|
Sep 07, 2024
|
|
|
|
Middlesex Community College Academic Catalog and Student Handbook 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Paralegal Studies Career
|
|
Return to: Programs of Study
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. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Paralegals 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:
- Describe the federal and state systems of government, the sources of U.S. and state laws, and the role of precedent.
- Develop effective soft skills for participation in a professional legal environment
- Conduct effective legal research.
- Construct logical legal arguments in support or against specific positions and present their arguments in written and oral communications.
- Draft legal documents.
- Identify the legal and ethical principles that guide paralegal conduct and propose resolution of those ethical issues.
- Demonstrate proficiency in current legal technology.
|
Required Courses
Semester 1 - ENG 101 - English Composition I 3 ♦
- LGL 101 - Introduction to Law 3
- GOV 120 - American Government 3 ♦
- PAR 131 - Computer Applications For Paralegals 3
- General Education Mathematics Elective: MAT 120, MAT 130, MAT 177 -or- higher level Mathematics 3
- IDS 101 - First-Year Experience 1
Total Credits: 16 Semester 2 - ENG 102 - English Composition II 3 ♦
- PAR 102 - Litigation 3
- General Education Humanities Elective - Recommended: COM 103 - Public Speaking and Professional Presentations 3
- Choose one from: PAR 130, PAR 132, PAR 133, PAR 134, PAR 135, PAR 136, PAR 138 3
- Choose one from: PAR 130, PAR 132, PAR 133, PAR 134, PAR 135, PAR 136, PAR 138 3
- Interdisciplinary Elective 1
Total Credits: 16 Semester 3 - PAR 110 - Legal Research and Writing I 3
- Choose one from: PAR 130, PAR 132, PAR 133, PAR 134, PAR 135, PAR 136, PAR 138 3
- Paralegal Elective 3
- Paralegal Elective 3
- General Education Behavioral Science Elective - Recommended: PSY 101- Introduction to Psychology 3
- Interdisciplinary Elective 1
Total Credits: 16 Semester 4 - PAR 199 - Paralegal Internship 3
or - PAR 198 - Law Office Management 3
- General Education Science Elective - Recommended: SCI 130 - Forensics Science 3-4
- PAR 210 - Legal Research and Writing II 3
- Choose one from: PAR 130, PAR 132, PAR 133, PAR 134, PAR 135, PAR 136, PAR 138 3
Total Credits: 12-13
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. Students must take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.
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
|
Return to: Programs of Study
|
|