Legal Studies (A.A., A.S.)

Location(s): Main Campus

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Program Summary

The Legal Studies Program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to work effectively, competently, ethically, and successfully as paralegals or similar capacity in a law office/firm, corporation/business entity, government agency, or the public sector, as well as to support students in seeking their goals of attending law school and becoming attorneys.

Program Information

All courses must be passed with a “C-” (1.7) or better to be counted in the major.

General Education Requirement (30-35 Credits)

See General Education for course options.

Core Course Requirements (12-15 Credits)
Breadth Area Requirements (16-20 Credits)

Please note: All students must complete a minimum of 30 credits between the Core and Breadth Area requirements.

Associate of Arts Requirement (8 Credits)

Complete 8 credits of one foreign language beyond the 1010 level. All foreign language classes must be completed with a “C” (2.0) grade or higher.

Legal Studies Curriculum (27 Credits)

Required Courses (12 Credits)

LEGL 1100 - Introduction to Law 3 Credit(s)
LEGL 1200 - Legal Ethics and Professionalism 3 Credit(s)
LEGL 1900 - Civil Procedure 3 Credit(s)
LEGL 2000 - Legal Research and Writing 3 Credit(s)

Elective Courses (15 Credits)

Complete 15 credits from the following:

LEGL 1400 - Legal Interviewing, Investigation, and Case Prep 3 Credit(s)
LEGL 1500 - Family Law 3 Credit(s)
LEGL 1600 - Criminal Law and Procedure 3 Credit(s)
LEGL 1700 - Torts 3 Credit(s)
LEGL 2100 - Estate Planning and Probate Law 3 Credit(s)
LEGL 2400 - Real Estate and Property Law 3 Credit(s)
LEGL 2600 - Business and Corporate Law 3 Credit(s)
LEGL 2890 - Internship 1-3 Credit(s)
LEGL 2900 - Administrative Law 3 Credit(s)

Free Electives (0-3 Credits)

Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. Please consult your Student Success Advisor for details.

Total Credits, A.A. Degree: 66-70

Total Credits, A.S. Degree: 60-62

Program Learning Outcomes

Development of skills necessary to work effectively as a paralegal within a legal work environment.
Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of ethical rules for the conduct of legal professionals and their implications.
Students will be able to recall basic legal terminology.
Students will be able to describe the application of procedural and substantive law within the American Legal System and illustrate legal analysis.