Associate in Science - Paralegal Studies (Legal Assisting), General Specialization
Previous Degree Required: HS Diploma
Eligible for Financial Aid: Yes
Delivery Method(s): On-Campus
Location(s): Melbourne
Additional Limited Access Application Process Required: Yes
Program Testing Requirements: Assessment in Reading, Writing, and Math
Academic Community: BUSN
Program Code: LGASGEN
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code: 22.0302
Florida Department of Education CIP Code: 1722030200
Note: Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law. Florida prohibits the practice of law by non-lawyers.
Refer to the Associate in Science Degree Programs overview to find information about admission, graduation, general education and other requirements. Students who need technical electives will work with a bachelor’s advisor to determine the courses best suited to their plan of study.
Visit the program page for more information.
Specialization Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Courses | ||
| ENC 1101 | Composition 1 | 3 |
| ENC 1102 | Composition 2 | 3 |
| POS 2041 | American National Government | 3 |
| Humanities Core Requirement | 3 | |
| Mathematics Core Requirement | 3 | |
| Natural Science Core Requirement | 3 | |
| Major Courses | ||
| PLA 1003 | Introduction to the Paralegal Field and Legal System | 3 |
| PLA 1104 | Legal Research | 3 |
| PLA 1114 | Legal Writing | 3 |
| PLA 1611 | Property Law | 3 |
| PLA 2203 | Civil Procedure | 3 |
| PLA 2260 | Evidence | 3 |
| PLA 2308 | Criminal Procedure | 3 |
| PLA 2762 | Law Office Procedures | 3 |
| PLA 2763 | Law Office Management | 3 |
| PLA 2940 | Paralegal Internship | 4 |
| General Specialization | ||
| Select nine credits from the following: | 9 | |
| Bankruptcy | ||
| Torts | ||
| Criminal Law | ||
| Contracts and Business Entities | ||
| Wills and Trusts | ||
| Probate, Trust, and Guardianship Administration | ||
| Family Law | ||
| Real Estate Principles | ||
| Support Courses | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Microcomputer Applications | ||
| Intermediate Algebra | ||
| Fundamentals of Speech Communication | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 64 | |
- Satisfy the civic literacy competency requirement
Notes:
- A grade of "C" or higher is necessary in each major course for progression and graduation. Only courses/credits with a grade of "C" or higher may be accepted for transfer (additional requirements may apply).
- Students are required to take a minimum of 10 credit hours of legal specialty courses in traditional format.
- At least 25% of the total credits for the degree must be earned at EFSC of which a minimum of 12 credit hours must be Paralegal Studies major courses.
- Not all courses are offered every semester and are subject to instructor availability. Courses may be cancelled by the college at any time.
- PLA courses have pre-requisites or co-requisites. PLA 2940 Paralegal Internship can only be taken the last full semester prior to graduation from Paralegal Studies Program.
Course Sequence
The following sequence is recommended. However, courses may not be offered in this order, so it is important that you work with an advisor to plan your schedule based on your specific needs.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Credit Hours | |
| ENC 1101 | Composition 1 | 3 |
| PLA 1003 | Introduction to the Paralegal Field and Legal System | 3 |
| POS 2041 | American National Government | 3 |
| General Specialization Course Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| ENC 1102 | Composition 2 | 3 |
| PLA 1104 | Legal Research | 3 |
| PLA 2203 | Civil Procedure | 3 |
| PLA 2763 | Law Office Management | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| Natural Science Core Requirement | 3 | |
| Support Course 2 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Term 4 | ||
| Mathematics Core Requirement | 3 | |
| PLA 1114 | Legal Writing | 3 |
| PLA 2260 | Evidence | 3 |
| General Specialization Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Term 5 | ||
| PLA 1611 | Property Law | 3 |
| PLA 2308 | Criminal Procedure | 3 |
| PLA 2762 | Law Office Procedures | 3 |
| General Specialization Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Term 6 | ||
| Humanities Core Requirement | 3 | |
| PLA 2940 | Paralegal Internship | 4 |
| Support Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 64 | |
- 1
General Specialization courses include: PLA 1465 Bankruptcy, PLA 2273 Torts, PLA 2304 Criminal Law, PLA 2426 Contracts and Business Entities, PLA 2601 Wills and Trusts, PLA 2602 Probate, Trust, and Guardianship Administration, , PLA 2800 Family Law, and REE 1040 Real Estate Principles.
- 2
Support Courses include: CGS 2100 Microcomputer Applications, MAT 1033 Intermediate Algebra, and SPC 2608 Fundamentals of Speech Communication.
Learning Outcomes
- Comprehend the differences in how state and federal laws are applied in the judicial branch
- Core Ability Supported: Communicate Effectively
- Analyze a court opinion, including all the key facts, issues, and rules of the case, and the conclusion of the court
- Core Ability Supported: Process Information
- Demonstrate professional behavior consistent with employer expectations for paralegal
- Core Ability Supported: Model Ethic & Civil Responsibility
- Assess management of the client funds trust accounts
- Core Ability Supported: Process Information
- Analyze Federal Rules of Evidence and Florida Rules of Evidence
- Core Ability Supported: Think Critically & Solve Problems
- Compose pretrial motion using hypothetical fact pattern
- Core Ability Supported: Process Information
- Write a responsive pleading
- Core Ability Supported: Communicate Effectively
- Describe various ways easements are created and terminated
- Core Ability Supported: Think Critically and Solve Problems