Associate of Applied Science
The Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies provides a course of study and degree for students who intend to pursue a career as a paralegal. It provides the general education and skills applicable to the paralegal profession while educating students in the theory and philosophy of the law, as well as the ethics of legal practice. Students will learn the practical skills necessary to effectively assist lawyers in either the private or public sectors, based on their choice of electives.
This program of study is not designed for college transfer. Also, it must be noted that while paralegals assist lawyers with legal work, they are strictly prohibited from engaging in the practice of law and cannot provide legal services directly to the public.
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better in all credits to be used towards the degree.
- Earn a “C” or better in all PALG courses, all required related courses, and in ENGL 1013 and ENGL 1023.
- Complete the coursework listed below.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate legal research and writing skills pertinent to the paralegal profession.
- Demonstrate knowledge of state and federal court litigation, procedures, and terminology.
- Demonstrate organizational and computer skills necessary for law office functions.
- Recognize ethical issues that arise in a legal work environment and apply rules of professional conduct.
Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
ENGL 1013 | English Composition I | 3 |
CJUS 1013 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
PALG 1013 | Introduction to Paralegal Studies | 3 |
Any Gen-Ed. Social Science | 3 | |
Any Gen-Ed. Mathematics/Analytical Reasoning | 3 |
Semester Total: 15
Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
ENGL 1023 | English Composition II | 3 |
POLI 2013 | American Government | 3 |
PALG 1203 | Introduction to Legal Research | 3 |
PALG 1213 | Introduction to Legal Writing | 3 |
Any Gen-Ed. Natural Science | 3 |
Semester Total: 15
Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
POLI 2113 | Constitutional Law | 3 |
PALG 2113 | Computers in the Law Office | 3 |
PALG 2153 | Litigation I | 3 |
PALG 2303 | Ethics and Paralegals | 3 |
Paralegal elective (see below) | 3 |
Semester Total: 15
Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Any SACSCOC-Accepted Gen.-Ed. Humanities | 3 | |
Paralegal elective (see below) | 3 | |
Paralegal elective (see below) | 3 | |
Paralegal elective (see below) | 3 | |
PALG 2903 | Paralegal Practicum | 3 |
Semester Total: 15
Total Program Hours: 60
Paralegal Electives:
- PALG 2103, Law Office Management
- PALG 2223, Real Estate Law and Procedure
- PALG 2233, Insurance Law and Procedure
- PALG 2243, Wills, Estates, and Trusts
- PALG 2253, Employment Law
- PALG 2263, Family Law
- PALG 2273, Criminal Law
- PALG 2283, Personal Injury Law and Procedure
Any SACSCOC-Accepted Gen-Ed. Humanities: Select any General Education English Literature, History, Humanities, or Philosophy course.