Paralegal Studies

This outline covers all four semesters of your at-home degree program. You will receive credit for previous college coursework if you meet Penn Foster standards. If you wish to receive credit for previous coursework, contact the college you attended and ask that your transcripts be forwarded to Penn Foster for evaluation. There is a non-refundable transcript processing fee of $30. All previous college work must have been completed with a grade of "C" or better, and as much as 50% of the required credits may be transferred. We will also credit your tuition for all the courses that are acceptable.

System Requirements
You will need access to a computer to complete this program. Penn Foster recommends the following computer specifications: Pentium® II or better processor (Pentium III preferred), Microsoft® Windows® XP or later, capable of running Microsoft® Office 2007. You will also need Internet access.

SEMESTER ONE

Basic Skills Assessment
All degree applicants are required to complete two Basic Skills Assessments, one in reading and one in math, to determine the level of readiness for beginning their selected program. Additional studies may be required.

PLS101 — Introduction to Paralegal Studies (1 credit)
Introduction to the paralegal occupation and a discussion of strategies for completing the paralegal studies program as an independent learner. Value of the paralegal to the practice of law as it is conducted in the traditional legal community as well as in government, education, and business.

ENG103 — Information Literacy (1 credit)
Teaches students to become effectively literate in finding and utilizing information at libraries and other information centers, and through electronic resources available in libraries and on the Web.

PLS105 — Legal Terminology (2 credits)
Introduces the student to the broad range of basic legal terminology needed to begin a career as a paralegal. Instructs how to avoid inaccuracies that can give rise to serious legal consequences. Also presents the basics of critical thinking as essential to the drafting of good legal arguments.

ENG100 — English Composition (3 credits)
Develops the basic principles of good writing. Students learn to write clear, coherent, and structurally varied sentences, providing details to support their ideas. Also teaches how to revise and edit writing. (Required textbook included with this course.)

PLS110 — Ethics (2 credits)
Professional responsibilities that apply to paralegals as they assist their employers and their clients. These responsibilities include maintaining confidentiality and competence, handling fees and funds carefully, and avoiding unauthorized practice of law, conflicts of interest, and potential malpractice.

PLS113 — Law and the Legal System (2 credits)
Students will define law, learning the moral and value systems from which our laws have sprung. The material will then cover the federal and state court systems as well as the trial and appellate process.

CSS101 — Computer Literacy (3 Credits)
Introduction; Hardware; Software; Computer Networks; Internet Applications; Systems; Computers in Our Lives.
(Required textbook included with this course.)

Proctored Examination*

SEMESTER TWO

• HUM106 - Interpersonal Communication
• PLS114 - Investigations and Interviews
• CSC111 - PC Applications
• PLS121 - Torts
• BUS213 - Business Law 1
• BUS214 - Business Law 2
• MAT106 - Mathematics for Business and Finance

Proctored Examination*

SEMESTER THREE

• BUS121 - Economics 1
• PLS202 - Legal Research and Writing
• PLS205 - Civil Litigation
• Social Science Elective (Choose one):
  • SSC130: Essentials of Psychology
  • SSC150: Foundations of Political Science
• General Education Elective (Choose one):
  • HUM102: Art Appreciation
  • HUM104: Music Appreciation
  
  Proctored Examination*

SEMESTER FOUR

• PLS211 - Criminal Litigation
• ENG121 - Business and Technical Writing
• PLS213 - Family Law
• PLS215 - Real Estate Law
• PLS217 - Wills and Estates
• Natural Science Elective (Choose one):
  • SCI140: Nutrition
  • SCI120: Introduction to Biology
  
  Proctored Examination*
  

A High School Diploma or GED is required to enroll in the Paralegal Studies program. Although this outline covers all four semesters of the Paralegal Studies Degree Program, you receive lesson materials for each semester as you enroll.

* As a degree candidate, you will take a proctored examination at the end of each semester. We make it easy because you pick the location and the person you want to supervise the exam, as long as Penn Foster College established policy and qualifications are met. Complete information packets, with procedures, will be provided well in advance, before completion of final semester coursework.

NOTE: Advanced standing student shipments may vary from the above schedule

Requirements for employment as a paralegal may vary from state-to-state. You should contact your state bar association for information on the educational requirements for paralegals in your state.

We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.

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