Paralegal A.A.S. (For transfer to UNT Dallas, BAAS Justice and Legal Studies Concentration): Dallas College

Program Available at:

El Centro

Transferable to:

University of North Texas at Dallas (UNTD)

For more information, visit the Dallas College Paralegal webpage and your success coach at your campus.

This is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing Paralegal Studies. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. Following this pathway will help you earn an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Paralegal, which will increase your chances of transfer to the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) to earn a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences with a concentration in Justice and Legal Studies. Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours (15 hours) required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College. See catalog for official degree requirements.

The A.A.S. degree is designed to prepare you to function as a technically qualified assistant to the lawyer. Paralegals typically work in law firms, governmental agencies, corporations, and other business entities. The program does not qualify a graduate to take a State Bar exam, represent clients in court, give legal advice, or provide independent legal services. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Courses that complete the degree are noted below.

Visit www.dallascollege.edu/transfer and select "Transfer from Dallas College," then click University of North Texas at Dallas to view more information about transferring to that institution. Speak with your success coach to choose courses that will help you to transfer to UNT Dallas.

Catalog Year 2023-2024 You may use this pathway if you entered Dallas College on or before this date.

Degree Type Associate of Applied Science

GPA Requirement Student must earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher

TSI Must be Complete

SEMESTER-BY-SEMESTER MAP FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS

All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students. This is not an official degree plan. See catalog for official degree requirements.

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE MINIMUM: 60 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

SEMESTER 1

LGLA 1301 – Legal Research and Writing

LGLA 1311 – Introduction to Law

LGLA 1313 – Introduction to Paralegal Studies

LGLA 1317 – Law Office Technology

ENGL 1301 – Composition I This is a Core course. Must earn a grade of "C" or better.

SEMESTER 1 ACTION ITEMS

Meet with your success coach to confirm academic and career goals before the end of the semester.
Meet with your success coach to research your career options and opportunities with a Paralegal degree.
Meet with a faculty advisor or success coach regarding opportunities for job shadowing and internships.
Total Hours: 15

SEMESTER 2

LGLA 1345 – Civil Litigation

LGLA 1351 – Contracts

LGLA 1353 – Wills, Trusts and Probate Administration

LGLA 1355 – Family Law

CHOOSE ONE:

MATH 1314 – College Algebra* This is a Core course. Must earn a grade of "C" or better. OR
MATH 1332 – Contemporary Mathematics (Quantitative Reasoning)* This is a Core course. Must earn a grade of "C" or better. OR
MATH 1342 – Elementary Statistical Methods* This is a Core course. Must earn a grade of "C" or better.

*There are several options to fulfill this requirement. See your success coach for a specific list.

SEMESTER 2 ACTION ITEMS

Meet with your success coach to request an official program of study audit and confirm or update your academic/career path.
Meet with a faculty advisor or success coach regarding placement for the Cooperative Education course.
Total Hours: 15

SEMESTER 3

LGLA 2303 – Torts and Personal Injury Law

LGLA 2311 – Business Organizations

SPCH 1311 – Introduction to Speech Communication* This is a Core course.

GOVT 2305 – Federal Government This is a Core course.

CHOOSE ONE:

LGLA 1380 – Cooperative Education-Legal Assistant/Paralegal Students are required to have a paid legal position prior to the beginning of the semester. The course offers college credit for legal work experience and lectures to aid in career development or advancement. OR
LGLA 2313 – Criminal Law and Procedure**

* There are several options to fulfill this requirement. See your success coach for a specific list.
** Paralegal Electives: Selected from the following: LGLA 1300, LGLA 1323, LGLA 1343, LGLA 1359, LGLA 2313, LGLA 2315, LGLA 2323, LGLA 2335

SEMESTER 3 ACTION ITEMS

Meet with a faculty advisor or your success coach for placement in the Cooperative Education Course, if needed.
Begin applying to UNT Dallas.
Check with your success coach for important deadlines and dates.
Total Hours: 15

SEMESTER 4

LGLA 2309 – Real Property

LGLA 2331 – Advanced Legal Research and Writing

ARTS 1301 – Art Appreciation* This is a Core course.

SOCI 1301 – Introduction to Sociology* This is a Core course.

CHOOSE ONE:

LGLA 2380 – Cooperative Education-Legal Assistant/Paralegal Students are required to have a paid legal position prior to the beginning of the semester. The course offers college credit for legal work experience and lectures to aid in career development or advancement. OR
LGLA 2313 – Criminal Law and Procedure** If course is completed in Semester 3, choose a course from the Other Paralegal Electives listed or LGLA 2380.

*There are several options to fulfill this requirement. See your success coach for a specific list.
** Paralegal Electives: Select from the following: LGLA 1300, LGLA 1323, LGLA 1343, LGLA 1359, LGLA 2313, LGLA 2315, LGLA 2323, LGLA 2335

SEMESTER 4 ACTION ITEMS

After reviewing your degree plan and program of study, meet with your success coach to apply for the Paralegal A.A.S.
Sign up for commencement.
Request final transcripts to be sent to UNT Dallas.
Join the Alumni Network!
Total Hours: 15

DALLAS COLLEGE PATHWAY TOTAL: 60 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

UNT Dallas

For questions about the UNT Dallas portion of this pathway, contact the Academic Advising Office at (972) 338-1645 or advising@untdallas.edu. It is best to apply to UNT Dallas a full semester before you plan to transfer. It will help if you submit a copy of this pathway with your application. See catalog for official degree requirements.

BACHELOR OF APPLIED ARTS AND SCIENCES, JUSTICE AND LEGAL STUDIES CONCENTRATION

Courses in Semesters 1 & 2 below that can be completed at Dallas College are noted in parenthesis.