Academic Catalog
About the School of Education & Public Service
The School of Education and Public Service offers a variety of educational programs designed to prepare students for careers in education and public service arenas.
The public service arena is among the Midlands strongest growth areas in terms of available jobs.
Public Service programs and possible careers include:
- Criminal Justice – police officer, corrections officer, or forensics lab specialist;
- Early Childhood Development – (birth to age eight) teacher in child care or Head Start, teacher assistant in public schools or transfer to a four year college to become a certified teacher;
- Human Services – mental health, substance abuse, victim services, child welfare, or community agency/organization;
- American Sign Language – sign language skills to use in business, education, or the community;
- Paralegal Studies – work in law firms, courts, governments, corporate offices, insurance companies, real estate offices, mortgage companies, banks, and more;
- Education Transfer – begin at Midlands Technical College and take classes to transfer to four year teacher education programs
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all of the courses offered within the School of Education and Public Service for the grade to be counted toward graduation. Specifically, these include courses with the following prefixes: ASL, CRJ, ECD, EDU, HUS, LEG, and SAC.
Associate Degree Programs
- Associate of Arts – Education Transfer, Early Childhood/Elementary Education
- Associate of Arts – Education Transfer, Middle Level
- Associate in Applied Science – Criminal Justice Technology
- Associate in Applied Science – Early Care and Education
- Associate in Applied Science – Paralegal Studies
- Associate in Applied Science – Human Services
Certificate Programs
- Early Childhood Development
- Criminal Justice – Homeland Security
- Criminal Justice – Police Pre-Academy Training
- Paralegal Studies
- American Sign Language
Most courses are offered on campus; some are also offered in asynchronous online (O), virtual (synchronous online) (V), or hybrid modes (H). All HSM courses are only offered Online (O).
Criminal Justice Technology
Midlands Technical College's Associate in Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice Technology is designed to prepare students for employment in the areas of law enforcement, correctional services, the courts, private security and juvenile services. The program covers a broad spectrum of criminal justice concepts and theories including police administration, criminal law, criminal evidence and procedures, and correctional systems and criminology, as well as appropriate general education courses. The structure of the program is designed for those currently serving in the various professions related to the Criminal Justice field as well as those interested in pursuing a career in these fields. The Criminal Justice program is also offered for students who are planning to transfer to a four-year college.
Special Requirements
To complete the Criminal Justice Technology program, students must obtain a “C” or better in the 24 hours of required courses in the major. Also, 25 hours are required in general education courses and 13 hours of additional course requirements must be completed. This includes 6 hours of elective credits, of which 3 hours are to be selected from the list of approved electives found in the MTC Catalog. These electives allow students, along with their advisors, to tailor the program to particular needs.
NOTE: Criminal Justice Technology students cannot become certified as law enforcement officers until they reach the age of 21.
Articulation Agreements
- University of South Carolina Upstate – Criminal Justice
- Columbia College – Criminal Justice
- The Citadel – Criminal Justice
- Newberry College – Criminal Justice
- Coker University – Criminal Justice
- Limestone College – Criminal Justice
- South Carolina State University – Criminal Justice
- Lander University - Criminology
- **University of South Carolina Columbia – Criminal Justice
**While there is no formal articulation agreement with UofSC-Columbia, MTC students may transfer 19 of the 21 MTC courses to UofSC by only taking the specific electives as recommended by the CRJ advisors.
Major: Criminal Justice Technology (62 credit hours)
Degree: Associate in Applied Science
A. GENERAL EDUCATION COURSE REQUIREMENTS (25 CREDIT HOURS) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3.0 |
ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3.0 |
Lab Science | 4.0 | |
PSY 201 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
SPC 205 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
CPT 101 | Intro to Computer | 3.0 |
PHI 101 | Intro to Philosophy | 3.0 |
HIS 201 | American History: Discovery to 1877 | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 25.0 |
B. Major COURSE REQUIREMENTS (24 CREDIT HOURS) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
CRJ 101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3.0 |
CRJ 115 | Criminal Law I | 3.0 |
CRJ 125 | Criminology | 3.0 |
CRJ 130 | Police Administration | 3.0 |
CRJ 242 | Correctional Systems | 3.0 |
CRJ 220 | The Judicial Process | 3.0 |
CRJ 236 | Criminal Evidence | 3.0 |
HSM 101 | Intro to Homeland Security | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 24.0 |
C. Additional Course Requirements (13 Credit Hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
PSC 201 | American Government | 3.0 |
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology* | 3.0 |
COL 101 | College Orientation | 1.0 |
Approved Elective | 3.0 | |
General Elective | 3.0 | |
Subtotal | 13.0 |
Criminal Justice Certificate
This program is designed for practitioners employed by criminal justice agencies or for students wishing to diversify their major course of study. The purpose of the certificate program is to provide students with an academic post-secondary education in criminal justice. Courses taken will provide a theoretical and systems approach to the entire field of criminal justice. Courses completed satisfactorily may be used toward the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice Technology.
