Statement of Purpose
The Paralegal Studies program prepares students for employment in a variety of legal settings. Students learn foundational legal concepts in courses designed to develop the skills needed to contribute to the legal profession and law office management
Upon successful completion of the program, students may earn:
- Associate of Applied Science Degree - Paralegal Studies
Note: Paralegals are not attorneys and, as such, may neither provide direct or indirect legal services nor render direct or indirect legal advice to the public, except as both explicitly permitted by law and under the direct supervision of a licensed Texas attorney in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
Who the Program Serves
The Paralegal Studies program is open to students from diverse backgrounds and skill levels who are seeking a career in a legal environment. As the law and its implications touch on all aspects of daily life, a legal studies degree can prepare a student for a career of choice, pairing legal skills with specific passion to create exciting opportunities.
If you are interested in learning more about whether this program is the right fit for you, contact one of our academic advisors today.
Skills and knowledge you will gain
Graduates will be able to:
- demonstrate proper ethical behavior in a legal environment,
- demonstrate an understanding of the roles and relationships within a legal environment,
- use appropriate software skills to draft legal documents,
- apply legal terminology to draft legal documents, and
- identify basic principles and structures of the legal system in the law office.
Career Options
Graduates may serve as a paralegal in a variety of settings, including:
- law firms,
- federal and state governments,
- corporations; and
- nonprofit organizations.
Job search assistance
TSC connects students to high-wage, high-demand jobs by aligning academic and continuing education pathways to the workforce. Texas Southmost College provides valuable experiences that make our graduates exceptionally marketable, such as:
- Job Fairs: Each spring TSC hosts a job fair that features more than 70 employers, all looking for the next generation of qualified candidates. Students and alumni are invited to bring their resumes and strengthen their contacts in their chosen fields.
- Career Services: TSC’s Transfer, Career, and Employment Services team assists students in mapping out college transfers, shaping career aspirations, and aiding in post-graduation job placements. Their services encompass guidance on job hunts, crafting compelling resumes and cover letters, and conducting interest inventory evaluations. More information may be found here.
Funding your education
Texas Southmost College remains the most affordable institution of higher education in the entire Rio Grande Valley. When we talk about financial literacy, we talk about accumulating wealth, not debt. If you want to make a good return on investment, Think TSC, and study local.
TSC offers a number of grants and scholarships for those who qualify.
- Applying for scholarships is easy. Submit one application, and you are automatically matched with all of the scholarships you qualify for at TSC. Click here to learn more about the TSC scholarship portal.
- Federal financial aid is available through grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Applying for financial aid is free! Click here to learn more.
FAQ
How long does it take to complete the program?
- Students attending full-time may complete the program in two years.
How much time will I need to commit to coursework and assignments?
Students should plan to spend about 2-3 hours each week on coursework for every credit hour they take.
For example, a full-time student taking 12 credits may spend around 24-36 hours per week attending class, reading, studying, and completing assignments. Time commitments may vary depending on the course, study habits, and whether classes are online or in-person. Building regular study time into your weekly schedule can help you stay on track towards success.
How do I apply to the program?
- To apply, complete the ApplyTexas application and follow the admissions process. If you need assistance, our advisors are available to guide you through the steps.
Testimonials from students, faculty, and/or employers
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Program Student Learning Outcomes
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLO) are statements that specify what students will know, be able to do or be able to demonstrate when they have completed the program.
- Students will demonstrate proper ethical behavior in a legal environment.
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of the roles and relationships within a legal environment.
- Graduates of the Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies will be able to use appropriate software skills to draft legal documents.
- Graduates of the Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies will be able to apply legal terminology to draft legal documents.
- Graduates of the Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies will be able to identify basic principles and structures of the legal system in the law office.
Program of Study
1st Semester
2nd Semester
3rd Semester
4th Semester
XXXX-X3XX
| Language, Philosophy, and Culture Elective | 3 |
-
| Or | |
XXXX-X3XX
| Creative Arts Elective | 3 |
-
| | |
| LGLA-2309 | Real Property | 3 |
| LGLA-2307 | Law Office Management | 3 |
| LGLA-2380 | Cooperative Education: Legal Assistant/ Paralegal | 3 |
| MATH-1332 | Contemporary Math (Quantitative Reasoning) | 3 |
BCIS-1305, ENGL-1301, LGLA-1307, LGLA-1355, HRPO-1311, ENGL-2311, LGLA-1345, LGLA-2311, LGLA-1353, LGLA-2303, LGLA-1301, LGLA-2313, LGLA-1351, LGLA-2309, LGLA-2307, and LGLA-2380: Grade of “C” or better is required for graduation.
XXXX-X3XX (Language, Philosophy & Culture Elective) and XXXX-X3XX (Creative Arts Elective): Students may take any course within this category of the TSC General Education Core Curriculum.