2017-2018 Catalog

Paralegal Associate of Applied Science

My Academic Plans (MAPs) are designed by faculty to better guide you in retention and completion. It is highly encouraged that you complete courses in the recommended order provided below in the notes section. You should work with an academic advisor to adjust your plan based on your scheduling needs.

My Academic Plan

Program Mission & Description

The paralegal program prepares individuals for employment in the legal field as a paralegal or legal assistant, as well as opportunities to upgrade their existing job skills for the current legal market.

Students receive training in a variety of legal areas, including contracts and property law, as well as legal ethics, research, and writing. Choose electives in fields that interest you most, such as family law, administrative law, evidence, criminal law, probate and estates, employment law, and intellectual property law. You will gain practical hands-on experience in a local work setting to see firsthand what it is like to be a paralegal.

AAS Paralegal Degree

Paralegal Degree Required Courses

Learn more about gainful employment

Career Opportunities

This degree is designed for individuals who are seeking a career in the legal profession as a legal assistant/paralegal. Paralegals work under the supervision of an attorney and their work includes preparing legal documents, researching and compiling information, and communicating with clients. Paralegals are not authorized to practice law under any circumstances. Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as computer literacy skills, are important to the paralegal. This program allows for technical training in the paralegal field and to work effectively with computers and legal research.

Courses in this program are offered online and in the classroom. Classroom courses are offered at both the Westminster and Larimer campuses. Classes are offered Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Students must be computer literate and knowledgeable about the internet.

In addition, the program provides the opportunity for students and current paralegals who wish to upgrade existing job skills or those who are seeking a career change.

Learn more about employment and career pathways in this industry.

First Semester

Courses should be completed in the order listed below. If you are unable to complete the entire semester list, complete as many courses in this sequence as your schedule allows.

ENG 121English Composition I

3

POS 111American Government

3

COM- REQCommunication: __________

3

MAT- REQMathematics Requirement: ___________

3-4

PAR 115Introduction to Law

3

Total Credit Hours:15-16

Second Semester

Courses should be completed in the order listed below. If you are unable to complete the entire semester list, complete as many courses in this sequence as your schedule allows.

ENG 122English Composition II

3

PAR 127Legal Ethics

3

PAR 116Torts

3

PAR- REQ-1Paralegal Requirement:__________

3

PAR 211Legal Research

3

Total Credit Hours:15

Third Semester

Courses should be completed in the order listed below. If you are unable to complete the entire semester list, complete as many courses in this sequence as your schedule allows.

PAR 201Civil Litigation

3

PAR 219E-Discovery and Litigation Technology

3

PAR 212Legal Writing

3

INT- CAPCapstone, Internship, Cooperative Education:__________

3

PAR- REQ-1Paralegal Requirement:__________

3

Total Credit Hours:15

Fourth Semester

Courses should be completed in the order listed below. If you are unable to complete the entire semester list, complete as many courses in this sequence as your schedule allows.

PAR 206Business Organizations

3

PAR- ELCParalegal Requirement:__________

3

PAR- ELCParalegal Requirement:__________

3

PAR- ELCParalegal Requirement:__________

3

ELC- LSTApproved Elective List: __________

3

Total Credit Hours:15

Total Credit Hours: 60-61