Areas of instruction focus on concepts, theories and processes pertaining to all areas of the criminal justice system, including police work and organization, criminal law, causes of criminal behavior, rules of evidence and criminal procedures, and correctional services and systems.
Certificate: Criminal Justice (21 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
CRJ 101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3.0 |
CRJ 115 | Criminal Law I | 3.0 |
CRJ 125 | Criminology | 3.0 |
CRJ 130 | Police Administration | 3.0 |
CRJ 220 | The Judicial Process | 3.0 |
CRJ 236 | Criminal Evidence | 3.0 |
CRJ 242 | Correctional Systems | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 21.0 |
Homeland Security Certificate
This certificate is designed to introduce students to basic concepts in homeland security management. The program covers a variety of topics including crisis management, intelligence, security and terrorism. The structure of the program is designed for those interested in or currently serving in the various professions related to the Criminal Justice field. All HSM courses are only offered online (asynchronous).
Certificate: Homeland Security (21 CREDIT HOURS) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
CRJ 101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3.0 |
CRJ 130 | Police Administration | 3.0 |
HSM 101 | Introduction to Homeland Security Management | 3.0 |
HSM 103 | Introduction to Emergency Management | 3.0 |
HSM 104 | Terrorism and Homeland Security | 3.0 |
HSM 201 | Critical Incident Management | 3.0 |
HSM 203 | Intelligence Analysis and Security Management | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 21.0 |
Police Pre-Academy Training Certificate
This certificate is for individuals who seek to become employed as a law enforcement officer in South Carolina and become Class-1 Certified Law Enforcement Officers (LEO) through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA) and the Law Enforcement Training Council (LETC) pursuant to South Carolina Code of Laws Chapter 23. This program allows graduates to begin the certification process as a law enforcement officer in South Carolina.
Certificate: Police Pre-academy Training (12 Credit Hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
CRJ 281 | Police Science I | 3.0 |
CRJ 282 | Police Science II | 3.0 |
CRJ 283 | Police Science III | 3.0 |
CRJ 284 | Police Science IV | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 12.0 |
Education
Midlands Technical College provides two types of opportunities for students interested in entering the field of education. The Early Care & Education Associate degree qualifies students to enter the early childhood workforce. Education Transfer qualifies a student to complete teacher certification at a four-year institution.
Early Care & Education
Pathways specifically in Early Care & Education lead to careers working with children ages birth through eight years, including child care centers, Head Start and Early Head Start centers, family child care homes, licensed group homes, after-school programs, programs for children with special needs, summer camp programs, and parenting programs. Students who complete this degree can be hired as teacher assistants in public schools. These programs are not designed to lead to teacher certification. MTC does have articulation agreements with several four-year institutions for those who want to work towards teacher certification after taking Early Care & Education courses. Please see an Early Childhood Development (ECD) Advisor to discuss various program plans and articulation agreements at the following institutions:
- Columbia College
- South Carolina State University
- Newberry College
- University of South Carolina
To explore these pathways, please see the section entitled “Early Childhood Development” below.
Education Transfer
Pathways in Early Childhood & Elementary Education and Middle Level Education are designed to lead to teacher certification after transfer to colleges and universities with four-year education degrees.
Students seeking to transfer to a four-year college to become a certified teacher for Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade should contact an Education Transfer advisor. Education transfer courses (EDU) are available at Midlands Technical College, along with plans for transferring to many in-state colleges and universities. Students planning on teaching at the high school level will major in their specific content area (Math, Science, History, English, etc.).
Articulation agreements for Education Transfer students include those with:
- Benedict College
- Claflin University
- Columbia College
- Columbia International University
- South Carolina State University
- UofSC Columbia (Including Palmetto College for Elementary Education)
To explore these pathways, please see the sections entitled “Early Childhood & Elementary Education Concentration” and “Middle Level Education Concentration” below.
