May 20, 2025  
2024-2025 Catalog 
  
2024-2025 Catalog

Paralegal Studies, AA


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Award: Associate of Arts

Degree Code: ASPP

Number of Credits: 60

Program Description

The Paralegal Studies Associate degree provides the first two years of study for students preparing for a career as a paralegal. The program provides a general education background while focusing on developing an understanding of the legal system. Students completing the degree will meet the requirements for admission to a Paralegal Certificate Program or to continue their studies toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies.

Transfer Information

Students can transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a Bachelor’s program in Paralegal Studies or Legal Studies to expand on their career opportunities in this field.1 Cecil College has the following transfer agreements:  https://www.cecil.edu/student-resources/advising-transfer/transfer-agreements.  Additionally, transfer information is available at the ARTSYS website (The Articulation System of Maryland). Contact your advisor for detailed information.

Career Opportunities


Work in law offices, federal, state agencies, corporate entities as a law clerk, title examiner, claim adjuster, occupational health and safety specialist, appraiser, and investigator.

Required Courses


General Education Requirement Electives - Select 14 Credits


Please see Academic Advisor for elective selection.

  • HST - History Elective (H) - 3 Credits 2
  • MAT - Math Elective (M) - 4 Credits
  • SCI - Science Electives (S/SL) - 7 Credits 3

Recommended Sequence


The following is a recommended sequence of courses for completing this program as a full-time student. Developmental and prerequisite course requirements, credit load, and/or course availability may affect a student’s individual progress. Students should consult their degree audit at MyCecil or an academic advisor for individual degree planning.

Program Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of this program, students will meet the General Education Student Learning Outcomes and be able to: 

  • Describe the American legal system including sources of American law, the judicial system, civil and criminal procedure, and substantive areas of law such as contracts, torts, constitutional law, employment, and other areas.
  • Identify the functions of law in American society, how they relate to corresponding legal research material, and the legislative process, judicial structure and system.
  • Apply the professional skills necessary for a career in the legal field, including oral and written communication and technology skills.

Note


1 Cecil College has articulation agreements with Widener Delaware Law School and Wilmington University. Students who plan to transfer to Widener or Wilmington can take PHI 101 - Introduction to Philosophy (H)  at Cecil College. Students who plan to transfer to Widener Delaware Law School can take CRJ 221 - Criminology . Students who plan to transfer to Wilmington University can take BUS 210 - Business Law .

2 Choose two from the following: HST 101 - Western Civilization I (to 1715) (H) , HST 102 - Western Civilization II (H) , HST 201 - United States History I (H) , or HST 202 - United States History II (H) .

3 One science elective must include a lab.

 

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