Paralegal Studies

The Paralegal Studies Associate in Science Degree (60 units total, 31 units in the major) is designed to prepare students for work in the legal environment as either professional paralegals or legal assistants. Students receive training in all aspects of the legal system including the court system, legal research, client interviews, legal briefs, and court procedures. Employment preparation for career opportunities with private attorneys, local court jurisdictions, corporate law offices, and self-employment as an independent paralegal.

This degree is not specifically designed for transfer. Courses required for the associate degree major at Cerro Coso Community College may not be the same as those required for the major at a four-year school. If you plan to transfer, consult a counselor and http://www.assist.org/ to identify the courses needed from the major at your transfer school and to develop a plan that will best meet your goals.

You must complete a minimum of 60 units, including the courses listed in the major and general education requirements, with an overall GPA of 2.0 or better, and a grade of "A", "B", or "C" in all courses for the major. A minimum of 12 units must be completed at Cerro Coso Community College.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to

• Analyze data and information to assist attorneys with client's case throughout the legal process.
• Locate and analyze relevant primary and secondary legal sources in electronic and print media.
• Apply investigative functions and techniques to gather information from witnesses and other sources.
• Process legal documents and maintain legal schedules.
• Draft and organize legal documents and records including pretrial preparation.

Locations

• CC Online [Degree Pathway]

Courses

Note: Some courses within the major may have a required prerequisite. If you feel you have equivalent knowledge and skills to those included in the prerequisite course through professional experience, licensure, or certification, you have the opportunity to submit a Prerequisite Challenge to be reviewed by the faculty chair. For the Prerequisite Challenge to be considered, you must submit documentation/verification to substantiate the basis for the challenge. Please consult a counselor for more information regarding Prerequisite Challenge.

Complete all of the following courses:

Select at least 8 units from the following courses:

Complete one of the following general education patterns:

Contact

Karen O'Connor
Business & IT
Phone: (760) 384-6172
Email: koconnor@cerrocoso.edu