Nov 21, 2024  
2017-2018 Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Catalog [PAST CATALOG]

Paralegal Studies - Business (A.A.S.)


Title of Major: Paralegal Studies - Business, A.A.S.

Award: Associate of Applied Science degree, A.A.S

Code: AAS.PARA.BUSN

Total credit hours: 60

About Legal Studies Institute

Purpose: Basic information is presented to prepare students for employment in the paralegal field or to meet the requirements for promotion and additional career responsibility. Students are able to choose one of the following areas of concentration: general practice, business or litigation. Paralegal courses are taught by judges, practicing attorneys and experts in the field, with an emphasis on practical applications. Employment projections suggest that the paralegal field will be one of the fastest-growing career areas during the next several years. Students may enroll either full- or part-time and courses are offered in day, evening and weekend formats.

American Bar Association approved.

Range of Occupations

  • Administrative assistant
  • Court administrative assistant
  • Court clerk
  • Law office manager
  • Legal assistant
  • Legislative legal assistant
  • Paralegal
  • Real estate settlement officer
  • Victim advocate

Note: Paralegals may not provide legal services to the public except as permitted by law.

Statewide Tuition Reduction Program


This program of study may be designated a Statewide Tuition Reduction Program. This means that some residents of Maryland (see the Tuition, Fees and Payments  section of this catalog) enrolled in this program of study by the first day of the term may be eligible for in-county tuition rates for courses required for program completion. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm that this program still maintains a Statewide Program status before enrolling. Please refer to the college’s Accounts Receivable Office to confirm this designation.

Graduation Requirements


See Academic Regulations for college-wide Graduation Requirements .

Planning Tool: Two-Year Sequence of Courses


 

  Open/Print this Planning Tool    

 

General Education Requirements 23-26 credits


An approved list of general education courses can be found in the  General Education Requirements and degree program required courses  section of the catalog. Choose general education courses from the following topics:

English: 3-6 credits


Biological and Physical Sciences: 4 credits


One laboratory science course required. See General Education Biological and Physical Sciences Requirements  for a list of approved courses.

Computer Technology: 4 credits


See General Education Computer Technology Requirements  for a list of approved courses.

Health/Fitness/Wellness: 3 credits


Mathematics: 3 credits


  • 3 credit hours
  • Or more advanced level if qualified. Due to a variety of transfer requirements at four-year schools, students should consult with an adviser or refer to the math department listed by their transfer school before choosing a math course.

Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 credits


Area of Concentration Requirements: 12-15 credits


Computer Competency Requirement


All students in associate degree programs must demonstrate competence in computing and information technology (a computer competency requirement ). Students may satisfy the computer competency course requirement simultaneously as they satisfy the computer technology general education course or with an elective.

Diversity Requirement


Satisfied by SOC 111  requirement.

Program Outcomes


Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Explain basic legal concepts, issues, and terminology in subject matter areas that are essential to the practice of law.
  • Apply critical thinking skills to identify, analyze, and interpret legal and factual issues and effectively interface with clients and attorneys.
  • Strengthen legal research, writing, and oral communication skills.
  • Apply general principles of ethical and professional responsibility to the role of paralegals and attorneys in the practice of law.
  • Apply practical legal skills and legal theory to assist attorneys in the practice of law.

This program aligns with all the college’s core competencies. For a full list of Core Competencies, click here.

Career and Educational Advancement Resources