Overview
Narrative
This program is designed to allow a student who aspires to have a career in law or law related field the ability to survey different aspects of the legal profession, including paralegal studies, social sciences, criminal justice, and business law. Also, the Legal Studies, AAS degree is designed to prepare a student desirous of a pathway to law school, a logical foundation of transferrable skills and an understanding of various legal systems with courses and elective course choices typically accepted for transfer to a 4-year institution.
Legal Professions: Occupational Outlook Handbook: “Legal Occupations” (www.bls.gov) The category of professions in the law is quite broad, however the outlook is very positive. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Overall employment in legal occupations is projected to grow 10 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 131,000 new jobs over the decade. In addition to new jobs from growth, opportunities arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. About 110,000 openings each year, on average, are projected to come from growth and replacement needs. The median annual wage for this group was $82,430 in May 2021, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760.” 10/2022
Features
Courses available in Legal Studies, AAS degree are closely linked to both the Paralegal, AAS and/or Criminal Justice, AAS degree programs. Depending on the program elective courses selected, a student could decide to switch majors with minimal credit loss. Further, with proper course selection, a student can earn a Legal Studies, AAS degree and then return to earn either a Paralegal, AAS or Criminal Justice, AAS (or vice versa) so long as 15 additional different credits are earned towards the second degree.
Career Potential
(Depending on electives selected and further education as required) law enforcement officer, legal assistant, court reporter, paralegal, legal process server, probation officer, jury consultant, law librarian, social worker, mediator, compliance officer, real estate agent, legal support personnel, corporate legal assistant. Possible pathway to becoming a lawyer or judge.
Outcomes
Outcomes
Graduates of this program will:
1. Demonstrate analytical and legal problem-solving skills.
2. Apply fundamental understanding of legal systems in the United States.
3. Research, evaluate, effectively apply, and communicate substantive legal terminology and theories.
4. Evaluate the role of legal theory and ethical practices in diverse societal groups and institutions.
5. Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate technology in the legal field.
Courses
First Semester
| COLS101 | College Success | 1 credits |
| CMTH102 | Introduction to Communication | 3 credits |
| ENGL101 | English I | 3 credits |
| PARL101 | Introduction to Paralegal Studies | 3 credits |
| PSYC103 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 credits |
| CISC101 | Introduction to Information Technology | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Second Semester
| ENGL151L | English II | 3 credits |
| OR | |
| ENGL151R | English II | 3 credits |
| | |
| PARL205 | Legal Research | 3 credits |
| Legal Studies Elective* | 3 credits |
| CJST111 | American Legal System | 3 credits |
PARL
| Paralegal Elective + | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Third Semester
| PARL210G | Legal Writing | 3 credits |
| | |
| PHIL202 | Ethics & Moral Problems | 3 credits |
| OR | |
| CJST245 | Criminal Justice Ethics | 3 credits |
| | |
| POLS105G | American Constitutional Law | 3 credits |
PARL
| Paralegal Elective + | 3 credits |
| Mathematics (QL) or Science (SCI) Elective | 3/4 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15-16 |
Fourth Semester
| Legal Studies Elective* | 3 credits |
| Legal Studies Elective* | 3 credits |
| Legal Studies Elective* | 3 credits |
| Legal Studies Elective* | 3 credits |
| Free Elective | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15-16 |
Total Credit Hours: 61-62
+PARL ELECTIVES: PARL150, PARL151, PARL153, PARL156, PARL161, PARL162, PARL163, PARL166, PARL175, PARL187
Legal Studies Elective*: PARALEGAL: (Students may choose courses not already selected for their PAR ELECTIVE+ as their remaining Legal Studies Elective*) PARL150, PARL151, PARL153, PARL156, PARL161, PARL162, PARL163, PARL166, PARL175, PARL187.; BUSINESS: ACCT101, BUSA152, BUSA202 (BUSA 152 prerequisite), CRIMINAL JUSTICE: CJST101, CJST115, CJST131, OTHER: POLS101, POLS251, PSYC255, SOCA103, INTS101