrance Requirements
- Working knowledge of MS Word
- Recommended Keyboarding speed of 45 WPM
- 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.