Nov 08, 2024  
2023-2024 Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Catalog [PAST CATALOG]

Paralegal Studies (A.A.S.)


Official Title of Major: Paralegal Studies, A.A.S.

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

Code: AAS.PARA-STUDIES

Total credit hours: 60

About the Legal Studies Institute

American Bar Association approved.

Purpose: This American Bar Association-approved program prepares students for employment in the paralegal field or to meet the requirements for promotion and/or additional career responsibility. 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 careers during the next several years. Students may enroll in either full-or part-time courses that are offered in day, evening, online, and weekend formats. 

Range of Occupations
  • Court administrative assistant
  • Court clerk
  • Law office manager
  • Legal assistant
  • Litigation paralegal
  • Personal injury paralegal
  • Medical malpractice paralegal
  • Mediator
  • Family law paralegal
  • Paralegal for the State’s Attorney and/or Public Defender
  • Victim advocate

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

Graduation Requirements


Refer to Academic Regulations on Graduation Requirements  for college-wide graduation requirements.

Honors Program Courses


If you qualify for the Honors Program, you may take honors versions  of some courses (such as ENG 101H , ENG 102H , etc.).

Online Degrees and Credit Certificates


This program can be completed fully online. Some online courses may require proctored exams or on-campus assessments at a testing center.

Statewide Tuition Reduction Program


This program of study is designated a Statewide Tuition Reduction Program. This means that some residents of Maryland (refer to 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.

Planning Tool: Two-Year Sequence


 

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General Education Requirements: 22 credits


An approved list of general education courses can be found in the General Education and Diversity, Technology and Wellness Requirements  section of the catalog. Choose general education courses from the following topics:

English Composition: 6 credits


Arts and Humanities: 3 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.

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 advisor or refer to the math department listed by their transfer school before choosing a math course.

Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 credits


See General Education Social and Behavioral Sciences Requirements   for a list of approved courses. 

Additional General Education Requirements: 3 credits


Program Requirements: 38 credits


Diversity Requirement


Satisfied by LGS 271 . 

Technology Requirement


Satisfied by LGS 112 .

Wellness Requirement


Unless they are in a degree that is exempt, all students in associate degree programs must satisfy the Wellness Requirement . In many cases, students may satisfy this requirement simultaneously as they satisfy a general education course requirement or with an elective.

Program Outcomes


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

1. Explain basic legal concepts, issues and terminology in subject matter areas that are essential to the practice of law.

2. Apply critical thinking skills to identify, analyze, and interpret legal and factual issues and effectively interface with clients and attorneys.

3. Demonstrate effective legal research, writing, and oral communication skills.

4. Apply general principles of ethical and professional responsibility to the role of paralegals and attorneys in the practice of law.

5. 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.

Related Offerings


Students may wish to also review requirements for the related majors or programs linked below.

Career and Educational Advancement Resources