Paralegal Studies Career

Associate in Science, Liberal Studies

Bedford Campus - Evening • Lowell Campus - Day

Program Description:

The Paralegal Studies Career Associate in Science, Liberal Studies degree program 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) perform legal work under the supervision of a lawyer. 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 should plan on taking 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

ENG 101 - English Composition I 3 ♦
ENG 102 - English Composition II 3 ♦
GOV 120 - American Government 3 ♦
LGL 101 - Introduction to Law 3
MAT 120 - Math For Liberal Arts 3 or MAT 130 or MAT 177 or Higher ♦
PAR 102 - Litigation 3
PAR 110 - Legal Research and Writing I 3
PAR 131 - Computer Applications For Paralegals 3
PAR 199 - Paralegal Internship 3
PAR 210 - Legal Research and Writing II 3
Behavioral Science Elective 3 ♦
Humanities Elective 3 ♦
Science Elective 3-4 ♦
PAR or LGL Elective 3
PAR or LGL Elective 3
Choose 4 from the following Legal Specialty 12
PAR 130 - Business Organizations 3
PAR 132 - Contract Law 3
PAR 133 - Criminal Law for the Paralegal 3
PAR 134 - Family Law 3
PAR 135 - Real Estate Law 3
PAR 136 - Wills, Trusts and Estates 3
PAR 138 - Intellectual Property Law 3
PAR 198 - Law Office Management 3
IDS 101 - General Education Seminar: First-Year Experience 1
Two Additional IDS Electives 2

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: Additional coursework may be required based on college placement testing. Students are urged to meet with their academic advisor for proper course sequencing. At least three courses of the Legal Specialty Courses must be taken in a traditional face-to-face format. Students will be asked to complete an affidavit at the time of graduation.

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