Legal Studies
A.A.S. Degree (D,G)
The practice of law is comprised of a team including paralegals. In modern law offices, paralegals are assuming a growing range of legal duties and are an integral part of the legal team, working under the direct supervision of an attorney. Delaware Tech's American Bar Association approved Legal Studies program prepares students for this career, or to use their skills to further their education in preparation for law school. Students learn to use a range of research methods and information necessary to complete a variety of legal activities including producing the documents necessary for a functioning law office. To supplement classroom knowledge and applications, students are also required to complete an internship allowing them to gain the valuable work experience that employers seek. As a graduate of the program, students will be able to pursue career opportunities in federal, state and local governmental agencies, law firms, the court system, banks, insurance companies, private business, and corporations, or transfer to four-year institutions to further their education in preparation for law school.
Students must take a minimum of 9 semester credits of legal specialty courses through traditional on campus face-to-face or synchronous web conferencing class instruction.
* Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as provided by law.
Program Graduate Competencies
The Program Graduate Competencies listed below identify the major learning goals related to your specific program of study and identify the knowledge and skills you will have when you graduate to be successful in your chosen field.
- Explain the present and potential role of the paralegal within the legal system.
- Produce documents necessary for a functioning law office.
- Comply with the profession's Code of Ethics within the legal system.
- Use a range of research methods and information necessary to complete a variety of legal activities.
- Apply acquired knowledge of legal specialty areas in the workplace.
Core Curriculum Competencies
The Core Curriculum Competencies listed below identify what you will be able to do as a graduate, regardless of your program of study. You will acquire these core competencies through general education courses and program-specific coursework. You will be expected to use relevant technology to achieve these outcomes:
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Graduation Requirements
General Education
Program/Major Concentration
Pathway to Graduation (Course Sequence Sheet)
PROGRAM SPECIFIC ADVISEMENT STATEMENT
Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
To complete program requirements, you must pass the above courses and earn at least 62 credits. The number of courses and credits required for graduation may be more depending on college readiness and the elective courses offered in your program major (if electives are a part of the program).
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