Paralegal Studies
OCCUPATIONAL MAJOR
Curriculum Code No. 2128
This major is primarily designed for job preparedness. Students who are considering transferring to a baccalaureate institution should be aware that decisions on transferability of courses are made by the baccalaureate institution and differ from school to school. Students should contact the Transfer Services office early in their academic programs to determine which courses will transfer to the college of their choice.
Department of Business Studies
Penn 401 • Phone (215) 968-8227
This major will qualify students to serve as paralegals for employment by attorneys, law offices, governmental agencies, or other entities in capacities or functions that involve the performance, under the ultimate direction and supervision of attorneys, of specifically delegated substantive legal work. The courses in the major are designed to impart knowledge and expertise of legal concepts, the legal system, and substantive and procedural law that will qualify students to perform work of a legal nature, under supervision, which is customarily, but not exclusively, performed by a lawyer. In order to provide graduates with the expertise and flexibility required in the growing field, the major offers a basic knowledge in the paralegal field. Upon successful completion of the program in Paralegal Studies, the student should be able to
- explain the basic concepts of substantive and procedural law including the operation of the legal system and the theory of law;
- demonstrate effective written and communication skills; and
- demonstrate an understanding of the ethical obligations and legal limitations of the paralegal in the public and private sectors.
Degree Course Requirements *
| CISC100 | Introduction to Computers | 3 |
| COMM110 | Effective Speaking 2 | 3 |
| COMP110 | English Composition A,E,1 | 3 |
| HIST152 | U.S. History II 3 | 3 |
| LAWS100 | Introduction to Paralegal Studies or | |
| LAWS110 | Introduction to Nurse Paralegal Studies E | 3 |
| MGMT130 | Business Law | 3 |
| LAWS140 | Civil Practice/Litigation Procedures E | 3 |
| LAWS220 | Legal Research and Writing E | 3 |
| MGMT100 | Introduction to Business 4 | 3 |
| College MathA or Science D,5 | 3 | |
| OADM110 | Business Communication A,E,1 | 3 |
| POLI111 | American National Government | 3 |
| POLI120 | American State and Local Government | 3 |
| PSYC125 | Stress Management 6 | 3 |
| INTG285 | Integration of Knowledge B,E,7 | 3 |
| Paralegal Electives C, E | 18 | |
| 63 |
Recommended Semester Sequence
The recommended course sequence is designed for full-time students
who average 15 credit hours per semester. Students may need more time
to complete major requirements based on placement testing. This
additional time will entail some adjustments to the sequence recommended.
| First Semester | ||
| LAWS100 | Introduction to Paralegal Studies or | |
| LAWS110 | Introduction to Nurse Paralegal Studies E | 3 |
| MGMT100 | Introduction to Business 4 | 3 |
| College MathA or ScienceD,5 | 3 | |
| OADM110 | Business Communication A,E,1 | 3 |
| POLI111 | American National Government | 3 |
| 15 | ||
| Second Semester | ||
| CISC100 | Introduction to Computers | 3 |
| COMP110 | English Composition I A,E,1 | 3 |
| LAWS140 | Civil Practice/Litigation Procedures E | 3 |
| MGMT130 | Business Law | 3 |
| Paralegal ElectiveC, E | 3 | |
| 15 | ||
| Third Semester | ||
| COMM110 | Effective Speaking 2 | 3 |
| LAWS220 | Legal Research and Writing E | 3 |
| POLI120 | American State and Local Government | 3 |
| Paralegal ElectivesC, E | 6 | |
| 15 | ||
| Fourth Semester | ||
| HIST152 | U.S. History II 3 | 3 |
| PSYC125 | Stress Management 6 | 3 |
| INTG285 | Integration of Knowledge B,E,7 | 3 |
| Paralegal ElectivesC, E | 9 | |
| 18 |
*Requires a writing score of 6 or successful completion
of Business Communication (OADM110) or English Composition I
(COMP110).
A Placement testing required.
B Any INTG course may be chosen.
C Any LAWS course except 100,110 or MGMT 130 may
be chosen.
DConsult the list of courses approved for subcategories.
E Course requires prerequisite.
1 Satisfies College Writing requirement.
2 Satisfies Creative Expression.
3 Satisfies Cultural Perspective.
4 Satisfies Social Perspective.
5 Satisfies College level Mathematics or Science.
6 Satisfies Personal Health.
7 Satisfies Writing Intensive requirement.
Students who do not seek the Associate of Arts degree may earn the legend “Major Requirements Satisfied” on their transcripts by successfully completing all of the courses listed in the major except Stress Management, College Math or Science and Integration of Knowledge.
