Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
The Associate of Applied Science degree program offers a substantive and practical exposure to the law. The courses provide students with the tools necessary to be effective to understand and apply the law. The program is designed for entryway to a career as a working professional and a stepping stone for those who may continue to seek a degree that will enhance their current career paths.
Students take the Introduction to Paralegal Studies Course, then all core and elective courses, then the Capstone Course.
Program Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Program Requirements:
Students take the Introduction to Paralegal Studies Course, then all core and elective courses, then the Capstone Course.
Program Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Utilize Analytical Thinking Skills: Analyze a problem and evaluate alternative solutions.
- Develop Organization Skills: Sort information by category, prioritize assignments and client needs, manage information manually and through computerized databases; and utilize time efficiently.
- Enhance Communication skills: Interact effectively, in person, by telephone and in written correspondence with lawyers, clients, witnesses, court personnel, co-workers, and other business professionals
- Learn Legal Research Skills: Prepare and carry out a legal research plan; identify, analyze and categorize key facts in a situation.
- Develop Legal Writing Skills: Understand and apply principles of writing and rules of English grammar to all writing tasks. Communicate complex legal matters in understandable and concise terms.
- Understand Professional and Ethical Obligations: Understand the legal process and the nature of law practice, emphasizing the role of the paralegal in the delivery of legal services; understand the legal and ethical principles that guide paralegal conduct.
Program Requirements:
- General Education Core Courses – 24 credits
- Paralegal Courses – 27 credits
- Electives – 9 credits
Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies - Program Outline
General Education Courses
| Code | Course Name | Credits |
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- The cornerstone of the general education program is a three-credit course designed to provide students with the tools necessary for collegiate success. This course provides support to new students as they develop confidence in their academic and social endeavors.
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- A study of basic economic concepts emphasizing analysis of the aggregate economy. The fundamental concepts of national income and its determination, economic fluctuations, monetary and fiscal policies, and economic growth are covered.
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- This is a survey course of American history from the colonial period, the Revolution to the establishment of the Republic, the first half of the nineteenth century, up through the period of the Civil War, ending in 1865. The impact of geography on the growth of the Republic is considered. The political, economic and cultural evolution of the American people is examined, providing the student with historical foundations for an informed political awareness of present-day issues.
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- Review of elementary algebra and selected topics in statistics and probability. Sets, real numbers, graphing, linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, relations and functions, solving systems of linear equations, descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, graphical displays of data, measures of central tendency and dispersion, introduction to probability.
Prerequisite: satisfactory placement exam score, MAT 100 or equivalent
- Review of elementary algebra and selected topics in statistics and probability. Sets, real numbers, graphing, linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, relations and functions, solving systems of linear equations, descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, graphical displays of data, measures of central tendency and dispersion, introduction to probability.
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- This course provides an introduction to computers and management information systems. Topics include operating systems, networks and the Internet, productivity tools used in business including word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation programs, management information systems and office automation.
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- An introduction to selected concepts, methods, and vocabulary of psychology. Focus of study will be on the individual and the conditions that influence behavior. Topics that will be covered include: growth and development, learning and thinking, emotions and motivations, personality and assessment, maladjustment and mental health, groups and social interaction, and social influence and society.
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- An analysis of the social and cultural forces that govern human behavior. The principal topics include: social interaction and organization, socialization processes, primary groups and the family (associations, bureaucracy and other social institutions), collective behavior, population and ecology.
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- Instruction in the application of the principles and skills involved in effective expository writing, with most readings from nonfiction prose. Introduces students to the writing process with special attention to constructing arguments, working with sources, and crafting effective sentences and paragraphs.
Required Paralegal Courses
| Code | Course Name | Credits |
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- This course is designed to introduce the student to the paralegal profession, its ethics, tasks and role in the legal system. Include will be discussions and reviews of the skills and concepts necessary to be competent in the paralegal profession. Those skills and concepts include, but are not limited to legal terminology, relationships between the paralegal, the attorney, law office staff, the client, and the legal system, ethics, regulation, etc.
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- This course will introduce students to the types of ethical dilemmas that they will face in the work force; generally to the ethical rules developed by the American Bar Association, and specifically, to the rules adopted by this jurisdiction for the regulation of attorney and paralegal conduct and the model codes of paralegal associations; and to methods for researching the answers to ethical dilemmas.
