Paralegal Studies
Course Overview
The Paralegal Studies curriculum leads to the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, which is approved by the American Bar Association. This curriculum provides students with a varied and general grounding in the practical skills necessary to be a paralegal along with a strong liberal arts background. The program is suitable for students seeking either to transfer to a four-year institution in a law-related program or to enter the work force as a paralegal, particularly in small to mid-sized law firms, businesses, government, and public and private agencies.
Community College of Philadelphia trains paralegals who must operate under the supervision of a licensed attorney and are prohibited from practicing law. This program has been approved by the American Bar Association.
Course Structure
Course Structure for Paralegal Associate Degree
Semester 1 (5 Courses)
ENGL 101: English Composition I (or Honors)
FNMT 118 or MATH 121 or MATH 137 or MATH 150: Quantitative Reasoning Course
PLS 101: Introduction to Paralegal Studies
DF 101 or PSYC 101 or PSYC 101H or SOC 101 or SOC 101H: Elective
JUS 122 or GS 101 or SOC 115: Cultural Analysis & Interpretation
Semester 2 (5 Courses)
ENGL 102: The Research Paper (or Honors)
PLS 111: Legal Research and Writing I
PLS 115: Legal Technology
EASC 111 or BIOL 106 or BIOL 104: Scientific Reasoning Course
PLS 121: Civil Litigation I
Semester 3 (5 Courses)
JUS 171 or POLS 111 or POLS 111H or World Language: Elective
ENGL 116 or ENGL 117 or ENGL 118: Interpersonal Communication Course
PLS 211: Legal Research and Writing II
PLS 215 or PLS 221 or PLS 231 or PLS 241 or JUS 241 or PLS 251 or PLS 255 or PLS 261 or PLS 275 or PLS 281 or PLS 285: Two Paralegal Electives
PLS 295: Legal Internship
Semester 4 (5 Courses)
DF 101 or PSYC 101 or SOC 101 or ENGL 190 or ENGL 205: Elective
PLS 215 or PLS 221 or PLS 231 or PLS 241 or JUS 241 or PLS 251 or PLS 255 or PLS 261 or PLS 275 or PLS 281 or PLS 285: Three Paralegal Electives
Directed Elective
Career Opportunities
Launch Your Career in Paralegal Studies
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
- Compliance Officer
- Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers