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.
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.
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 Courses
REL, Two cornerstone religion courses (REL 200, REL 225, REL 250, or REL 275), 4 credits
REL, Two additional Religion Courses, 4 credits
Total Religion Courses Minimum Credit Hours 8
Program Required College Courses
BAP 115, Excel and Introduction to Technology, 1 credit
CAR 101, College Success, 1 credit
CAR 201, Career Success, 1 credit
COMM 122, Interpersonal Communications, 3 credits
ENG 101, Introduction to College Writing, 3 credits
MAT 107, Quantitative Analysis and Personal Finance, 3 credits
Total Program College-wide Courses Minimum Credit Hours 12
Program Core Courses
ENG 201, Intermediate College Writing, 3 credits
PLS 101, Introduction to Law, 3 credits
PLS 110, Legal Research/Writing I, 3 credits
PLS 115, Legal Research/Writing II, 3 credits
PLS 120, Evidence, 2 credits
PLS 130, Criminal Law and Procedures, 3 credits
PLS 140, Paralegal Procedures, 3 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
Total Program Core Courses Minimum Credit Hours 37
Internship or Practicum (select one of the options listed below)
Option 1:
PLS 296, Paralegal Portfolio, 1 credit AND PLS 299, Paralegal Internship, 2 credits
Option 2:
PLS 292, Paralegal Practicum, 3 credits
Total Internship or Practicum Minimum Credit Hours 3
Total Paralegal Studies (AAS) Degree Minimum Credit Hours 60
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.
Recommended Sequence of Courses
Depending upon the number of preparatory courses required, additional semesters may be required to complete the program.
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, 3 credits
PLS 140, Paralegal Procedures, 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 110, Legal Research/Writing I, 3 credits
PLS 120, Evidence, 2 credits
PLS 130, Criminal Law & Procedures, 3 credits
PLS 150, Paralegal Computer Application, 3 credits
PLS 160, Ethics, 2 credits
REL, Cornerstone Religion course, 2 credits
Total Minimum Semester Hours 16
Third Semester
MAT 107, Quantitative Analysis & Personal Finance, 3 credits
PLS 115, Legal Research/Writing II, 3 credits
PLS 203, Introduction to Civil Litigation, 3 credits
PLS 205, Contract Law, 3 credits
REL, Cornerstone or Religion Elective, 2 credits
Total Minimum Semester Hours 14
Fourth Semester
CAR 201, Career Success, 1 credit
ENG 201, Intermediate College Writing, 3 credits
PLS 210, Torts, 3 credits
PLS 215, Bankruptcy Law, 3 credits
PLS 296, Paralegal Portfolio, 1 credit
PLS 299, Paralegal Internship, 2 credits
REL, Cornerstone or Religion Elective, 2 credits
Total Minimum Semester Hours 15
Total Paralegal Studies (AAS) Degree Minimum 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