School of Legal Studies

Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies

PROGRAM INFO

Tuition ::

$8000

Per Credit Hour

Semester Tuition ::

$1,300   Now $1,200

4 Semesters Required

15 Credits Per Semester

Type ::

Associates Degree

Study Method ::

Correspondence, Online

Accreditation ::

Ashworth College is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC).

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The Associate Degree Program in Paralegal Studies is comprised of twenty comprehensive courses with clear, logical lessons. They are easy to follow, yet challenging and stimulating at the same time. Each lesson begins with a subject matter preview and objectives, and an introductory note from your instructor.

Next come the reading and research assignments. Practice exercises help you check and review what you've learned. You'll take periodic lesson exams with your books and notes open. For your convenience, you may take these online.

First Semester | Second Semester | Third Semester | Fourth Semester

First Semester ::

C01 - Introduction to Business. A broad overview of the business world for both business and non-business majors. An introduction to the business environment, business ownership, management, marketing, technology and information, and finance.

C02 - Business Communications I. Basic principles of communication that are particularly applicable in business and industry, providing a foundation for more effective communication skills. Focuses on the proper use of English grammar in business settings.

C12 - Business Law. Basic principles of business law as applied to contracts, personal property, sales, negotiable instruments, agency and employment, business organization, insurance and bankruptcy, and real property.

P01 - Introduction to Paralegalism I. Introduces students to the paralegal field, the legal system, and legal analysis. Explores the scope of paralegal activities, the relationship of paralegals to lawyers, and an overview of litigation.

P02 - Introduction to Paralegalism II. A continuation of Introduction to Paralegalism I, this course provides skills in legal analysis, interviewing, investigation, advocacy and ethics, and provides an overview of legal research and writing.

Second Semester ::

C07 - Personal Finance. A consumer-oriented overview of the practical application of economic concepts. Emphasizes decision making about budgeting, savings, consumer strategies, insurance, investing, retirement planning, and estate planning.

C05 - Business Communications II. The basics of written communication in business. Explores differences in approach and format for various business documents. Also covers techniques for planning, researching, organizing, and writing reports.

C08 - American Government. Overview of the structure and operations of the federal government, including constitutional principles, rights and liberties, the political process, and the relationships among the three branches of the federal government.

P03 - Torts. Introduces basic areas of law dealing with civil wrongs, with coverage of intentional torts, negligence, malpractice, defamation, joint and vicarious liability, auto insurance, and workers’ compensation.

P04 - Civil Litigation. Assisting the law office with matters concerning jurisdiction, venue, preparing basic pleadings, discovery documents, pre-trial and post-judgment motions, managing the case file, attending to service of process, and assisting in the courtroom.

Third Semester ::

C04 - Introduction to Psychology. Surveys the field of psychology, including the development of behavior, physiological mechanisms of behavior, perception, motivation and emotion, consciousness, learning, memory, personality, and mental health.

P05 - Criminal Law and Procedure. Examines the fundamentals of substantive criminal law and procedures unique to criminal cases, including an examination of the practical aspects of prosecution and defense, the constitutional rights of the accused, plea bargaining, and the unique aspects of a criminal trial.

P06 - Real Estate Law. Covers real property and common types of real estate transactions and conveyances. Also covers preparation of legal instruments including deeds, contracts, leases, deeds of trust, and mortgages.

C17 - College Mathematics. A comprehensive review of mathematical skills and concepts commonly used in academic and vocational applications. Covers whole numbers, fractions, decimal notation, ratios and proportions, percents, statistics and measurement, geometry, real numbers, and algebra.

P07 - Law Office Management. Introduction to legal forms of business ownership, expenses, timekeeping, fee structures, billing, administrative reports, and miscellaneous administrative procedures.

Fourth Semester ::

C10 - Introduction to Computers. Designed to assure a basic level of computer applications literacy. Includes word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and the Internet. Also covers various types of computer hardware and networking methods. (This course has been designed so that access to a computer is helpful, but not required.)

P08 - Family Law. Emphasizes substantive law and overview of common procedures related to domestic relations law, including the formation and dissolution of marriage, marital property, child custody and support, and related matters.

P09 - Legal Research and Writing. Intensive introduction to legal research tools and techniques, including retrieval of case and statutory authority, use of encyclopedias, legal periodicals, treatises and other secondary authority, proper case citation form, and the drafting of internal and external documents, letters, memoranda, and other written materials.

P10 - Wills, Trusts, and Estates. An examination of the jurisdiction of probate courts, probate administration, the forms of wills and trusts, applicable legal and equitable principles, intestacy, and tax returns related to the estate.

C14 - Income Tax Fundamentals. An introduction to the principles of federal taxation with emphasis on gross income, deductions, exemptions, accounting records, business deductions, partnership and corporate taxation, tax planning, and the preparation and filing of tax returns.

Ready to enroll? Enroll Now or call 1.800.957.5412 to speak with an Admission Advisor!
 

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