Pre-Paralegal (Phase I)
Certificate
Program Start Date: Fall term (day only)
Minimum Program Length: 2 terms
Note: Students required to take Transitional Studies courses or who elect to attend part-time will take longer to complete the designated program.
Program Description
Paralegals work under the direction of an attorney and perform all phases of legal work including research, investigation and document preparation. Paralegals investigate the facts of cases and ensure that all relevant information is considered. They also identify appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles and other materials that are relevant to assigned cases.
Gainful Employment Disclosure information
This program falls under Gainful Employment Disclosure regulations, a
rule by the U.S. Education Department. Each program that falls under these regulations is required to report:
- Occupation, SOC code, and links to profile on O*NET
- Costs – tuition/fees and books/supplies
- On-time graduation (completion) rate for program.
- Job placement rate for students completing program
- Median
loan debt incurred by students as provided by ED (identified separately
as Title IV loan debt and private educational loan debt)
Practical Experience
Students gain proficiency in interpersonal and technical skills. Additional legal speciality courses as well as an internship will be completed at Spartanburg Methodist College.
Professional Opportunities
Paralegals are employed by law firms, corporate legal departments, medical facilities and various government offices.
Unique Aspects
The pre-paralegal certificate (phase 1) is offered for students who wish to apply for Phase II at Spartanburg Methodist College (SMC). Acceptance into Phase II is based on SMC's standard admission policies. Completion of Phase I with a grade of "C" in every class and two letters of recommendation are required. Credits earned in this program may be applied to the administrative office technology with legal electives associate degree.
EEDA Career Cluster
Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
Course Requirements for Pre-Paralegal - Phase I
A. General Education Courses (followed by number of credit hours)
None
B. Major Courses (followed by number of credit hours)
AOT 133 Professional Development* (3)
AOT 134 Business Communications* (3)
AOT 141 Office Procedures I* (3)
AOT 144 Legal Office Procedures* (3)
AOT 213 Legal Document Production* (3)
AOT 214 Software Applications for the Law Office* (3)
BUS 121 Business Law I* (3)
CPT 101 Introduction to Computers* (3)
* Minimum grade of C is required
C. Electives and/or Other Additional Courses Required for Graduation
None
Minimum semester credit hours required for graduation: 24