Early Childhood Development
The Early Childhood Development (ECD) Program is designed for individuals entering the field of early childhood education as well as for those already employed in the field who want to improve their job skills. The ECD program includes interactive classroom experiences as well as off-site experiences in a variety of nationally accredited child care and early education environments.
This program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Special Requirements
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all of the ECD courses offered for the grade to be counted toward graduation. All ECD students must take the placement test and complete (or test out of) ENG 100 and RDG 100 before enrolling in program courses, with the exception of ECD 101, Introduction to Early Childhood, and SAC 101, Best Practices in School-Age and Youth Care. Students enrolled in lab classes must complete a SLED background check, physical, and TB test before attending lab sites. Please see your advisor about lab site forms and requirements.
Early Care & Education
The Associate Degree in Early Care & Education is based on best practices and current research in the field of early childhood education. This degree provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote optimal child development for all children, regardless of background or ability. In addition to focusing on competencies in child growth and development, health and safety, curriculum, family engagement, guidance, and hands-on experience in a variety of nationally accredited child care and early education facilities, the program is well grounded in ethics, advocacy, and leadership skills. In addition to working in child care and Head Start, the Associate Degree in Early Care & Education may also qualify students as instructional assistants in public school early childhood programs.
Major: Early Care & Education (61-63 credit hours)
Degree: Associate in Applied Science
A. General Education Course Requirements (16 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
COL 101 | College Orientation | 1.0 |
ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3.0 |
ENG 102 OR ENG 165 |
English Composition II OR Professional Communications |
3.0 |
PSY 201 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
MAT 155 | Contemporary Mathematics | 3.0 |
ART 101 OR MUS 105 OR THE 101 |
Art History and Appreciation OR Music Appreciation OR Introduction to Theatre |
3.0 |
Subtotal | 16.0 |
B. Major COURSE REQUIREMENTS (39 CREDIT HOURS) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
ECD 101 | Introduction to Early Childhood Development | 3.0 |
ECD 102 | Growth and Development I | 3.0 |
ECD 105 | Guidance and Classroom Management | 3.0 |
ECD 107 | Exceptional Child (30-hour practicum) | 3.0 |
ECD 108 | Family and Community Relations (10-hour practicum) | 3.0 |
ECD 131 | Language Arts | 3.0 |
ECD 132 | Creative Experiences (30-hour practicum) | 3.0 |
ECD 133 | Science and Math Concepts | 3.0 |
ECD 135 | Health, Safety and Nutrition | 3.0 |
ECD 201 | Principles of Ethics and Leadership in Early Childhood | 3.0 |
ECD 203 | Growth and Development II | 3.0 |
ECD 237 | Methods and Materials | 3.0 |
ECD 243 OR ECD 251 |
Supervised Field Experience (75-hour practicum) OR Supervised Field Placement in Infant/Toddlers Environment (75-hour practicum) |
3.0 |
Subtotal | 39.0 |
C. Additional COURSE REQUIREMENTS (6-8 CREDIT HOURS) -- Choose 2 of the following | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
ECD 109 | Administration and Supervision | 3.0 |
MGT 120 | Small Business Management | 3.0 |
ECD 200 | Curriculum Issues in Infant/Toddler Development | 3.0 |
ECD 205 | Socialization and Group Care of Infant and Toddlers | 3.0 |
BIO 101 | Biological Sciences I | 4.0 |
CPT 101 | Introduction to Computers | 3.0 |
EDU 201 | Classroom Inquiry with Technology | 3.0 |
EDU 230 | Schools in Communities | 4.0 |
EDU 241 | Learners and Diversity | 4.0 |
SPC 205 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
ECD 138 | Movement and Music for Children | 3.0 |
ECD 210 | Early Childhood Intervention | 3.0 |
SAC 101 | Best Practices in School Age and Youth Care Skills | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 6.0 - 8.0 |
Early Childhood Development Certificate
The student in the 27-hour Early Childhood Development Certificate program will receive the tools and resources necessary to provide language and literacy rich environments, appropriate math and science skills, an inquiry based approach to learning about the world, and safe, healthy environments which promote the emotional and social well-being of all children. An emphasis will be placed on a variety of learning styles and inclusive environments to meet the needs of all children. Students will have experiences with a variety of ages and curriculum models through off-site labs in a nationally accredited child care, Head Start or Early Head Start, or public school early childhood program. This program is designed to meet the equivalency of a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. Courses completed satisfactorily may be used toward the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Early Care and Education.
