Paralegal A.A.S.

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 2025 to Summer 2026. 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 Paralegal Studies A.A.S. program at SUNY Westchester Community College equips students with essential skills and knowledge to excel as paralegals under attorney supervision. Approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), the program combines theoretical and practical coursework, covering essential areas such as legal research, litigation, and specialized legal applications. Students gain hands-on experience through access to Westlaw and an internship course, fostering real-world skills and professional connections. This program prepares graduates for diverse opportunities in law offices, government agencies, corporate legal departments, and beyond, with job growth projected to increase 10% by 2029.

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.

Related Resources

Westchester Community College Paralegal Website

Accreditation

Professional Organization:
American Bar Association
321 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: 800-285-2221

Status: Continued approval for seven years beginning February 2019 through February 2026.

Next Full Review: Reapproval application submitted June 15, 2025.

Program Notes

No additional notes for this program.

Program Requirements

60 credits are required for the degree:

General Education - 22 credits
Required Degree Courses - 38 credits

General Education Requirements - 22 Credits

Communication - Written and Oral (3 credits): ENG 101 - Writing and Research
Humanities (3 credits): ENG 102 - Writing and Literature
Mathematics (and Quantitative Reasoning) (3 credits): choose from this category of general education courses
Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning) (4 credits): choose from this category of general education courses
Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice; and Social Sciences (3 credits): SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology , SOC 101H - Introduction to Sociology - Honors , HSERV 200 - Diversity and Social Justice OR ANTHR 101 - Cultural Anthropology
US History and Civic Engagement (3 credits): choose from this category of general education courses
The Arts, World Languages OR World History and Global Awareness (3 credits): choose from any category, The Arts or World Languages or World History/Global Awareness

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

COMM 109 - Speech Communication
LAW 103 - Introduction to Legal Studies
LAW 104 - Legal Research and Writing
LAW 105 - Litigation
LAW 106 - Computer Applications for the Law Office
LAW 107 - Law Internship
Free Elective (2 credits): Select any college course(s)
Financial Elective (3 credits): Select ONE of the following
Paralegal Elective (15 credits): Select FIVE of the following

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

Course	Credits
COMM 109 - Speech Communication	3
ENG 101 - Writing and Research	3
LAW 103 - Introduction to Legal Studies	3
Mathematics (and Quantitative Reasoning) Gen. Ed. Course	3
The Arts , World Languages or World History/Global Awareness Gen. Ed. Course	3
Semester Total Credits	15

Semester 2

Course	Credits
ENG 102 - Writing and Literature	3
Financial Elective	3
LAW 106 - Computer Applications for the Law Office	3
Paralegal Elective	3
Choose from SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology , SOC 101H - Introduction to Sociology - Honors , HSERV 200 - Diversity and Social Justice OR ANTHR 101 - Cultural Anthropology	3
Semester Total Credits	15

Semester 3

Course	Credits
Free Elective	2
Paralegal Elective	3
Paralegal Elective	3
Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning) Gen. Ed. Course	4
US History and Civic Engagement Gen. Ed. Course	3
Semester Total Credits	15

Semester 4

Course	Credits
LAW 104 - Legal Research and Writing	3
LAW 105 - Litigation	3
LAW 107 - Law Internship	3
Paralegal Elective	3
Paralegal Elective	3
Semester Total Credits	15

Minimum Total Credits: 60

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.