Paralegal/Legal Assistant Associate of Applied Science

My Academic Plan

Courses are displayed to show the fastest path to your degree and should be completed in the order listed. If you are unable to complete all courses listed in a semester, complete as many courses in this sequence as your schedule allows. If you have questions or concerns about your MAP, please see your Academic Advisor.

Program Description

This program is designed for students wanting to complete a two-year 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

First Semester

ENG 1021	English Composition I: GT-CO1	3
PSC 1011	American Government: GT-SS1	3
COM 1150 or COM 1250 or COM 2300	Public Speaking (COM 1150) or Interpersonal Communication (COM 1250) or Intercultural Communication (COM 2300)	3
MAT 1140 or higher	Career Mathematics (MAT 1140) or higher	3
PAR 1115	Introduction to Law	3
Total Credit Hours:		15

Second Semester

ENG 1022	English Composition II: GT-CO2	3
PAR 1127	Legal Ethics	3
PAR 1116	Torts	3
PAR 1125	Property Law	3
PAR 2211	Legal Research	3
Total Credit Hours:		15

Third Semester

PAR 2201	Civil Litigation	3
PAR 2219	E-Discovery & Litigation Technology	3
PAR 2212	Legal Writing	3
PAR 2089 or PAR 2080 or PAR 2087	Capstone (PAR 2089) or Internship (PAR 2080) or Cooperative Education (PAR 2087)	3
PAR 1118	Contracts	3
Total Credit Hours:		15

Semester Note: Upon completion of ENG 1021, PAR 1115, PAR 2217, PAR 2201, PAR 2211, PAR 2212, PAR 2219, a capstone course (select one from PAR 2089, PAR 2080, PAR 2087), and any 6 credits of elective (select one from PAR 1116, PAR 1118, PAR 1125, or PAR 2206), you should apply for the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Certificate.

Fourth Semester

PAR 2206	Business Organizations	3
ELECTIVE	Paralegal Elective Course	3
ELECTIVE	Paralegal Elective Course	3
ELECTIVE	Paralegal Elective Course	3
ELECTIVE	Any Approved Elective List Course	3
Total Credit Hours:		15

Total Credit Hours: 60

Important Program Notes:

You must complete a minimum of 60 credits to complete this degree. If receiving financial aid, you should only take courses and credits as required for this degree. Check with your advisor to monitor your completion progress.