Associate in Science - Paralegal Studies (Legal Assisting), Litigation 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: LGASLTG
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 |
| Litigation Specialization | ||
| Select nine credits from the following: | 9 | |
| Bankruptcy | ||
| Torts | ||
| Criminal Law | ||
| Family Law | ||
| 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.
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