Nov 11, 2024  
2018-2019 Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Catalog [PAST CATALOG]

Paralegal Studies - General Practice (certificate)


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Title of Certificate: Paralegal Studies - General Practice, Certificate

Award:  Certificate

Code: CRT.PARA.GENL

Total Credit Hours: A minimum of 31

About Legal Studies Institute

Purpose: Basic information is presented to prepare students for employment in the paralegal field or to meet the requirements of persons already employed in the paralegal field who wish to obtain college credit and move into more advanced supervisory positions. Students are able to choose one of the following areas of concentration: general practice, business, or litigation. Students may pursue the certificate program on a full- or part-time basis and courses are offered in day, evening and weekend and accelerated formats.

Range of Occupations

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

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

Additional Program Requirements

Verification by the college that the student obtained a bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree prior to enrollment in the Paralegal Studies certificate program. The certificate program requires 31 credit hours. A certificate in any concentration will require at least seven core courses which provide a background in paralegal studies. The remaining required course or electives are those courses that are germane to the selection program concentration.

Certificate Graduation Requirements


To graduate with a certificate, students must have demonstrated eligibility for ENG 111  or ENG 115 .  See Academic Regulations on Graduation Requirements   

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.

Entrance Requirements


Students entering the Paralegal Studies certificate program must hold prior to enrollment either a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university whose program included at least 18 hours of general education courses, including ENG 111  and ENG 112 , as well as courses in at least two other disciplines, such as social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, humanities and foreign language. Students are required to forward to the college prior to enrollment an official transcript from the institution where their bachelor’s degree or associate degree was obtained.

Area of Concentration Requirements: 12 credits


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 the college’s core competencies.

Career and Educational Advancement Resources


   

Gainful Employment


Gainful Employment Information  

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