Certificate: Early Childhood Development (27 CREDIT HOURS) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
ECD 101 | Introduction to Early Childhood | 3.0 |
ECD 102 | Growth and Development | 3.0 |
ECD 105 | Guidance and Classroom Management | 3.0 |
ECD 107 | Exceptional Children | 3.0 |
ECD 131 | Language Arts | 3.0 |
ECD 132 | Creative Experiences (30-hour practicum) | 3.0 |
ECD 133 | Science and Math Concepts | 3.0 |
ECD 135 | Health, Safety and Nutrition | 3.0 |
ECD 203 | Growth and Development II | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 27.0 |
Early Childhood & Elementary Education Concentration (61-63 credit hours)
(Transfer to 4-year College for Teacher Certification)
Degree: Associate in Arts
A. General Education Course Requirements (28 credit hours)
1. Communications (9 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3.0 |
ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3.0 |
SPC 205 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 9.0 |
2. Humanities/fine arts/social and behavioral sciences (12 credit Hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
ART 101 OR MUS 105 OR THE 101 |
Art History and Appreciation OR Music Appreciation OR Introduction to Theatre |
3.0 |
GEO 102 | World Geography | 3.0 |
HIS 202 OR HIS 201 |
American History 1877 to Present OR American History Discovery to 1877 |
3.0 |
HIS 106 OR HIS 108 |
Introduction to African History OR Introduction to East Asian Civilization |
3.0 |
Subtotal | 12.0 |
3. analytical reasoning/science (7 credit Hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
MAT 110 | College Algebra | 3.0 |
BIO 101 | Biological Sciences I | 4.0 |
Subtotal | 7.0 |
B. Associate in Arts Electives (17 credit hours)
ASSOCIATE IN ARTS ELECTIVES (17 CREDIT HOURS) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
PHI 115 | Contemporary Moral Issues | 3.0 |
SPA 101 OR FRE 101 OR GER 101 |
Elementary Spanish I OR Elementary French I OR Elementary German I |
4.0 |
SPA 102 OR FRE 102 OR GER 102 |
Elementary Spanish II OR Elementary French II OR Elementary German II |
4.0 |
PSC 201 | American Government | 3.0 |
ENG 207 | Literature for Children | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 17.0 |
C. College-Wide Electives (18 credit hours)
COLLEGE-WIDE ELECTIVES (18 CREDIT HOURS) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
COL 101 | College Orientation | 1.0 |
EDU 201 | Classroom Inquiry with Technology | 3.0 |
EDU 230 | Schools in Communities | 4.0 |
EDU 241 | Learners and Diversity | 4.0 |
MAT 250 | Elementary Mathematics | 3.0 |
MAT 251 | Elementary Mathematics II | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 18.0 |
Middle-Level Education Concentration (62-64 credit hours)
(Transfer to 4-year College for Teacher Certification)
Degree: Associate in Arts
A. General Education Course Requirements (28 credit hours)
1. Communications (9 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3.0 |
ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3.0 |
SPC 205 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 9.0 |
2. Humanities/fine arts/social and behavioral sciences (12 credit Hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
ART 101 OR MUS 105 OR THE 101 |
Art History and Appreciation OR Music Appreciation OR Introduction to Theatre |
3.0 |
GEO 102 | World Geography | 3.0 |
HIS 202 OR HIS 201 |
American History 1877 to Present OR American History Discovery to 1877 |
3.0 |
HIS 101 OR HIS 102 |
Western Civilization to 1689 OR Western Civilization Post 1689; |
3.0 |
Subtotal | 12.0 |
3. analytical reasoning/science (7 credit Hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
MAT 110 | College Algebra | 3.0 |
BIO 101 | Biological Sciences I | 4.0 |
Subtotal | 7.0 |
B. Associate in Arts Electives (15-17 credit hours)
ASSOCIATE IN ARTS ELECTIVES (15 - 17 CREDIT HOURS) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
PHI 115 | Contemporary Moral Issues | 3.0 |
ENG 208 OR HIS 105 OR SPA 101 |
World Literature I OR World History I OR Elementary Spanish I |
3.0 - 4.0 |
ENG 207 OR ENG 209 OR SPA 102 OR PSC 201 OR ENG 203 OR ENG 205 |
Literature for Children OR World Literature II OR Elementary Spanish II OR American Government OR American Literature OR English Literature I |
3.0 - 4.0 |
HIS 104 | World History I | 3.0 |
PSC 201 OR HIS 106 OR ENG 207 OR FRE 101 OR GER 101 OR REL 103 |
American Government OR Introduction to African History OR Literature for Children OR Elementary French I O OR Elementary German I OR Comparative Religion |
3.0 - 4.0 |
Subtotal | 15.0 - 17.0 |
C. College-Wide Electives (19 credit hours)
COLLEGE-WIDE ELECTIVES (19 CREDIT HOURS) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
COL 101 | College Orientation | 1.0 |
EDU 201 | Classroom Inquiry with Technology | 3.0 |
EDU 230 | Schools in Communities | 4.0 |
EDU 241 | Learners and Diversity | 4.0 |
MAT 120 | Probability and Statistics | 3.0 |
AST 101 OR GEO 205 |
Solar System Astronomy OR Physical Geography |
4.0 |
Subtotal | 19.0 |
Human Services
The Human Services Program is designed to graduate competent, caring and professional human services practitioners capable of filling entry and middle-level positions. The HUS program is a nationally accredited program with the Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE) . We acknowledge that students learn in a variety of ways. As such, a variety of teaching methods are employed including case studies, group projects, a 20-hour practicum, two field placements totaling 300 hours, class discussions, peer interactions and various written activities and papers.
