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Program Details

Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies

Associate of Applied Science
Virginia Peninsula Community College

The curriculum is designed to provide students with entry-level knowledge and proficiency needed to provide legal services to clients under the direction and supervision of an attorney in a variety of legal specializations and working environments. Both the Legal Assistant (261) Certificate and the AAS Paralegal Studies will prepare students for entry into the workforce. Upon successful completion of the certificate plan, students will have completed approximately fifty percent of this two-year program. This Paralegal Studies program will prepare students with foundational knowledge and skills to take the national Certified Paralegal Exam (CPE) offered through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), as well as for possible transfer of a significant portion of coursework to 4-year institutions.


Program Overview & Guidance
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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
Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • 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 Virginia Peninsula Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights
Program Credit Requirements
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The table below provides the requirements to complete this program. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You should consult an advisor or counselor to find courses you can take at your current institution that will transfer to this degree.

Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
62
Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies Degree
62
Plan GPA 260
62
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
OR
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 46 credits may be applied to this program.
SDV 100
1
SDV 100
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 216
3
LGL 216
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Mathematics/Biology for Paralegal Studies
3
Mathematics/Biology for Paralegal Studies
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ENG 111
3
ENG 111
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 110
3
LGL 110
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 200
3
LGL 200
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 117
3
LGL 117
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 125
3
LGL 125
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 215
3
LGL 215
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
AST 107
3
AST 107
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PLS 135
3
PLS 135
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 115
3
LGL 115
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 218
3
LGL 218
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 225
3
LGL 225
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 250
3
LGL 250
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PHI 220
3
PHI 220
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 222
3
LGL 222
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 230
3
LGL 230
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 236
3
LGL 236
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 235
3
LGL 235
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
GOL 105
4
GOL 105
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Individuals who have already completed an associates degree should submit their transcripts for evaluation and transfer credit determination. The student development course requirement (SDV 100) is waived for those individuals.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Individuals who have already completed an associates degree should submit their transcripts for evaluation and transfer credit determination. The student development course requirement (SDV 100) is waived for those individuals.
Credit for Prior Learning https://catalog.vpcc.edu/content.php?catoid=13&navoid=2654
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: Virginia Peninsula Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
Visit our transfer site for more information
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?

Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) offers accessible education and workforce training to Virginia Peninsula residents. VPCC offers excellent educational programs developed in collaboration with other educational and industry partners, offered at affordable tuition, convenient locations, and flexible schedules. VPCC faculty deliver high-quality instruction and the small class sizes allow for more personalized attention for students. VPCC prepares students to transfer to four-year institutions or to gain employment in in-demand careers. VPCC offers scholarships, internships, and is nationally recognized for serving military members and their families. For additional information check out https://www.vpcc.edu/admissions/why.html

Transfer Student Catalog Year The student's catalog year determined by their first semester of attendance and program placement.
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance and program placement
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions Virginia's community colleges offer students more than the opportunity to earn a degree or certificate; they provide a gateway to the Commonwealth's four-year colleges. Through system-wide negotiated agreements, students who graduate from a Virginia community college with an associate degree and the minimum grade point average required by the four-year college are guaranteed admission to many of the Commonwealth's colleges and universities. Students should review the Guaranteed Admissions Agreement for the four-year institution they wish to attend to learn more about the process: https://www.vpcc.edu/services/advising/transfer.html
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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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 CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies - General Practice SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies - Litigation SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in Business Administration- Paralegal Studies SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal StudiesAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearHybrid
Mountain Empire Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal StudiesAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeParalegal Studies, A.A.S.AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Paralegal StudiesAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
23-2099.00Legal Support Workers, All OtherAll legal support workers not listed separately.Legal Occupations
23-2011.00Paralegals and Legal AssistantsAssist 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
23-2093.00Title Examiners, Abstractors, and SearchersSearch 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
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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 62 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies at Virginia Peninsula 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 $165 Per Credit $10,230 $0 $10,230
Fees
Safety/Parking Fee $2 Per Credit $124 0 $124
Student Activity Fee $2 Per Credit $124 0 $124
*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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