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 121 | English Composition I | 3 |
| POS 111 | American Government | 3 |
| COM- REQ | Communication: __________ | 3 |
| MAT- REQ | Mathematics Requirement: ___________ | 3-4 |
| PAR 115 | Introduction 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.
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 201 | Civil Litigation | 3 |
| PAR 219 | E-Discovery and Litigation Technology | 3 |
| PAR 212 | Legal Writing | 3 |
| INT- CAP | Capstone, Internship, Cooperative Education:__________ | 3 |
| PAR- REQ-1 | Paralegal 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 206 | Business Organizations | 3 |
| PAR- ELC | Paralegal Requirement:__________ | 3 |
| PAR- ELC | Paralegal Requirement:__________ | 3 |
| PAR- ELC | Paralegal Requirement:__________ | 3 |
| ELC- LST | Approved Elective List: __________ | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |