Academic Programs

Paralegal Studies

Award: Associate of Applied Science
Number of credits required: 60
Locations: La Plata Campus (LAPL)
Offered: Days And Evenings
Contact: E. A. Schauf, Interim Chair

Description:

Paralegals, also called legal assistants, perform delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. They work with attorneys to provide economical, quality legal services and to make legal services more available to the public. Paralegals work with many different areas of law, such as civil litigation, family law, criminal law, real estate/banking, corporate law, estate planning, and insurance. This American Bar Association-approved program is designed to prepare graduates for careers as entry-level paralegals by providing substantive knowledge and practical skills necessary for entry-level paralegal positions in public, private, or business entities. Students learn critical thinking, organization skills, communication skills, legal research, legal writing, technology skills, interviewing skills, investigation skills, and management techniques that they require to be successful paralegals.Cooperative education is available in the program.Distance learning is also utilized. For program goals, objectives, and additional information, visit www.csmd.edu/bus. Graduates are encouraged to continue their studies to earn a bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies or Legal Studies. Students who declare Paralegal Studies as their program of study must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. As an American Bar Association-approved program, students transferring into the program should note that at least 12 credits in legal specialty courses must be taken at this college. Transfer students are encouraged to meet with an advisor.

Required courses:

Take BAD-1330 BAD-2070 BAD-2080 COM-1250 ENG-1010 PGL-1011 PGL-1012 PGL-1041 PGL-1210 PGL-2220 PGL-2410 PGL-2180

English Elective:

Take 3 credits; from ENG-1020 ENG-1030

Mathematics:

Take 3 credits from General Education Courses listing

Paralegal Elective:

Take 6 credits; from CJS-203O, PGL

Biological/phys sci:

Take 3 credits from General Education Courses listing

Social/behavior sci:

Take 3 credits from General Education Courses listing

Humanities:

Take 3 credits; from subject HST PHL

Electives:

Take 3 credits from any courses numbered 1001 and above except MTH-1040 .

Last Update: October 1, 2008