Prerequisite: PLG 110
- This course will introduce students to the types of ethical dilemmas that they will face in the work force; generally to the ethical rules developed by the American Bar Association, and specifically, to the rules adopted by this jurisdiction for the regulation of attorney and paralegal conduct and the model codes of paralegal associations; and to methods for researching the answers to ethical dilemmas.
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- Overview of the Constitution and the American legal system. This course covers such topics as torts, contracts, criminal law and procedure, business organizations and administrative law. In addition, students are introduced to case law interpretation and legal analysis.
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- This course is designed to allow the student to apply knowledge of computer hardware and software applications commonly used in the law office to the development and maintenance of hypothetical case files. Areas examined include time and billing software, document storage device, network security, research programs and accounting software.
Prerequisite: PLG 110
- This course is designed to allow the student to apply knowledge of computer hardware and software applications commonly used in the law office to the development and maintenance of hypothetical case files. Areas examined include time and billing software, document storage device, network security, research programs and accounting software.
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- The course will provide a comprehensive working knowledge of and an understanding of the research materials and research tools. Students will familiarize themselves with the researching cases, statutes, articles and constitutional issues. Students learn to develop research strategies and research software. In addition, students will apply the research they learn to write internal memoranda, legal memoranda and briefs.
Prerequisite: PLG 110
- The course will provide a comprehensive working knowledge of and an understanding of the research materials and research tools. Students will familiarize themselves with the researching cases, statutes, articles and constitutional issues. Students learn to develop research strategies and research software. In addition, students will apply the research they learn to write internal memoranda, legal memoranda and briefs.
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- This course will provide an introduction to the broad area of civil wrongs and their appropriate remedies as well as Tort Law principles in the traditional areas of intentional torts, negligence, absolute liability, product liability, nuisance and commonly employed defenses.
Prerequisite: PLG 130
- This course will provide an introduction to the broad area of civil wrongs and their appropriate remedies as well as Tort Law principles in the traditional areas of intentional torts, negligence, absolute liability, product liability, nuisance and commonly employed defenses.
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- This course will provide the principles of civil litigation in federal and state courts. Causes of action and defenses will be introduced as will the rules of procedure and discovery, along with ethical responsibilities. Pretrial practice, including discovery, pretrial motions, and trial preparations will be covered, together with the basics of a civil trial, post-trial motions, and appeals.
Prerequisite: PLG 130
- This course will provide the principles of civil litigation in federal and state courts. Causes of action and defenses will be introduced as will the rules of procedure and discovery, along with ethical responsibilities. Pretrial practice, including discovery, pretrial motions, and trial preparations will be covered, together with the basics of a civil trial, post-trial motions, and appeals.
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- This course examines the formation, modification and termination of contracts, the various remedies for breach and enforcement mechanisms. Students explore the elements of contract including offer, acceptance, consideration, capacity and legality. In addition, the students will learn how courts employ contractual analysis to matters which do not meet the definition of a contract.
Prerequisite: PLG 130
- This course examines the formation, modification and termination of contracts, the various remedies for breach and enforcement mechanisms. Students explore the elements of contract including offer, acceptance, consideration, capacity and legality. In addition, the students will learn how courts employ contractual analysis to matters which do not meet the definition of a contract.
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- This course is designed to teach students to use a law library, perform legal research, analyze legal problems, and write a legal memorandum. Students are taught to locate and use both primary, secondary and CARL legal research sources to solve legal problems, including federal and state cases, digests, statutes, regulations, treatises, encyclopedias, law reviews, citators and practice works.
Prerequisite: PLG 210
- This course is designed to teach students to use a law library, perform legal research, analyze legal problems, and write a legal memorandum. Students are taught to locate and use both primary, secondary and CARL legal research sources to solve legal problems, including federal and state cases, digests, statutes, regulations, treatises, encyclopedias, law reviews, citators and practice works.
Paralegal Electives - Choose 9 Credits
| Code | Course Name | Credits |
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- Examine each element of crime including assault, battery, rape, murder, manslaughter, arson, kidnapping, tampering, fraud, possession and RICO. Explore the procedural and constitutional safeguards in which law enforcement operates including stop and frisk, searches, arrests warrants, Miranda warnings, Habeas Corpus, preliminary hearings, jury selection and more.
