Program Details

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies

Associate of Applied Science

Mountain Empire Community College

The Paralegal Studies Degree is designed to prepare individuals to work in a legal office environment. The program provides training in the general processes of American law and the knowledge/skills to perform specific legal tasks under the supervision of an attorney. In addition, the program helps prepare individuals for paralegal certification exams.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate effective communication skills through interaction, in person, by telephone, in written and electronic correspondence, with lawyers, clients, witnesses, court personnel, co-workers, and other business professionals, using appropriate legal terminology and formatting.
2. Perform basic legal research and analysis necessary to identify legal issues and potential solutions to legal problems.
3. Utilize strong organizational skills necessary to sort through and manage information, manually and electronically.
4. Apply principles of writing and rules of English grammar to all writing tasks, to be able to prepare legal documents commonly used in the profession.
5. Demonstrate competent understanding of computer literacy and proficiency required in the typical law office.
6. Apply ethical and professional principles that guide paralegal conduct, including but not limited to: unauthorized practice of law and lawyer supervision of non-lawyers; confidentiality and attorney-client privilege; conflicts of interests; competency; handling of client funds; office decorum and dress.
7. Integrate appropriate skills to work effectively and positively with others beginning on the first day of a new job.

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Web Page

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External Link

Delivery Mode

In-Person

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Delivery Mode

Online

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Delivery Mode

Hybrid

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Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree	The Paralegal Studies program is designed to prepare individuals to work in a legal office environment. The program provides training in the general processes of American law and the knowledge and skills to perform specific legal tasks under the supervision of an attorney. In addition, the program helps prepare individuals for paralegal certification exams.
Program Requirement Notes	Program Requirement Notes An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program.
Considerations When Selecting Courses	An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program. Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year Connect with an advisor at your community college and Mountain Empire Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree	Students will have opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills required to perform a variety of specialized duties with competence and understanding. The Paralegal Studies Degree will help prepare students for a wide range of entry-level positions as a paraprofessional in the legal field with opportunities in law firms, mortgage companies, banks, title insurance companies, private corporations, and government and administrative agencies.
Program Successes & Highlights

Program Credit Requirements

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.
Credit for Prior Learning	VCCS Policy 5.6.5.1
Did You Know That...	Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree? Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Mountain Empire Community College

College Level Information

Transfer Admission Application

Transfer Students - Apply Here

External Link

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is to provide our region with accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to ensure an educated population and globally competitive workforce.
Transfer Student Catalog Year
First Year Student Catalog Year	The catalog year is based on the admission term that the student applies for.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions

Where Can This Degree Transfer

This section displays VCCS degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to most efficiently transfer your current course work. So, you can use this list to find a degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.

Institution	Title	Degree	Award Name	Award Level	Delivery Mode
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies - General Practice Specialization	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies - Litigation Specialization	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration- Paralegal Studies Specialization	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	Paralegal Studies, A.A.S.	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Studies	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
23-2099.00	Legal Support Workers, All Other	All legal support workers not listed separately.	Legal Occupations
23-2011.00	Paralegals and Legal Assistants	Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.	Legal Occupations
23-2093.00	Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers	Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.	Legal Occupations

Cost To Complete

This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 65 credits remaining to be completed

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Estimated Cost for the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies at Mountain Empire Community College These costs are based on an estimated 4 semesters or 2 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category		Cost	Basis	Cost (To You)	Estimated Benefits	Net Cost	Notes
Tuition		$167	Per Credit	$10,855	$0	$10,855

*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:

You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.

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