Paralegal Studies
Degree
Certificate (Eligible for federal aid as a stand-alone certificate or if combined with AS degree)
Overview
The certificate in Legal 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 on 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 certificate, successful graduates 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 Course
| 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: | 2 |
Certificate Core Courses
| ENG 101 | Intro to 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 150 | Paralegal Computer Application | 3 credits |
| PLS 160 | Ethics | 2 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 19 |
Certificate Elective Courses
| PLS 130 | Criminal Law and Procedures | 3 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: | 6 |
Total Credit Hours: 27
Recommended Sequence of Courses
Depending upon preparatory courses required, additional semesters may be required to complete the program.
First Semester
| ENG 101 | Intro to College Writing | 3 credits |
| PLS 101 | Introduction to Law | 3 credits |
| PLS 110 | Legal Research/Writing I | 3 credits |
| PLS 120 | Evidence | 2 credits |
| PLS 150 | Paralegal Computer Application | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Second Semester
| PLS 115 | Legal Research/Writing II | 3 credits |
| PLS 160 | Ethics | 2 credits |
| Elective | Program Elective | 3 Credits |
| Elective | Program Elective | 3 Credits |
| Religion | Cornerstone Religion | 2 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13 |
Total Credit Hours: 27
Graduation Requirements
- Minimum of 27 total semester credit hours as outlined
- Grade of C or higher in all program core courses
- Cumulative grade-point average of 2.0
- 1 cornerstone religion course*
*Note: The required (2) credit religion course will count towards the (8) credits of required religion courses for students who are completing the AS degree + certificate.
**Note: PLS 299 will substitute for CAR 299 for students who are completing the AS degree + certificate.