Prerequisite: PLG 130
- Examine each element of crime including assault, battery, rape, murder, manslaughter, arson, kidnapping, tampering, fraud, possession and RICO. Explore the procedural and constitutional safeguards in which law enforcement operates including stop and frisk, searches, arrests warrants, Miranda warnings, Habeas Corpus, preliminary hearings, jury selection and more.
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- This course is an introduction to real estate law. Topics of study include property rights, principles of land ownership, sale, financing and conveyance, contracts, liens, mortgage financing, mortgages or deeds of trust, deeds, recording, settlement concepts, condominiums and cooperatives, leasing and other property concepts.
Prerequisite: PLG 130
- This course is an introduction to real estate law. Topics of study include property rights, principles of land ownership, sale, financing and conveyance, contracts, liens, mortgage financing, mortgages or deeds of trust, deeds, recording, settlement concepts, condominiums and cooperatives, leasing and other property concepts.
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- This course will introduce students to an overview of post-mortem estate administration, including beginning a decedent's estate, filing of claims, will contests, settlement of claims and final accounting. Also, explore the law of when someone dies without a will. In addition, this course examines alternatives to probate and estate planning including jointly-owned assets, beneficiary designations, contractual designations and trusts.
Prerequisite: PLG 130
- This course will introduce students to an overview of post-mortem estate administration, including beginning a decedent's estate, filing of claims, will contests, settlement of claims and final accounting. Also, explore the law of when someone dies without a will. In addition, this course examines alternatives to probate and estate planning including jointly-owned assets, beneficiary designations, contractual designations and trusts.
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- The purpose of this course is to provide greater understanding of domestic relations laws and to show students how those laws governing family situations are applied. The content of the course covers such areas as formation of the marital relationship, dissolution, child custody and support, adoption, abortion, paternity, domestic violence, child neglect and surrogacy. In addition, modification and enforcement of judgments and orders is explored.
Prerequisite: PLG 130
- The purpose of this course is to provide greater understanding of domestic relations laws and to show students how those laws governing family situations are applied. The content of the course covers such areas as formation of the marital relationship, dissolution, child custody and support, adoption, abortion, paternity, domestic violence, child neglect and surrogacy. In addition, modification and enforcement of judgments and orders is explored.
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- This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the legal relationship between employer and employee and a basic understanding of employment-related law and its impact on the employer/employee relationship. The student will study both federal and state laws applicable to the employer/employee relationship. The following federal acts are highlighted; FLSA, Equal Pay Act, Title VII, ADEA, OSHA, ERISA, PDA, FMLA, ADA, HIPAA and COBRA. Other areas covered include the basis for the employer/employee relationship, pre-employment concerns, legal aspects of the employment relationship, discrimination issues, discrimination actions, termination of the employer-employee relationship and ethical issues in employment law.
Prerequisite: PLG 130
- This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the legal relationship between employer and employee and a basic understanding of employment-related law and its impact on the employer/employee relationship. The student will study both federal and state laws applicable to the employer/employee relationship. The following federal acts are highlighted; FLSA, Equal Pay Act, Title VII, ADEA, OSHA, ERISA, PDA, FMLA, ADA, HIPAA and COBRA. Other areas covered include the basis for the employer/employee relationship, pre-employment concerns, legal aspects of the employment relationship, discrimination issues, discrimination actions, termination of the employer-employee relationship and ethical issues in employment law.
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- Students will learn about the various types of insurance, nature of insurance, insurable interests and creation of insurance contracts. In addition, the course will examine defenses to insurance contracts, filing of claims, third party beneficiary rights, tortuous bad faith claims, fidelity bonds and who regulates the insurance industry.
Prerequisite: PLG 130
- Students will learn about the various types of insurance, nature of insurance, insurable interests and creation of insurance contracts. In addition, the course will examine defenses to insurance contracts, filing of claims, third party beneficiary rights, tortuous bad faith claims, fidelity bonds and who regulates the insurance industry.
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- This course examines the methods and procedures for pursuing medical malpractice claims. Areas of medical care from diagnosis, examination, surgery, rehabilitation, failure to warn and negligent prescription of drugs and therapy. In addition, topics such as the standard of care for medical professionals, the remedies available, limits on damages and possible defenses available to the medical care provider are covered.
