Paralegal Studies - Associate of Applied Science
Degree
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Overview
A two-year, associate of applied science degree in Paralegal Studies prepares the student for a dynamic career in the legal profession. The student will receive training in case management and legal research as well as learn how to analyze and summarize data to assist attorneys in preparation for hearings, trials, closings, corporate meetings, and other legal functions. The student will experience community learning opportunities that include job shadows, internships, and real-world projects. *Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
Career Opportunities
A successful paralegal finds fulfillment as a contributor in resolving difficult legal situations in behalf of families, non-profit organizations, law firms, government agencies, and corporations. A variety of positions can be found in numerous industries including banking, insurance, healthcare, business, entertainment industry, real estate, and public agencies.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, successful graduates will be able to:
- Apply substantive and procedural law to a given set of facts, formulate arguments, and identify legal solutions
- Practice professional and ethical standards appropriate to the legal profession
- Perform legal research and summarize findings for supervising attorneys, clients, and/or the courts
- Follow appropriate interviewing and investigational procedures with clients, witnesses, and industry professionals
- Demonstrate professional skills necessary to a paralegal career, including oral and written communication and technology skills
Course Requirements
Students are responsible to examine the course description of each course listed below for details of prerequisites, which must be satisfied before registering for the course.
Religion
Religion Cornerstone Courses
Students must complete two of the following courses
| REL 200 | The Eternal Family (Cornerstone) | 2 credits |
| REL 225 | Foundations of the Restoration (Cornerstone) | 2 credits |
| REL 250 | Jesus Christ & His Everlasting Gospel (Cornerstone) | 2 credits |
| REL 275 | Teachings & Doctrine of The Book of Mormon (Cornerstone) | 2 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 4 |
Religion Electives
Students must complete two additional religion courses
Total Credit Hours: 8
College and Career Success
Complete both of the following
| CAR 101 | College Success | 1 credit |
| BAP 115 | Excel and Introduction to Technology | 1 credit |
| Total Credit Hours: | 2 |
Internship
Students pursuing the paralegal AAS must complete 3 credits of PLS 299.
| PLS 299 | Paralegal Internship | 2-3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Note: PLS 299 will substitute for CAR 299 for students completing the AS degree in addition to the AAS degree. However, CAR 299 may not be a substitute for PLS 299.
College Fundamentals
| COMM 122 | Interpersonal Communications | 3 credits |
| ENG 101 | Introduction to College Writing | 3 credits |
| MAT 107 | Quantitative Analysis and Personal Finance | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
The MAT 107 requirement can also be satisfied by any math course higher than MAT 107
Program Core Courses
Program Core Courses
| CAR 201 | Career Success | 1 credit |
| ENG 201 | Intermediate College Writing | 3 credits |
| PLS 101 | Introduction to Law and Legal Careers | 3 credits |
| PLS 110 | Legal Research/Writing I | 3 credits |
| PLS 115 | Legal Research/Writing II | 3 credits |
| PLS 120 | Evidence | 2 credits |
| PLS 150 | Paralegal Computer Application | 3 credits |
| PLS 160 | Ethics | 2 credits |
| PLS 203 | Introduction to Civil Litigation | 3 credits |
| PLS 205 | Contract Law | 3 credits |
| PLS 210 | Torts | 3 credits |
| PLS 215 | Bankruptcy Law | 3 credits |
| PLS 220 | Family Law | 3 credits |
| PLS 230 | Criminal Law and Procedures | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 38 |
Total Credit Hours: 60
Graduation Requirements
• Minimum of 60 total semester credit hours as outlined
• Grade of C or higher in ENG 101 and all PLS core courses
• Cumulative grade-point average of 2.0
• Two cornerstone religion courses, plus two additional religion courses
Recommended Sequence of Courses
Individual student circumstances, such as the need for a smaller course load or the number of preparatory English or Math courses a student must take, may require additional semesters to complete the program. Please see your academic advisor for assistance.
First Semester
CAR 101, College Success, 1 credit
COMM 122, Interpersonal Communications, 3 credits
ENG 101, Introduction to College Writing, 3 credits
PLS 101, Introduction to Law and Legal Careers, 3 credits
PLS 110, Legal Research/Writing I, 3 credits
REL, Cornerstone Religion course, 2 credits
Total Minimum Semester Hours 15
Second Semester
BAP 115, Excel and Introduction to Technology, 1 credit
PLS 115, Legal Research/Writing II, 3 credits
PLS 120, Evidence, 2 credits
PLS 150, Paralegal Computer Application, 3 credits
PLS 160, Ethics, 2 credits
REL, Cornerstone Religion course, 2 credits
REL, Elective, 2 credits
Total Minimum Semester Hours 16
Third Semester
CAR 201, Career Success, 1 credit
PLS 203, Introduction to Civil Litigation, 3 credits
PLS 205, Contract Law, 3 credits
PLS 210, Torts, 3 credits
PLS 215, Bankruptcy Law, 3 credits
REL, Elective, 2 credits
Total Minimum Semester Hours 15
Fourth Semester
MAT 107, Quantitative Analysis & Personal Finance, 3 credits
ENG 201, Intermediate College Writing, 3 credits
PLS 220, Family Law, 3 credits
PLS 230, Criminal Law and Procedures, 3 credits
PLS 299, Paralegal Internship, 3 credits
Total Minimum Semester Hours 15
Total Paralegal Studies (AAS) Degree Minimum Credit Hours 60