Program Description
This program is designed for students wanting to complete an AAS Degree in Paralegal and enter the workforce. Students explore torts, contracts, ethics, civil litigation, legal research and e-discovery processes. This AAS degree prepares students to work under the supervision of an attorney preparing legal documents, researching and compiling information, and communicating with clients. Students receive training for careers in a variety of legal areas including contracts and property law, legal ethics, research, and writing. Students will choose electives in fields such as family law, administrative law, evidence, criminal law, probate and estates, employment law, and intellectual property law. They will gain practical hands-on experience in a local work setting to see firsthand what it is like to be a paralegal.
Graduates are not authorized to practice law. The Paralegal program provides training to perform substantive legal work under the supervision of a licensed attorney.
Learn more about this program.
What You Will Learn
Upon completion of the program you will be able to:
1. Understand of the duties, responsibilities, and tasks that a paralegal performs in the legal environment
2. Conduct legal research by demonstrating knowledge of the use of a law library and computer-assisted legal research, legal technology and distinguishing between primary and secondary authorities
3. Apply critical thinking, analysis, and research skills to fact patterns and latest technology
4. Draft legal documents such as client letters, legal memorandums, briefs, pleadings, and related trial documents
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the legal system, different areas of the law, and the rules and process of litigation
6. Conduct yourself professionally and understand the Paralegal Code of Ethics and the American Bar Association code of Ethics
My Academic Plan: Full-Time
Courses are displayed in a full-time sequence showing the fastest path to your degree. Follow the pathway below to complete your AAS degree in 4 semesters (2 years). For more information, please see your Academic Advisor.
First Semester
Second Semester
Third Semester
Semester Note: Upon completion of ENG 1021, PAR 1115, PAR 1127, PAR 2201, PAR 2211, PAR 2212, PAR 2219, an internship/capstone course (select one from PAR 2089, PAR 2080, PAR 2087), and any 6 credits of electives (select one from PAR 1116, PAR 1117, PAR 1118, PAR 1125, PAR 2202, or PAR 2206), you should apply for the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Certificate.
Fourth Semester
My Academic Plan: Part-Time
Courses are displayed in a part-time sequence providing flexibility for the working professional. Follow the pathway below to complete your AAS degree within 8 semesters (3 years). This pathway may be accelerated by applying transfer credit, credit for prior learning, and/or completing one or more additional courses each semester. For more information, please see your Academic Advisor.
Fall Semester 1
| ENG 1021 | English Composition I: GT-CO1 | 3 |
| PSC 1011 | American Government: GT-SS1 | 3 |
| PAR 1115 | Introduction to Law | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Spring Semester 2
Summer Semester 3
| COM 1150 or COM 1250 or COM 2300 | Public Speaking (COM 1150) or Interpersonal Communication (COM 1250) or Intercultural Communication (COM 2300) | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Fall Semester 4
Spring Semester 5
Summer Semester 6
Fall Semester 7
Spring Semester 8
Semester Note: Upon completion of ENG 1021, PAR 1115, PAR 1127, PAR 2201, PAR 2211, PAR 2212, PAR 2219, an internship/capstone course (select one from PAR 2089, PAR 2080, PAR 2087), and any 6 credits of electives (select one from PAR 1116, PAR 1117, PAR 1118, PAR 1125, PAR 2202, or PAR 2206), you should apply for the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Certificate.