Paralegal Studies, A.A.S.

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CIP: 22.0302
School of Business, Professional Studies and Education, 505-428-1687 and 505-428-1308

This program prepares students for employment as paralegals/legal assistants in private law firms, courts and government agencies, corporations, businesses and organizations conducting legal-related work. Students learn legal principles, legal research and writing, case management, interviewing and investigating, preparation of legal documents, law office administration and legal ethics.

NOTE: A.A.S. degrees are designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in specific occupations; they are not generally intended to transfer to four-year institutions. For more information on transfer, refer to the Transfer of Credit section, or speak with an academic advisor.

Students can earn the following certificates related to this degree:

Students can follow the Program Map listed below to complete this program:

Paralegal Studies, A.A.S. - 2-Year Program Map

Program Learning Outcomes

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

Explain the structure of the American legal system and how legal cases are processed.
Analyze legal problems by conducting legal research, interpreting law, and composing persuasive written and oral legal arguments.
Compose basic legal pleadings, legal memoranda and correspondence related to case processing.
Demonstrate evidence gathering techniques for obtaining discovery and interviewing clients and witnesses.
Explain the paralegal’s role in providing office support that maintains the legal field’s ethical and professional standards.

General Education Requirements: (20 Credits)

Communications (6 Credits)

ENGL 1110 - Composition I Credits: 3
ENGL 1120 - Composition II Credits: 3
or
ENGL 2210 - Technical and Professional Communication Credits: 3
or
ENGL 1210 - Technical Communications Credits: 3

Mathematics (3 Credits)

MATH 1130 - Survey of Mathematics Credits: 3
or higher

Laboratory Science (4 Credits)

Social/Behavioral Science or Creative and Fine Arts (3 Credits)

SOCI 1110 - Introduction to Sociology Credits: 3
or
PSYC 1110 - Introduction to Psychology Credits: 3

Humanities (3 Credits MIN)

Any foreign language Credits: 4 Recommended

Health and Wellness (1 Credit)

Program Requirements: (31 Credits)

It is highly recommended that students take LEGL 111 and LEGL 121 in their first semester.

LEGL 111 - Introduction to Law for Legal Professionals Credits: 3
LEGL 112 - Introduction to the Paralegal Profession Credits: 3
LEGL 121 - Legal Research and Writing I Credits: 3
LEGL 211 - Contract Law Credits: 3
LEGL 212 - Tort Law Credits: 3
LEGL 231 - Evidence Law: Investigating and interviewing Credits: 3
LEGL 240 - Constitutional Law Credits: 3
LEGL 241 - Legal Research Writing II/Westlaw Credits: 4
LEGL 250 - Civil Litigation Credits: 3
LEGL 252 - Criminal Litigation Credits: 3

Related Requirements: (9 Credits)

Choose from the following:

Any course in Paralegal Studies (LEGL), Business Administration (BSAD or BUSA), Criminal Justice (CJUS), Human Services (HMSV), Psychology (PSYC), or Sociology (SOCI) Credits: 3
LEGL 298 - Paralegal Studies Internship Credits: 3 (if you want law office work experience)
BCIS 1110 - Fundamentals of Information Literacy Credits: 3 (ONLY if you have NO prior office work experience)

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