Prerequisites: PLG 130 and PLG 220
- This course examines the methods and procedures for pursuing medical malpractice claims. Areas of medical care from diagnosis, examination, surgery, rehabilitation, failure to warn and negligent prescription of drugs and therapy. In addition, topics such as the standard of care for medical professionals, the remedies available, limits on damages and possible defenses available to the medical care provider are covered.
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- This course explores the convergence of the three branches of government in a single agency of the government. Students will learn about the constitutional limits and safeguards that legislatures consider when establishing an administrative agency. Specific areas include rulemaking and adjudication within the agency and how to appeals inside and outside of the agency.
Prerequisite: PLG 130
- This course explores the convergence of the three branches of government in a single agency of the government. Students will learn about the constitutional limits and safeguards that legislatures consider when establishing an administrative agency. Specific areas include rulemaking and adjudication within the agency and how to appeals inside and outside of the agency.
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- The course examines the supreme document of our legal system. Explores the individual protections provided by the Bill of Rights such as Freedom of Speech, Right to Bear Arms, Right to Speedy Trial, Right to Counsel and others. Understand the method of election of Congress, the separation of powers and the checks and balances of our legal system.
Prerequisite: PLG 130
- The course examines the supreme document of our legal system. Explores the individual protections provided by the Bill of Rights such as Freedom of Speech, Right to Bear Arms, Right to Speedy Trial, Right to Counsel and others. Understand the method of election of Congress, the separation of powers and the checks and balances of our legal system.
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- Students analyze the administration and management of a law office including time and billing practices, calendaring, docketing systems, case file maintenance and office design and ergonomics. The course examines procedures and processes used in law offices to enable the law firm to practice efficiently and optimally.
Prerequisites: PLG 110 and PLG 140
- Students analyze the administration and management of a law office including time and billing practices, calendaring, docketing systems, case file maintenance and office design and ergonomics. The course examines procedures and processes used in law offices to enable the law firm to practice efficiently and optimally.
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- This course examines the choices available to an entity necessary to operate a business, its liabilities, sales, and the method and manner for operating each entity and related topics. Define and understand sole proprietorships, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, professional corporation, S corp., and general corporate law.
Prerequisite: PLG 130
- This course examines the choices available to an entity necessary to operate a business, its liabilities, sales, and the method and manner for operating each entity and related topics. Define and understand sole proprietorships, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, professional corporation, S corp., and general corporate law.
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- Examine the elements of product liability law including theories of recovery, including contract, negligence and strict liability. These topics will include examining design, defect, failure to warn and other labeling issues. Students will learn about actions on warranties, remedies available and class action suits.
Prerequisites: PLG 130 and PLG 220
- Examine the elements of product liability law including theories of recovery, including contract, negligence and strict liability. These topics will include examining design, defect, failure to warn and other labeling issues. Students will learn about actions on warranties, remedies available and class action suits.
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- Examines the various methods for resolving dispute without resorting to litigation. Students will learn why ADR is required and how it is begun. Explores the differences in choosing arbitration and mediation and mechanically how each is conducted. Students will learn the rules of evidence and how they are established and applied in the ADR setting.
Prerequisite: PLG 230
- Examines the various methods for resolving dispute without resorting to litigation. Students will learn why ADR is required and how it is begun. Explores the differences in choosing arbitration and mediation and mechanically how each is conducted. Students will learn the rules of evidence and how they are established and applied in the ADR setting.
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- Students examine the various forms of intellectual property including copyrights, patents, trade secrets, trademarks and trade names. The law of infringement on these intellectual property rights is also included. Students will learn the remedies available for infringing including injunctions, compensatory and punitive damages.
Prerequisite: PLG 130
- Students examine the various forms of intellectual property including copyrights, patents, trade secrets, trademarks and trade names. The law of infringement on these intellectual property rights is also included. Students will learn the remedies available for infringing including injunctions, compensatory and punitive damages.
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- Students will examine the statutory and common law regulation of the environment and the role of the EPA. In addition, CERCLA and other federal acts are reviewed. The course also explores the administrative power of federal and state agencies to intervene and private causes of actions.
Prerequisites: PLG 130 and PLG 220
- Students will examine the statutory and common law regulation of the environment and the role of the EPA. In addition, CERCLA and other federal acts are reviewed. The course also explores the administrative power of federal and state agencies to intervene and private causes of actions.