2024-2025 Catalog

Paralegal Studies, Certificate

Certificate—36 credit hours

Curriculum Code 1491

This program prepares the next generation of educated, ethical legal professionals who provide support to lawyers, judges, and others in the legal community. The program’s goals and objectives are identical to those of the Paralegal Studies AAS degree except it is suited to completers of the Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Engineering Science (AES), Associate in Fine Arts (AFA), or higher postsecondary degrees. Associate in Applied Science (AAS) or Associate in General Studies (AGS) degree holders need to meet with an academic advisor to determine eligibility for the program and if needed develop a bridge program to satisfy the Paralegal Studies AAS general education requirements.

Required Career Courses

27 credit hours as follows:

BUS-136Business Law

3

CIS-115Microsoft Office I

3

PLS-110Introduction to Paralegal Studies

3

PLS-125Research & Writing for Paralegal I

3

PLS-140Civil Litigation for the Paralegal

3

PLS-160Law Office Admin for Paralegal

3

PLS-170Law Office Technology for Paralegal

3

PLS-190 Research & Writing for Paralegal II

3

PLS-290Paralegal Internship

3

Elective Career Courses

Select at least 9 credit hours from these courses:

CRJ-101Introduction to Criminal Justice

3

CRJ-206Substantive Criminal Law

3

PLS-210Bankruptcy Law for the Paralegal

3

PLS-220Criminal Law for the Paralegal

3

PLS-230Evidence for the Paralegal

3

PLS-240Family Law for the Paralegal

3

PLS-260Estate Plans & Probate/Paralegal

3

PLS-270Real Estate Law for the Paralegal

3

(Note: PLS-160, PLS-230, & PLS-260 are offered in the fall semester only)
(Note: PLS-170, PLS-240, & PLS-270 are offered in the spring semester only)
(Note: PLS-220 is offered in the summer only)

Suggested Schedule

Semester 1 (6 credit hours)

PLS-110Introduction to Paralegal Studies

3

PLS-125Research & Writing for Paralegal I

3

Semester 2 (12 credit hours)

CIS-115Microsoft Office I

3

PLS-140Civil Litigation for the Paralegal

3

-
 

PLS-160Law Office Admin for Paralegal

3

OR-

PLS-170Law Office Technology for Paralegal

3

-
 

PLS-190 Research & Writing for Paralegal II

3

Semester 3 (12 credit hours)

BUS-136Business Law

3

___-___
Elective Career Course

3

___-___
Elective Career Course

3

-
 

PLS-160Law Office Admin for Paralegal

3

OR-

PLS-170Law Office Technology for Paralegal

3

Semester 4 (6 credit hours)

___-___
Elective Career Course

3

PLS-290Paralegal Internship

3