Career opportunities exist in youth services, disabilities and special needs, substance abuse, geriatric services, child development programs, child and family services and mental health services. There are also opportunities in the area of general social services as the foundation in behavioral science can be applied in a wide variety of areas.
As a member of the CSHSE the Human Services Program provides graduates with the opportunity to earn a Human Services Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) credential.
NOTE: This program is offered on the Airport Campus and Beltline Campus.
Special Requirements
To complete the Human Services program, students must obtain a “C” or better in all HUS courses. A 20-hour practicum is required as part of HUS 101, Introduction to Human Services. Additionally, students must complete two supervised field placements (SFP). Each SFP requires that students complete 150 hours within an agency in the community. Approval for entering SFP is made by the program director. SLED or background checks may be required of student interns by some agencies. Students are responsible for their transportation to and from practicum and supervised field placement sites.
Articulation Agreements
The Human Services Program has developed agreements with the following colleges and universities for graduates to seamlessly continue their education:
- Benedict College – Social Work
- Columbia College – Human Services and Social Work
- Coker University – Human Services
- Lander University – Human Services
- Limestone College – Social Work
- Southern Wesleyan University – Human Services
- University of South Carolina, Beaufort – Human Services
- University of South Carolina, Columbia – Social Work
Major: Human Services (64 credit hours)
Degree: Associate in Applied Science
A. GENERAL EDUCATION COURSE REQUIREMENTS (29 CREDIT HOURS) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
SPC 205 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
BIO 101 OR 112 |
General Biology OR Basic Anatomy and Physiology |
4.0 |
CPT 101 OR CPT 170 |
Introduction to Computers OR Microcomputer Applications |
3.0 |
ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3.0 |
ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3.0 |
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.0 |
PSY 201 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
PSY 203 | Human Growth and Development | 3.0 |
PHI 115 OR other Humanities Course |
Contemporary Moral Ethics OR Other Humanities Course |
3.0 |
COL 101 | College Orientation | 1.0 |
Subtotal | 29.0 |
B. Major COURSE REQUIREMENTS (35 CREDIT HOURS) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
HUS 101 | Introduction to Human Services | 3.0 |
HUS 102 | Personal and Professional Development in the Helping Professions | 3.0 |
HUS 209 | Case Management | 3.0 |
HUS 221 | Professional Ethics in Human Services | 3.0 |
HUS 230 | Interviewing Techniques | 3.0 |
HUS 235 | Group Dynamics | 3.0 |
HUS 237 | Crisis Intervention | 3.0 |
HUS 250 | Supervised Field Placement I | 4.0 |
HUS 251 | Supervised Field Placement II | 4.0 |
HUS Elective | 3.0 | |
HUS Elective | 3.0 | |
Subtotal | 35.0 |
Electives | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
HUS 201 | Family System Dynamics | 3.0 |
HUS 204 | Introduction to Social Work | 3.0 |
HUS 206 | Death and Dying | 3.0 |
HUS 207 | Community Organizing | 3.0 |
HUS 208 | Alcohol and Drug Abuse | 3.0 |
HUS 217 | Addictions Counseling | 3.0 |
HUS 231 | Counseling Techniques | 3.0 |
CRJ 101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3.0 |
ECD 101 | Introduction to Early Childhood | 3.0 |
American Sign Language Certificate
The American Sign Language (ASL) certificate is designed to prepare students for careers in the growing field of ASL communication and interpretation. The program also provides valuable language skills for a wide array of career areas including education, business, legal, heath care and human services/social work. Please note that this is not to be confused with certification. However, completion of the certificate program may enable students to transfer to an interpreting program in preparation for certification as a sign language interpreter.
