DEGREE: ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
DIVISION: BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY
The curriculum for an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies is a sixty (60) credit hour program. It is designed to meet the requirements of the American Bar Association (ABA) and the National Federated Paralegals Association (NFPA). It offers students a background in the legal fundamentals, appropriate skills, and practical experience necessary for professional development. While lawyers assume ultimate responsibility for legal work, they often delegate many of their tasks to paralegals. Paralegals are continuing to assume a growing range of tasks in the contemporary legal office. Paralegals assist lawyers in preparing for closings, hearings, trials, and corporate meetings. Paralegals might investigate the facts of cases and ensure all relevant information is considered. They also identify appropriate laws, judicial decisions. legal articles, and other materials that are relevant to assigned cases.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies, the learner will be able to:
- Apply analytic critical thinking and research skills to factual situations within a legal context (SLO #1)
- Use oral and written communication and technology skills (SLO #2)
- Identify and explain professional and ethical standards appropriate to the legal profession (SLO #3)
- Use effective personal, interpersonal, time and project management skills required in the legal profession (SLO #4)
- Apply legal concepts including jurisdiction, contract law, property law, agency and business organization types (SLO #5)
