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Paralegal Studies Associate of Applied Science Degree

PS13

Paralegals are trained to assist lawyers by researching legal precedent, investigating facts or preparing legal documents. They also conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action. Paralegals must be able to document and present their findings and opinions to their supervising attorney. They need to understand legal terminology and have good research and investigative skills. Familiarity with the operation and applications of computers in legal research and litigation support also is important. Paralegals should stay informed of new developments in the laws that affect their area of practice.

The goal of the Paralegal Studies Program is to train students in legal theory, analytical, communication and adaptation of skills. Paralegals shall not engage in the unauthorized practice of law as proscribed by the Official Code of Georgia, 15-19-51 and must work under the supervision and direction of an attorney in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia.

Degree Requirements

GENERAL EDUCATION CORE

Required Minimum: 18 Semester Credit Hours

General Education Core Area I: Language Arts/Communication - 6 Credit Hours

 
ENGL 1101Composition and Rhetoric

3
SPCH 1101Public Speaking

3

 

General Education Core Area II: Social/Behavioral Sciences - 3 Credit Hours

(Choose One of the Following)

ECON 1101Principles of Economics

3
ECON 2105Macroeconomics

3
ECON 2106Microeconomics

3
HIST 1111World History I

3
HIST 1112World History II

3
HIST 2111U.S. History I

3
HIST 2112U.S. History II

3
POLS 1101American Government

3
PSYC 1101Introductory Psychology

3
SOCI 1101Introduction to Sociology

3
SOCI 2600Introduction to Social Problems

3

General Education Core Area III: Natural Sciences/Mathematics - 3 Credit Hours

(Choose One of the Following)

MATH 1101Mathematical Modeling

3
MATH 1103Quantitative Skills and Reasoning

3
MATH 1111College Algebra

3

General Education Core Area IV: Humanities/Fine Arts - 3 Credit Hours

(Choose One of the Following)

ARTS 1101Art Appreciation

3
ENGL 2110World Literature

3
ENGL 2130American Literature

3
ENGL 2310English Literature from the Beginnings to 1700

3
HUMN 1101Introduction to Humanities

3
MUSC 1101Music Appreciation

3
MUSC 2040History of Popular Music

3
THEA 1101Theater Appreciation

3

General Education Core Additional Requirements – 3 Credit Hours

To meet the minimum required 15 semester credit hours in General Core courses an additional 3 semester credit hours must be selected from a course in Area I, Area II, Area III, or Area IV.

Occupational Courses

COMP 1000Introduction to Computer Literacy

3
PARA 1100Introduction to Law and Ethics

3
PARA 1115Family Law

3
PARA 1105Legal Research and Legal Writing I

3
PARA 1110Legal Research and Legal Writing II

3
PARA 1125Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure

3
PARA 1140Tort Law

3
PARA 1150Contracts, Commercial Law and Business Organizations

3
PARA 1120Real Estate Law

3
PARA 1130Civil Litigation

3
PARA 1135Wills, Trusts, Probate, and Administration

3
PARA 1145Law Office Management

3
PARA 2200Paralegal Practicum

6
or
PARA 2210Paralegal Internship I

6

Complete 9 Credit Hours of Guided Electives

 
PARA 1200Bankruptcy/Debtor-Creditor Relations

3
PARA 1205Constitutional Law

3
PARA 1220Intellectual Property Law

3
PARA 2205Advanced Legal Research and Writing

3
ENGL 1105Workplace and Technical Communication

3
CRJU 1010Introduction to Criminal Justice

3
MGMT 2115Human Resource Management

3

Total Credit Hours: 69