Paralegal Studies - General Practice (A.A.S.)

Title of Major: Paralegal Studies - General Practice, A.A.S.

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

Code: AAS.PARA.GENL

Total credit hours: 60

About Legal Studies Institute

American Bar Association approved.

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.

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

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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

ENG 111 - Composition and Introduction to Literature 1 3 credit hours AND
ENG 112 - Composition and Introduction to Literature 2 3 credit hours
OR
ENG 115 - Composition and Introduction to Literature 1 for Non-Native Speakers 3 credit hours AND
ENG 116 - Composition and Introduction to Literature 2 for Non-Native Speakers 3 credit hours
OR
ENG 121 - Composition and Literature 3 credit hours
Successful completion of ENG 121 satisfies the college English composition general education requirements. Students who complete ENG 121 must take an additional elective course to ensure that they complete a minimum of 60 credits which are required for the award of an associate degree. These credit hours must be approved by the department chair or program coordinator.

Arts and Humanities: 3 credits

COM 111 - Fundamentals of Oral Communication 3 credit hours
OR
COM 116 - Fundamentals of Oral Communication for Non-Native Speakers 3 credit hours

Biological and Physical Sciences: 4 credits

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

Computer Technology: 4 credits

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

Health, Fitness and Wellness: 3 credits

See General Education Health/Fitness/Wellness Requirements for a list of approved courses.

Mathematics: 3 credits

MAT 100 - The Nature of Mathematics 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 advisor or refer to the math department listed by their transfer school before choosing a math course.

Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 credits

SOC 111 - Introduction to Sociology 3 credit hours

Program Requirements: 22 credits

LGS 111 - Introduction to Paralegal Studies 3 credit hours
LGS 112 - Law Office Practice and Technology 3 credit hours
LGS 141 - Electronic Legal Research 1 credit hour
LGS 143 - Legal Research and Writing 1 3 credit hours
LGS 144 - Legal Research and Writing 2 3 credit hours
LGS 171 - Tort Law 3 credit hours
LGS 210 - Legal Ethics 3 credit hours
LGS 253 - Business Law 1 3 credit hours

Area of Concentration Requirements: 12-15 credits

LGS 254 - Business Law 2 3 credit hours
Elective (paralegal studies): 6 credit hours
Choose any two paralegal studies electives from any non-required LGS courses, except LGS 135 , LGS 136 , LGS 156 , LGS 217 , LGS 218 , LGS 225 , LGS 232 , or LGS 270 .
Elective (paralegal studies): 3 credit hours
Consult with an advisor. Students may select any additional LGS class except LGS 100 .
Elective: 0-3 credit hours
Applies to students who complete ENG 121 and need an additional 3 credits to meet the 60 credit hours for degree.

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:

Become critical thinkers.
Become effective communicators.
Become competent legal professionals.
Become ethical legal professionals.

This program aligns with all the college’s core competencies.

Career and Educational Advancement Resources

Career, Workforce Certifications Education and Transfer Resources