Mar 28, 2024  
Fall 2022 - Summer 2023 Academic Catalog 
    
Fall 2022 - Summer 2023 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Paralegal A.A.S.


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School: Business and Professional Careers
Academic Dept: Professional Careers
HEGIS: 5099
 

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program from Fall 2022 to Summer 2023. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.

Program Description


The Westchester Community College Paralegal Program is approved by the American Bar Association. The goal of the Paralegal Program is to provide students with substantive knowledge of the law, together with hands-on working experience, which will enable them to work ethically under the supervision of an attorney in the public or private sector.

The Paralegal Program provides graduates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform competently as paralegals in law-related occupations under the supervision of an attorney. Paralegals work in all phases of practice except providing legal advice to clients, appearing in court, and setting fees. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

Students requesting transfer credit must meet satisfy Westchester Community College transfer credit requirement generally. Paralegal Studies Program students are required to complete at least 18 semester credit hours of legal specialty courses as a graduation requirement. The program will accept as transfer credits a maximum 15 semester credits of legal specialty courses toward the A.A.S. degree. Additionally, paralegal studies students must complete at least 9 semester legal specialty credits in synchronous format through live simultaneous instruction on ground or remotely. 

Program Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:

  1. Demonstrate the skills necessary to work in an ethical manner in a law office under the supervision of an attorney.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the state and federal court systems.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of legal terminology, substantive law, and legal procedures necessary for a successful legal career.
  4. Demonstrate competency and broad foundational knowledge in the general education curriculum as required by Westchester Community College.

Related Resources


Program Map


The academic map below presents the recommended plan of study and will guide you through your program in a timely manner. Click the course abbreviations for full course descriptions. A course may be critical because it is a pre-requisite, requires a minimum grade, or because it is only offered once a year. Missing a critical course may push back your graduation date. Meet with an Academic Counselor or Faculty Advisor to ensure you are on track to complete your program.

Critical Courses should be taken in the order shown to stay on track and graduate on time.

 

 Semester 1

Course
(click for more information)
Critical Course Pre-reqs or Co-reqs Credits Notes
ENG 101   3  
PRLGL 101      3  
COMM 109       3  
Mathematics Gen Ed Elective     3  
The Arts, Foreign Language, or Other World Civilizations Gen Ed Elective       3  
Semester Total Credits     15  

Semester 2

Course
(click for more information)
Critical Course Pre-reqs or Co-reqs Credits Notes
PRLGL 116   4  
Paralegal Elective   3
ENG 102     3  
Finance Elective     3 ✹✹
Social Sciences Gen Ed Elective       3  
Semester Total Credits     16  

Notes:

✹ Choose one: PRLGL 105 , PRLGL 108 , PRLGL 115 , PRLGL 118 , PRLGL 119 , PRLGL 121 , PRLGL 124  

✹✹ Choose one: ACC 118 , ACC 119 , SS 105  

Semester 3

Course
(click for more information)
Critical Course Pre-reqs or Co-reqs Credits Notes
Paralegal Elective   3
Paralegal Elective   3
POLSC 102  or POLSC 107     3  
Natural Sciences with lab Gen Ed Elective       4  
Free Elective     1 - 2  
Semester Total Credits     14 - 15  

Notes:

✹ Choose one: PRLGL 105 , PRLGL 108 , PRLGL 115 , PRLGL 118 , PRLGL 119 , PRLGL 121 , PRLGL 124  

Semester 4

Course
(click for more information)
Critical Course Pre-reqs or Co-reqs Credits Notes
PRLGL 102   3  
PRLGL 106     3  
Paralegal Elective   3
Paralegal Elective   3
Paralegal Elective   3
Semester Total Credits     15  

Notes:

✹ Choose one: PRLGL 104 , PRLGL 110 , PRLGL 112 , PRLGL 114 , PRLGL 118 , PRLGL 125  

Minimum Total Credits: 60 - 61

Transfer Opportunities


Westchester Community College is committed to facilitating a smooth transfer process to ensure that graduates of the college are prepared to transfer with junior status, and are able to complete a bachelor’s degree within two years of full-time study upon transfer. View 4-year institutions’ transfer agreement information by program here.

Career Opportunities


Visit Career Coach to explore career paths, job descriptions, salary trends, and job trends.

Visit the Career Services page for more career resources.

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