Program Information
A.S. Degree - Code 206200 - Catalog 2021/2022
Nathan W. Kotas, J.D., Assistant Professor, 386-506-3511, Nathan.Kotas@daytonastate.edu
School of Business Admin., 386-506-4227
Program Mission, Description, and Outcomes
Mission:
The mission of the Paralegal Studies A.S. degree program is to provide students with a solid foundation in procedural and substantive areas of law which prepares students for employment in law firms, government agencies, and corporations through an innovative curriculum that emphasizes student success, promotes diversity, and provides the fundamental concepts, knowledge, and skills needed to excel in the legal field.
Description:
The Paralegal Studies program provides a solid foundation in procedural and substantive areas of law including research, drafting legal documents, interviewing clients and witnesses, investigative techniques, and managing law offices. Additionally, it prepares students to transfer to a four year program. It also provides eligible students with the necessary skills the students need to take the Certified Legal Assistant/Certified Paralegal Examination offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants. http://www.nala.org.
Graduates of this program are eligible to be enrolled in the Daytona State College, Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management program. Call (386) 506-4BAS or email BASinfo@daytonastate.edu for details.
Outcomes:
Graduates of the program will be able to:
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Communicate in a clear and effective manner.
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Apply ethical and professional standards of the paralegal profession.
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Utilize the law library and electronic legal research to create well-written legal documents.
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Apply knowledge of tort law, constitutional law, and criminal law concepts to analyze factual situations.
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Demonstrate knowledge of all phases of litigation practice and procedure.
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Examine real property law and its application to real property transactions.
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Analyze issues related to estate planning and probate administration concepts and their application probate procedures.
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Identify the fundamental principles of the law of business organizations.
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Explain contract law and the Uniform Commercial Code's impact on individuals and business entities.
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Demonstrate knowledge of entrepreneurship, management techniques and procedures.
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Apply knowledge of family law and procedures.
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Identify and demonstrate employability skills.
Financial Aid
This program is eligible for federal financial aid and state Bright Futures Scholarship Program.
Financing Options: All students are encouraged to apply for federal and state student financial assistance by completing their FAFSA at http://www.fafsa.gov. For more information on grants, loads and work programs available see the Office of Financial Aid webpage at http://www.daytonastate.edu/finaid. Students are also encouraged to apply for one of the may Daytona State College Foundation scholarships offered each semester. For more information see: http://daytonastate.edu/scholarships.
General Education Courses
General Education Core - 15 Credits
Communication (6 credits)
| ENC1101 | Introduction to Composition | 3 |
| SPC2608 | Oral Communications/Research/Presentation Skills | 3 |
Natural Sciences or Mathematics (3 credits)
Choose One Course
| BSC1020 | Human Biology | 3 |
| BSC1005 | Survey of Biological Sciences (For Non-Science Majors) | 3 |
| MGF2106 | Survey in Mathematics | 3 |
| MGF2107 | Mathematics for Liberal Arts | 3 |
| MAC1105 | College Algebra | 3 |
Social Sciences (3 credits)
| GEB2430 | Ethics and Social Responsibility | 3 |
Humanities (3 credits)
Choose One Course
Note: Prior to enrollment in college-level English or math courses, some students may be advised to complete college preparatory/developmental course work. See an Academic Advisor to determine developmental course requirements.
Program Specific Courses
Program specific courses require a "C" or better.
OST1141: Students with the ability to type at least 25wpm may take the APLE typing test to test out of OST1141 or have the option of taking OST2828.
Sample Program of Study
Year 1
1st Semester
OST1141: Students with the ability to type at least 25wpm may take the APLE typing test to test out of OST1141 or have the option of taking OST2828.
2nd Semester
| PLA1103 | Legal Writing and Research I | 3 |
| PLA2460 | Bankruptcy Law | 3 |
| PLA2303 | Criminal Law and the Paralegal | 3 |
| Natural Sciences or Mathematics Core | 3 |
| BUL2242 | Business Law II | 3 |
| GEB2430 | Ethics and Social Responsibility | 3 |
Summer Semester
| ISM2000 | Business Information Processing | 3 |
Year 2
1st Semester
| SPC2608 | Oral Communications/Research/Presentation Skills | 3 |
| PLA2200 | Introduction to Litigation, Torts and Evidence | 3 |
| PLA1610 | Real Estate Law and Property | 3 |
| PLA2880 | Constitutional Law | 3 |
| PLA2114 | Legal Writing and Research II | 3 |
2nd Semester
| PLA1800 | Law of Domestic Relations | 3 |
| OST2431 | Legal Office Procedures | 3 |
| PLA2600 | Probate Administration | 3 |
| Humanities Core | 3 |
| | |
| PLA2763 | Law Office Management | 3 |
| OR | |
| PLA2949 | Cooperative Education Experience in Legal Assisting | 1-4 |
Total Credit Hours: 64
It is recommended that the above sequence of courses be followed.