Mar 29, 2024  
Middlesex Community College Academic Catalog 2016-17 
    
Middlesex Community College Academic Catalog 2016-17 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


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Paralegal Studies Career



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Associate in Science, Liberal Studies

Bedford Campus - Evening  • Lowell Campus - Day

Program Description:

The Paralegal Studies Career Associate in Science, Liberal Studies degree prepares students for work in the paralegal profession. The degree prepares graduates for employment assisting lawyers in gathering and analyzing factual data, researching legal questions, and preparing legal documents. The program emphasizes solid academic and practice-oriented preparation in the field. The core curriculum in general education enhances the specialized knowledge gained in the concentration courses. This program has been approved by the American Bar Association.

 

Career and Transfer Outlook:

Paralegals (legal assistants) may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. They work in law firms, social service and government agencies, banks, health care organizations, large corporations and other businesses where lawyers need assistance. Graduates enter the job market directly or continue their studies toward a bachelor’s degree. Academic advisors work closely with students on specific program planning. Paralegals continue to be in a growth occupation with high demand in this region.

 

Helpful Hints:

Successful completion of Introduction to Law (LGL 101) and English Composition I (ENG 101) is recommended before attempting other paralegal courses in the program. Students are required to complete an internship course in preparation for the workplace.

 

Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the Paralegal Studies Career program will achieve the learning outcomes of the Liberal Studies degree. Additionally, graduates are prepared to:

 

1. Identify sources of law in the American government system as implemented by the States and explain how law is made.

2. Work effectively as part of a team or individually, as appropriate.

3. Construct logical legal arguments in support or against specific positions and present their arguments in written and oral communications.

4. Develop, execute and implement an effective research plan to draft legal documents, including legal memoranda, court documents and forms.

5. Identify the legal and ethical principles that guide paralegal conduct and propose resolution of those ethical issues.

6. Prepare, create, and produce legal documents, to demonstrate proficiency in computer programs used in the legal profession, including spreadsheets, legal databases, and e-mail functions.

Required Courses


Total Credits: 60-61


♦ Fulfills the Core Curriculum

Service-Learning: Students are encouraged to gain experience in community organizations by participating in Service-Learning opportunities offered in courses throughout the degree program.

Note about course sequencing and online courses: Additional coursework may be required based on college placement testing. Students are urged to consult the academic map and meet with their academic advisor for proper course sequencing. Some courses may be taken in the online format. At least 10 credits of the legal specialty courses must be taken in a traditional face-to-face format. Specific hands-on assignments are included in our legal specialty courses as part of the essential training for a paralegal.

 

To review MCC’s policy for transfer of Legal Specialty Courses, please refer to the Paralegal Studies Department website at www.middlesex.mass.edu/paralegal

 

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