Paralegal Studies
A.A.S. - Occupational Degree
Preparation for entry level employment in law offices. Provides students with practical legal skills enabling them to draft legal documents. Students are familiarized with fundamental concepts of substantive areas such as torts and business law. Legal theory and related practical applications are integrated throughout the program.
Program Purpose
Graduates will demonstrate 1) basic knowledge in legal skills which will prepare them to obtain an entry level position within a law office, corporation, governmental agency, or other entity and 2) competency in communications, critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and technological applications.
Learning Outcomes
- Implement skills and techniques involved in law practice that aid understanding criminal law and complying with both state and federal law.
Program Map
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
The recommended plan below meets the requirements to complete this program. For official requirements, visit the AWC Catalog. If the recommended classes listed below don’t fit your schedule or interests, you can take alternate classes.
Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan, or schedule an appointment with the Advising Office.
First Semester: Fall
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 100 | Introduction to Composition | 3 | Prerequisite/GE- Composition |
| MAT 105 | College Mathematics for the Applied Sciences (or higher) | 3 | GE- Mathematics |
| PHI 101 | Introduction to Philosophy (recommended) | 3 | GE-Humanities |
| ENV 101 | Environmental Science/GE (recommended) | 4 | GE-Physical/Biological Sciences |
| CIS 105 | Introduction to Business Information Systems/GE (recommended) | 3 | GE- Additional Courses |
| 16 |
Second Semester: Spring
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 | Freshman Composition/GE | 3 | GE- Composition |
| LAS 100 | Introduction to Paralegalism | 3 | Major Requirement |
| LAS 101 | Introduction to Law | 3 | Major Requirement |
| LAS 221 | Legal Research | 3 | Major Requirement |
| LAS 212 | Insurance and Tort Law | 3 | Major Requirement |
| 15 |
Third Semester: Fall
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAS 109 | Legal Procedures | 4 | Major Requirement |
| LAS 115 | Criminal Trial Procedure | 3 | Major Requirement |
| LAS 131 | Legal Writing | 3 | Major Requirement |
| LAS 204 | Business Law for Paralegals | 3 | Major Requirement |
| LAS 208 | Probate | 3 | Major Requirement |
| POS 100 | American Politics/GE (recommended) | 3 | GE- Social/Behavioral Sciences |
| 19 |
Fourth Semester: Spring
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAS 216 | Real Estate Transactions | 3 | Major Requirement |
| LAS 217 | Family Law | 3 | Major Requirement |
| LAS 218 | Administrative Law | 3 | Major Requirement |
| LAS 219 | Bankruptcy | 3 | Major Requirement |
| LAS 220 | Legal Interviewing, Investigating/Report Wrt | 3 | Major Requirement |
| 15 |