Paralegal Studies A.A.S. Degree
Paralegals are trained specialists who, under the supervision of an attorney, perform a wide variety of legal tasks. These tasks may include legal research, law office management and preparation of legal documents. Only an attorney may provide legal services directly to the public. Students can earn the Associate in Applied Science which prepares graduates for employment in:
- Law Offices
- Corporate Legal Departments,
- Legal Services Corporations
- State Government Offices
- Title Companies
- Federal and State Courts.
This program is approved by the American Bar Association and the College is a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education. Students who already have a college degree – Associate’s, Bachelor’s or higher, can earn a Paralegal Studies Certificate.
Semester I
Short Title : Computer Applications and Systems
Course Code : CSC-105
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
This course defines computers and computer applications and their use in business, industry and government. Students completing this course will be computer fluent. Students will understand the capabilities and limitations of computers and know how to use them. In addition, students will understand computers and their ethical, legal and societal implications. Topics include the history of computers, hardware devices, software programs, terminology, privacy of information, ethical behavior and the influence of computers on people and society. Hands-on experience includes: using a Windows operating system, a word processor, designing and implementing spreadsheets and producing presentations. This course is recommended for anyone who will be involved with computers and the use of computer application software.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : English Composition I
Course Code : ENG-121
Department Description : English
Course Description :
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
Prerequisites :
A passing score on the College Placement Test; or a grade of "C" or better in ENG-010 and RDG-011 (RDG-011 can be a co-requisite; or a grade of "C" or better in ESL-097 and ESL-098.
Co requisites :
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Introduction to the Paralegal Profession
Course Code : PLS-100
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
An introduction to the functions and duties of the paralegal. Students explore the regulation of paralegals, rules of ethics, privilege and ABA considerations. Students are introduced to the court system and law office routines.
- Credit : 2
Short Title : Legal Research
Course Code : PLS-101
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
An introduction to the American legal system and the New Jersey court system. Students use the law library including encyclopedias, reporter systems, digests and administrative codes including updating sources. Students are introduced to the use of computer assisted research by use of Westlaw.
Prerequisites :
Co requisites :
ENG 121, PLS 100
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Legal Writing
Course Code : PLS-113
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
A writing course focusing on the tasks commonly encountered by paralegals. Topics covered include legal correspondence, opinion letters, briefs and memoranda, Emphasis will be placed on clarity and precision in the use of language.
Prerequisites :
Co requisites :
PLS 100, PLS 101
- Credit : 2
Short Title : GE Social Science Elective
Course Code : GE SS
Department Description : GE Social Science Elective
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Semester 2
Short Title : Advanced Legal Research
Course Code : PLS-121
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
A continuation of the study of legal research using online resources, with an emphasis on Westlaw and the Internet.
Prerequisites :
PLS-100, PLS-101, PLS-113, CSC-105 or CSC-106
Co requisites :
PLS 100, PLS 101, PLS 113, CSC 105 or CSC 106
- Credit : 2
Short Title : English Composition II
Course Code : ENG-122
Department Description : English
Course Description : Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing argument synthesis essays. Students engage in formal written argumentation based on extensive reading and analysis of complex texts. Through the research process, students will locate, analyze, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance their own informed positions on relevant issues in the composition of a formal research paper.
Prerequisites :
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Property Transactions
Course Code : PLS-104
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
Forms and procedures used in real and personal property transactions including the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act.
Prerequisites :
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS-121
Co requisites :
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121
- Credit : 4
- Lecture Hours : 4
Short Title : Litigation Procedure
Course Code : PLS-110
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
A study of the rules governing courts and litigation procedures including client interviews, complaints, motions, discovery and appeals.
Prerequisites :
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS-121
Co requisites :
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121
- Credit : 4
Short Title : Contracts and Uniform Commercial Code
Course Code : PLS-111
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
A study of the substantive law of contracts, sales law and commercial paper. In applicable areas, the Uniform Commercial Code is covered as well as common law principles.
Prerequisites :
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS-121
Co requisites :
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Advanced Legal Writing
Course Code : PLS-123
Department Description : Accounting, Business and Legal Studies
Course Description :
An independent study writing course focusing on the preparation of legal memoranda as well as citation form. Emphasis is placed on clarity and precision in the use of language.
Prerequisites :
- Credit : 2
Semester 3
Short Title : Torts
Course Code : PLS-108
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
A study of the principles of tort law, their application in commonly faced situations in law practice and the role of the paralegal in the preparation of a tort claim or defense.
