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Nov 03, 2024
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Fall 2024 - Summer 2025 Academic Catalog
Paralegal A.A.S.
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School: Business and Professional Careers
Academic Dept: Criminal Justice and Paralegal
HEGIS: 5099
Important Note about Program Requirements
The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program from Fall 2024 to Summer 2025. 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.
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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. 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:
- Demonstrate the skills necessary to work in an ethical manner in a law office under the supervision of an attorney.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the state and federal court systems.
- Demonstrate knowledge of legal terminology, substantive law, and legal procedures necessary for a successful legal career.
- Demonstrate competency and broad foundational knowledge in the general education curriculum as required by Westchester Community College.
Program Requirements
60 credits are required for the degree:
- General Education - 22 credits
- Required Degree Courses - 38 credits
General Education Requirements - 22 Credits
Where specific courses are not listed within the categories above, courses must be selected from the list of all General Education Courses .
Required Degree Courses - 38 credits
Program Map
The program map is a recommended semester-by-semester schedule of courses based on degree requirements and serve as a general guideline to help students complete their program in two years. Although designed for full-time enrollment, these are easily adaptable for part-time study. For additional, individualized guidance, students should review Degree Works and consult an Academic Counselor or Faculty Advisor to ensure they are on track to complete their program.
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
Minimum Total Credits: 60
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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