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The paralegal studies AS degree prepares you for a paraprofessional career as a paralegal (legal assistant). Under the supervision and direction of a licensed attorney, a paralegal may engage in legal research, case development, preparation of legal documents and trial exhibits, analyzing information, interviewing clients, assisting in office management, and other responsibilities unique to the legal profession. Graduates of the program are prepared to sit for national certification exams.
This curriculum is from the current college catalog and is meant to provide prospective students an example of courses taken in this degree/certificate. It is not intended to be used for graduation requirements. Students should consult an advisor for graduation information.
NOTE 1: All graduates of this AS degree program shall be granted admission into the Legal Studies baccalaureate degree program at Florida Gulf Coast University or St. Pete College.
NOTE 2: This program of study is a suggested pathway for the Paralegal Studies AS program. Please consult an advisor or counselor for more guidance.
Program Required Courses
YEAR I – First Semester
†CGS 2100 Computer Information Technology and Literacy - 3 cr.
†ENC 1101 English Composition I - 3 cr.
†PLA 1003 Introduction to the Paralegal Profession - 3 cr.
†PLA 1104 Writing and Research I - 3 cr.
†PLA 1271 Tort Law or †PLA 2421,Contract Law - 3 cr.
YEAR I – Second Semester
†PLA 1433 Business Organizations - 3 cr.
†PLA 2800 Family Law - 3 cr.
†PLA 2114 Writing and Research II - 3 cr.
†PLA 1271 Tort Law or †PLA 2421,Contract Law (if not previously taken) - 3 cr.
Mathematics General Education CORE - 3 cr.
YEAR I – Third Semester
†ACG 2021 Financial Accounting - 3 cr.
†PLA 1203 Litigation Procedures I - 3 cr.
†PLA 1600 Administering Wills/Trusts/Probate - 3 cr.
PLA elective offered during this term. - 3 cr.
†AMH 2020 Modern American History or †POS 2041, American Government - 3 cr.
Natural Science General Education CORE – 3 cr.
YEAR II – First Semester
†ENC 1102 English Composition II - 3 cr.
†PLA 1611 Real Estate Law/Property Transactions I - 3 cr.
†PLA 2223 Litigation Procedures II - 3 cr.
Humanities General Education - 3 cr.
PLA elective offered during this term. - 3 cr.
YEAR II – Second Semester
†PLA 2932 Selected Topics in Legal Assisting - 1 cr.
PLA elective offered during this term. - 3 cr.
Select 9 specified PLA elective credits from the following:
†ACG 2071 Managerial Accounting - 3 cr.
†APA 1111 Basic Accounting - 3 cr.
†PLA 1700 Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility - 3 cr.
PLA 1949 Paralegal Internship - 3 cr.
†PLA 2303 Criminal Litigation - 3 cr.
†PLA 2460 Bankruptcy Law - 3 cr.
†PLA 2531 Elder Law - 3 cr.
†PLA 2612 Real Estate Law/Property Trans II - 3 cr.
†PLA 2732 Law Office Computer Applications - 3 cr.
†PLA 2763 Law Office Management - 3 cr.
PLA 2822 Sports and Entertainment Law - 3 cr.
†PLA 2841 Immigration Law - 3 cr.
†PLA 2933 Seminar in Legal Assisting Studies - 3 cr.
†Courses symbolized by a dagger (†) are offered online in addition to the traditional delivery method. Online availability may vary by academic term.