The Paralegal Studies program is a sequence of courses that prepares students for positions in the paralegal profession. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The knowledge and skills emphasized in this program include ethical obligations; research in state and federal law; legal correspondence preparation; family law matters; basic concepts of real property law, criminal law and procedure, civil litigation, tort law, and substantive contract law; and wills, trusts, and probate. The program of study emphasizes opportunities that provide students with specialized legal knowledge and skills required to aid lawyers in the delivery of legal services. Program graduates receive a Paralegal Studies Associate of Applied Technology degree.
Unauthorized Practice of Law
The goal of the Paralegal Studies Program is to train students in a variety of legal practice areas, analysis, reasoning and effective communication with the students successfully adapting these skills to professional legal environments. Paralegals shall not engage in the unauthorized practice of law as proscribed by the Official Code of Georgia §15-19-51 and must work under the supervision and direction of an attorney in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia.
Entrance Requirements
- Submit a completed application;
- High School diploma or equivalent required for Graduation: Yes
- Age Requirement: 16
- Submit official high school/high school equivalent transcripts, if applicable;
- Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
- Satisfy Placement Testing requirements.
Area I - Language Arts/Communications — 6 Hours
Area II - Social/Behavioral Sciences — 3 Hours
Social/Behavioral Sciences — Hours
Area III - Natural Sciences/Mathematics — 3 Hours
Area IV - Humanities/Fine Arts — 3 Hours
Humanities/Fine Arts (3 hrs) — Hours
Specific General Education Core Elective — 3 Hours
* Choose an additional course from the complete Area I, II, III, or IV listings:
Occupational Courses — 42 Hours
Guided Electives — 9 Hours
* Choose 9 credits from the following courses: