Paralegal Studies, A.A.S.

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)

Program Requirements: (31 Credits)

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

• LEGL 111 - Introduction to American Law for Paralegals 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), or Psychology (PSYC) 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)

Total 60 Credits Min.