Prerequisites :
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS-121
Co requisites :
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Business Organizations and Government Regulations
Course Code : PLS-112
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
Detailed study of the substantive law of agency and employment, security devices, bankruptcy, partnerships and corporations. (In applicable areas the Uniform Commercial code is covered as well as common law principles.)
Prerequisites :
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS-121 and PLS-123
Co requisites :
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121 and PLS 123
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Family Law
Course Code : PLS-105
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
A study of the substantive and procedural aspects of family law in such areas as divorce, adoption, support and separation agreements, including domestic relations court procedures.
Prerequisites :
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS-121
Co requisites :
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121
- Credit : 3
OR
Short Title : Wills and Estate Admininistration
Course Code : PLS-106
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
A study of the substance and procedure of estate administration with respect to wills, estates, trusts, probate, life insurance, federal and state taxes.
Prerequisites :
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS-121
Co requisites :
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121
- Credit : 3
OR
Short Title : Criminal Law and Procedure
Course Code : PLS-109
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
A study of the elements of crime and the criminal procedure system including incidents before and after trial and an analysis of the impact of the Constitution on crimes and criminal procedure.
Prerequisites :
PLS-100, PLS-101, PLS-113, PLS-121
Co requisites :
PLS 121
- Credit : 3
OR
Short Title : Paralegal Field Experience
Course Code : PLS-208
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
A cooperative work experience program whereby students are employed in law-related positions to gain some of the practical experience necessary for success as paralegals. The College, through on-the-job visits and individual progress review sessions, provides supervision of these departmentally approved positions. Students are required to establish learning objectives related to their positions to attain specific job competencies. Students attend a class on campus and work approximately 20 hours a week for a minimum of 180 hours during the semester. Individuals must be recommended by the chair or assistant chair of the department.
Prerequisites :
PLS-100, PLS-101, PLS-110, PLS-113, PLS-121 and PLS-104 or PLS-108 or PLS-109 plus permission of both the program director and Career and Transfer Services located on the 2nd Floor of West Hall.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Course Code : SPE-121
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : Introduction to the theory and practice of public address; the study of representative public addresses and the preparation and delivery of short speeches.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Physical/Health Education Elective
Course Code : Physical/Health Education Elective
Department Description : Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance
Course Description :
Physical/Health Education Elective
- Credit : 1
Short Title : Mathematics of Finance
Course Code : BUS-115
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
A study of the mathematics and terminology related to buying and selling, time value of money using simple and compound interest, basic statistics with charts and graphs and fundamentals of investing.
Prerequisites :
Passing score on the College placement test or successful completion of MAT-013
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
BUS-115 will satisfy the math requirement. Students considering transfer to a baccalaureate program should consult an academic advisor as to other math choices.
Semester 4
Short Title : Principles of Economics I
Course Code : ECO-201
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
Introduces the foundations of economic analysis and explores the problems of macroeconomics, including national income, equilibrium analysis and fiscal and monetary policy. The public sector of the national economy is also stressed.
Prerequisites :
A passing score on the algebra portion of the College placement test or MAT-013
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Portfolio Project for Paralegals
Course Code : PLS-225
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
Students integrate their knowledge of theoretical concepts and practical application of legal research and substantive law through case analysis and the completion of the assigned project. Students review news and legal sources regarding the project. Students review news and legal sources regarding an issue pending before the Supreme Court, analyzing the issue and the positions of the parties and predicting the outcome of the case. Students also prepare resumes in proper business format.
Prerequisites :
PLS-100, PLS-101, PLS-113, PLS-121, PLS-123, and 15 additional credits of paralegal courses (PLS Courses) and permission of the PLS program director or department chair.
- Credit : 1
Short Title : Family Law
Course Code : PLS-105
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
A study of the substantive and procedural aspects of family law in such areas as divorce, adoption, support and separation agreements, including domestic relations court procedures.
Prerequisites :
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS-121
Co requisites :
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121
- Credit : 3
OR
Short Title : Wills and Estate Admininistration
Course Code : PLS-106
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
A study of the substance and procedure of estate administration with respect to wills, estates, trusts, probate, life insurance, federal and state taxes.
Prerequisites :
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS-121
Co requisites :
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PLS 121
- Credit : 3
OR
Short Title : Criminal Law and Procedure
Course Code : PLS-109
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
A study of the elements of crime and the criminal procedure system including incidents before and after trial and an analysis of the impact of the Constitution on crimes and criminal procedure.
