Paralegal Studies
Degree
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Overview
A two-year, associate of applied science degree in Paralegal Studies prepares the student for a dynamic career in the legal profession. The student will receive training in case management and legal research as well as learn how to analyze and summarize data to assist attorneys in preparation for hearings, trials, closings, corporate meetings, and other legal functions. The student will experience community learning opportunities that include job shadows, internships, and real-world projects. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
Career Opportunities
A successful paralegal finds fulfillment as a contributor in resolving difficult legal situations in behalf of families, non-profit organizations, law firms, government agencies, and corporations. A variety of positions can be found in numerous industries including banking, insurance, healthcare, business, entertainment industry, real estate, and public agencies.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Apply substantive and procedural law to a given set of facts, formulate arguments, and identify legal solutions.
- Practice professional and ethical standards appropriate to the legal profession.
- Perform legal research and summarize findings for supervising attorneys, clients, and/or the courts.
- Follow appropriate interviewing and investigational procedures with clients, witnesses, and industry professionals.
- Demonstrate professional skills necessary to a paralegal career, including oral and written communication and technology skills.
Course Requirements
Students are responsible to examine the course description of each course listed below for details of prerequisites, which must be satisfied before registering for the course.
Religion Cornerstone
| REL 200 | The Eternal Family | 2 credits |
| REL 225 | Foundations of the Restoration | 2 credits |
| REL 250 | Jesus Christ & Everlast Gospel | 2 credits |
| REL 275 | Teach & Doct of Book of Mormon | 2 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 4 |
Religion Electives
| REL *** | Choose 2 Elective Courses | 4 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 4 |
Program College Courses
| BAP 115 | Excel and Intro. to Technology | 1 credit |
| CAR 101 | College Success | 1 credit |
| CAR 201 | Career Success | 1 credit |
| COM 122 | Interpersonal Communications | 3 credits |
| ENG 101 | Intro to College Writing | 3 credits |
| MAT 107 | Quan Analysis & Per Finance | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Program Core Courses
| ENG 201 | Inter. College Writing | 3 credits |
| PLS 101 | Introduction to Law | 3 credits |
| PLS 110 | Legal Research/Writing I | 3 credits |
| PLS 115 | Legal Research/Writing II | 3 credits |
| PLS 120 | Evidence | 2 credits |
| PLS 130 | Criminal Law and Procedures | 3 credits |
| PLS 140 | Paralegal Procedures | 3 credits |
| PLS 150 | Paralegal Computer Application | 3 credits |
| PLS 160 | Ethics | 2 credits |
| PLS 203 | Intro. to Civil Litigation | 3 credits |
| PLS 205 | Contract Law | 3 credits |
| PLS 210 | Torts | 3 credits |
| PLS 215 | Bankruptcy Law | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 37 |
Internship or Practicum
Select one of the options listed below.
Option 1
| PLS 296 | Paralegal Portfolio | 1 credit |
| PLS 299 | Paralegal Internship | 2 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Option 2
| PLS 292 | Paralegal Practicum | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 60
Note: PLS 299 will substitute for CAR 299 for students completing the AS degree in addition to the AAS degree. However, CAR 299 may not be a substitute for PLS 299.
Recommended Sequence of Courses
Depending upon preparatory courses required, additional semesters may be required to complete the program.
First Semester
| CAR 101 | College Success | 1 credit |
| COM 122 | Interpersonal Communications | 3 credits |
| ENG 101 | Intro to College Writing | 3 credits |
| PLS 101 | Introduction to Law | 3 credits |
| PLS 140 | Paralegal Procedures | 3 credits |
| RELIGION | Cornerstone Religion or Religion Elective | 2 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Second Semester
| BAP 115 | Excel and Intro. to Technology | 1 credit |
| PLS 110 | Legal Research/Writing I | 3 credits |
| PLS 120 | Evidence | 2 credits |
| PLS 130 | Criminal Law and Procedures | 3 credits |
| PLS 150 | Paralegal Computer Application | 3 credits |
| PLS 160 | Ethics | 2 credits |
| RELIGION | Cornerstone Religion or Religion Elective | 2 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Third Semester
| MAT 107 | Quan Analysis & Per Finance | 3 credits |
| PLS 115 | Legal Research/Writing II | 3 credits |
| PLS 203 | Intro. to Civil Litigation | 3 credits |
| PLS 205 | Contract Law | 3 credits |
| RELIGION | Cornerstone Religion or Religion Elective | 2 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Fourth Semester
| CAR 201 | Career Success | 1 credit |
| ENG 201 | Inter. College Writing | 3 credits |
| PLS 210 | Torts | 3 credits |
| PLS 215 | Bankruptcy Law | 3 credits |
| PLS 296 | Paralegal Portfolio | 1 credit |
| PLS 299 | Paralegal Internship | 2 credits |
| RELIGION | Cornerstone Religion or Religion Elective | 2 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Total Credit Hours: 60
Graduation Requirements
- Minimum of 60 total semester credit hours as outlined
- Grade of C or higher in ENG 101 and all PLS core courses
- Cumulative grade-point average of 2.0
- 2 cornerstone religion courses, plus 2 additional religion courses