Paralegal Studies - AS (2015)
Division: Social Sciences Division
The AS degree in Paralegal Studies is approved by the American Bar Association, https://www.americanbar.org.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements (30 Credits) | ||
| Written & Oral Communication (6) | ||
| ENG 101 | College Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 | College Composition II | 3 |
| Quantitative/Scientific Knowledge, Skills & Reasoning (12) | ||
| Select either two Science courses & one MTH course or two MTH courses & one Science course: | 12 | |
| Science courses: | ||
| BIO 101, BIO 102, BIO 103, BIO 104, BIO 116, BIO 121, BIO 122, BIO 211, BIO 220, BIO 237, | ||
| CHM 101, CHM 102, CHM 103, CHM 104, GEO 101, GEO 102, | ||
| PHY 101, PHY 102, PHY 103, PHY 104, PHY 105, PHY 113, PHY 114, | ||
| Math courses: MTH 101, MTH 103 | ||
| Society & Human Behavior (6) | ||
| POL 104 | American Government | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| ANT 101, ANT 105, ECO 101, ECO 102, PSY 101, PSY 102, PSY 219, SOC 101, SOC 108, SOC 219 | ||
| Humanistic Perspective (3) | ||
| Select any English Literature course | 3 | |
| Historical Perspective (3) | ||
| Select any History (HST) course | 3 | |
| Major Requirements (24 Credits) | ||
| PLS 101 | Intro. to Law for Paralegals | 3 |
| PLS 102 | Legal Research and Writing | 3 |
| PLS 105 | Torts | 3 |
| PLS 107 | Contracts | 3 |
| PLS 202 | Adv. Legal Research & Writing | 3 |
| PLS 204 | Bus. Org. & Gov't Regulation | 3 |
| PLS 205 | Administrative Law | 3 |
| PLS 206 | Litigation Procedures | 3 |
| Additional Course Requirements (6 Credits) | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| PLS 203, PLS 210, PLS 220, PLS 225 | ||
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Notes:
- For an explanation of why General Education courses are included in this Program, please refer to the Section on General Education for an explanation of its Purpose and Requirements.
- This plan assumes the student is eligible to enroll in College Level Courses (designated as 100 +, e.g., ENG 101 College Composition I, HST 101 World Civilization I, MTH 100 Intro. to College Mathematics). Placement results will determine College Level Readiness in English and Mathematics.
Paralegal Studies
Curriculum Code: 2015
Will Earn Upon Program Completion: Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree
The AS degree in Paralegal Studies is approved by the American Bar Association, https://www.americanbar.org.
The Paralegal Program prepares students to work under the supervision of an attorney. A paralegal shall not engage in the unauthorized practice of law. Only attorneys can provide legal services directly to the public.
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Why major in Paralegal Studies?
Paralegal Studies prepares students to work in entry-level positions in various legal settings such as law firms, corporations, government and other entities. Paralegals typically perform variety of tasks including, but not limited to, interviewing clients, investigating cases, preparing legal documents, performing legal research, writing legal memoranda, and assisting in trials and appeals. In addition to introducing students to fundamental legal principles, program develops students’ practical skills to prepare them to work effectively in any legal environment.
If I major in Paralegal Studies, can I transfer to a four-year college or university?
Yes, Paralegal Studies prepares students to transfer for baccalaureates in many fields. Typically, credits are applied to the first two years of a bachelors. While at ECC, we encourage you familiarize yourself with requirements of program wishing to transfer to upon graduation.
Are there any requirements I must satisfy before I start taking courses in my major?
Based on placement, you may have to take developmental courses in English and/or Mathematics before taking courses in your major.
How long will it take for me to complete this degree?
If you do not need developmental courses and you register for an average of 17 credits each semester, degree can be completed in two years, which may be shortened by taking summer courses.
May I transfer Paralegal courses from another college?
Students may transfer up to 15 legal specialty credits from ABA-approved institutions into the program. Transcripts are evaluated by Paralegal Program Coordinator to determine legal courses considered for transfer. Program Coordinator evaluates legal specialty courses from ABA-approved institutions on a case-by-case basis. In addition, students who wish to apply credits to the Paralegal Studies Program must also have courses evaluated by Program Coordinator within six (6) months of entry into program; time limitation is necessary for advisement and to avoid possible course duplication.
Where should I direct specific questions about this program?
Call the Division at (973) 877-3250.
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Explain role of a paralegal in today’s legal system;
- Demonstrate knowledge of American legal system, fundamental legal principles, and the litigation process;
- Demonstrate knowledge of principles of legal ethics and of the Model Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Guidelines for Enforcement of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc.;
- Proficiently access, locate, and research the law by both traditional and electronic methods;
- Demonstrate problem-solving and critical, analytical thinking skills within context of evaluating legal issues; and
- Communicate effectively with accurate legal terminology in written and/or oral form, with demonstrated proficiency in use of technology.