Prerequisites :
PLS-100, PLS-101, PLS-113, PLS-121
Co requisites :
PLS 121
- Credit : 3
OR
Short Title : Paralegal Field Experience
Course Code : PLS-208
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
A cooperative work experience program whereby students are employed in law-related positions to gain some of the practical experience necessary for success as paralegals. The College, through on-the-job visits and individual progress review sessions, provides supervision of these departmentally approved positions. Students are required to establish learning objectives related to their positions to attain specific job competencies. Students attend a class on campus and work approximately 20 hours a week for a minimum of 180 hours during the semester. Individuals must be recommended by the chair or assistant chair of the department.
Prerequisites :
PLS-100, PLS-101, PLS-110, PLS-113, PLS-121 and PLS-104 or PLS-108 or PLS-109 plus permission of both the program director and Career and Transfer Services located on the 2nd Floor of West Hall.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : GE Humanities Elective
Course Code : HUM-EL2
Department Description : Humanities
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
Short Title : GE Science Elective
Course Code : BIO-EL1
Department Description : Biology
- Credit : 3
Choose one Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Math, Science and Technology (GE MST).
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
- Use the law library, including encyclopedias, reporter systems, digests and practice manuals; utilize computer-assisted research including Westlaw, lexis, and Internet databases.
- Apply rules governing courts and basic ligation procedures, including telephone technique, client interviews, complaints, interrogatories, motions and correspondence.
- Complete forms and filing procedures relevant to legal proceedings and use different legal software packages.
- Complete forms and filling procedures in real and personal property transactions, including the real estate settlement procedures act.
- Demonstrate ethical/professional responsibility in the performance of professional duties in a legal setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can students who major in Paralegal Studies transfer to a four-year college or university?
Articulation agreements with public and private institutions offer students who earn the A.A.S. degree the opportunity to transfer all of their coursework to the four-year institution. Students in specialized programs, or who earn an A.A.S. degree should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
Are there any requirements that must be satisfied before taking courses in the major?
Associate Applied Science Degree - Students must either have a high school diploma or have passed an equivalency examination. Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Algebra I competency may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or completion of the appropriate course.
Certificate - The Paralegal Studies Certificate is designed for the person who already has a college degree - Associate's, Bachelor's or higher.
How long will it take to complete this degree?
Once students complete developmental coursework (if needed), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. They can shorten the amount of time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.
What are the objectives of this program?
- Provide a rigorous, flexible program for the quality education of the occupationally competent paralegal.
- Provide a paralegal education program that leads to the opportunity for employment of its graduates by a wide range of employers.
- Provide paralegals with a well-rounded, balanced education founded on a beneficial mix of general education, theory, and practical courses, stressing understanding and reasoning rather than rote learning of facts.
- Support the general principle of ethical legal practice, professional responsibility and the prohibitions against the unauthorized practice of law by non-lawyers.
- Provide an educational program that is responsive to the needs of the State of New Jersey and contributes to the advancement of legal professionals.
- Provide a program that instills respect for the legal profession and its foundations, institutions, and quest for justice.
- Maintain equality of opportunity in the educational program without discrimination or segregation on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin or sex. The program’s overall objective is to provide quality education for paralegals so that they might assist the legal profession in rendering more personal, economical services to a greater number of persons.
How are these objectives met?
- Through flexible curriculum planning which stresses a balance among General Education courses, law related courses, legal specialty courses, and electives.
- Through continual assessment of the need for the program as evidenced by the legal profession’s response to regular surveys and the ability of the program to place graduates.
- By keeping the enrollment of the program to a size that will ensure a good student-teacher ratio and give graduates a good chance for paralegal employment. This is determined in the same method as number 2 above.
- By providing the program with a well qualified full-time director with the necessary time to devote to the extensive administrative duties of the position.
When students complete the program, what skills will they have?
- Use the law library, including encyclopedias, reporter systems, digests, and practice manuals, including updating sources; utilize computer-assisted research including WESTLAW, reporter systems, statutes, administrative codes, updating sources and extended databases.
- Understand and use rules governing courts and basic litigation procedures including telephone technique, client interviews, complaints, interrogatories, and motions.
- Use forms and filing procedures relevant to typical legal proceedings.
- Use forms and filing procedures in real and personal property transactions, including Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act.
Note: For students matriculating in this program, degree credit will not ordinarily be given for any course designated PLS which was completed more than six years prior to completion of the degree program.
Transfer Information
Our students transfer to 4-year colleges and universities around the globe. We’ve had students transfer to every state, including Alaska and Hawaii.
The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution, will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree and will have completed all lower division general education requirements. In addition, articulation agreements are being worked out with institutions granting baccalaureate degrees to facilitate the transfer process. Students should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
Are you interested in transferring to a school in New Jersey? You can use the tools at NJTransfer.org to see which of your MCC courses will transfer to a specific college.