Approximate Cost

• Credit Costs (approximate, minimum cost of two-years $8,800 full time at AACC)
• How to Figure Your Cost Worksheet  

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:

Program Requirements: 38 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 170 - Civil Procedure 3 credit hours
• LGS 210 - Legal Ethics 3 credit hours
• LGS 215 - Criminal Law 3 credit hours
• LGS 253 - Business Law 1 3 credit hours

•  

  Choose one of the following:

• LGS 160 - Domestic Relations 3 credit hours

• OR

• LGS 171 - Tort Law 3 credit hours

•  

  Electives (consult with an advisor and/or paralegal studies)  10 credit hours  Students must have a minimum of 9 credits of legal specialty electives, which excludes the following courses:  LGS 100, LGS 156, LGS 217, LGS 218, LGS 225, LGS 232, LGS 250, LGS 270 and LGS 271. Students may choose a one-credit general elective in order to achieve the 60 credits needed for graduation. See suggested electives below. Suggested electives are based on student interest in a particular area of law.

  Suggested electives for each practice area:

  Civil:

  LGS 160  (if not used to satisfy a program requirement above)

  LGS 171  (if not used to satisfy a program requirement above)

  LGS 220  

  LGS 230  

  Criminal:

  LGS 205  

  LGS 216  

  Domestic:

  LGS 165  

  LGS 235  

  LGS 281  

  Transactional:

  LGS 200  

  LGS 235  

  LGS 236  

  LGS 254  

  LGS 260  

  LGS 281  

   

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.

• Paralegal Studies (certificate) 

Career and Educational Advancement Resources