Certificate: American Sign Language (22 CREDIT HOURS) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
ASL 101 | American Sign Language I | 4.0 |
ASL 102 | American Sign Language II | 4.0 |
ASL 110 | Careers in American Sign Language | 2.0 |
ASL 201 | American Sign Language III | 3.0 |
ASL 202 | American Sign Language IV | 3.0 |
ITP 106 OR SPC 208 |
Linguistics of American Sign Language OR Intercultural Communication |
3.0 |
ITP 201 | Deaf History and Culture | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 22.0 |
Paralegal Studies
Well-educated paralegals are essential to the practice of law. The Paralegal Studies Program at Midlands Technical College prepares students to assist lawyers in carrying out their professional responsibilities. Classes balance legal theory with the practical paralegal skills needed to assist attorneys in the practice of law. Those practical paralegal skills include managing cases for attorneys; communicating with clients, opposing counsel, courts, and other third parties; conducting legal and investigative research; interviewing clients and witnesses; and preparing court documents and correspondence.
The structure of the program is designed for those currently serving in the legal community as well as those interested in pursuing a career in law. Whether you are seeking to advance in your existing legal career, retool for the next phase of your career, or prepare for law school, our Associate in Applied Science or Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies provides an excellent path to your goal.
Diverse employment opportunities are available as a paralegal with law firms, courts, governments, corporate offices, insurance companies, real estate offices, mortgage companies, banks, and more.
Disclaimer: Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law, and must be mindful of prohibitions against lay persons practicing law.
An Associate in Applied Science or Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies prepares students to support attorneys with the practical and technological skills required in today’s legal environment. Our program promotes legal ethics and the professionalism of paralegals, which extend their capacity for service to the legal community and ultimately contributing to the advancement of justice in society.
This program is approved by the American Bar Association. ABA approval indicates the program's curriculum, faculty, resources, and student services have met high standards of quality.
Special Requirements
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all of the courses with an LEG prefix for the grade to be counted towards degree completion.
Articulation Agreements
- Lander University – Paralegal Studies (20 out of 21 courses will transfer to Lander)
- University of South Carolina – Interdisciplinary Studies (16 out of 20 courses will transfer to USC)
- Columbia College – Community and Organizational Leadership (20 out of 21 courses will transfer to Columbia College)
- South University – Legal Studies
Major: Paralegal Studies (61 credit hours)
Degree: Associate in Applied Science
A. GENERAL EDUCATION COURSE REQUIREMENTS (19 CREDIT HOURS) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3.0 |
ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3.0 |
MAT 155 | Contemporary Mathematics | 3.0 |
PSY 201 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
SPC 205 OR BUS 130 |
Public Speaking OR Business Communications |
3.0 |
Humanities Course | 3.0 | |
COL 101 | College Orientation | 1.0 |
Subtotal | 19.0 |
B. Major COURSE REQUIREMENTS (30 CREDIT HOURS) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
LEG 120 | Torts | 3.0 |
LEG 121 | Business Law I | 3.0 |
LEG 122 | Business Law II | 3.0 |
LEG 132 | Legal Bibliography | 3.0 |
LEG 135 | Introduction to Law and Ethics | 3.0 |
LEG 201 | Civil Litigation I | 3.0 |
LEG 213 | Family Law | 3.0 |
LEG 214 | Property Law | 3.0 |
LEG 233 | Wills, Trusts and Probate | 3.0 |
LEG 242 | Law Practice Workshop | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 30.0 |
C. Additional COURSE REQUIREMENTS (12 CREDIT HOURS) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
CPT 101 | Introduction to Computers | 3.0 |
LEG 232 | Law Office Management | 3.0 |
Approved LEG Elective | 3.0 | |
Approved LEG Elective | 3.0 | |
Subtotal | 12.0 |
Approved Leg electives | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
LEG 212 | Workers' Compensation | 3.0 |
LEG 215 | Bankruptcy Law | 3.0 |
LEG 220 | Intellectual Property Law | 3.0 |
LEG 230 | Legal Writing | 3.0 |
LEG 231 | Criminal Law | 3.0 |
LEG 234 | Title Examination Procedures I | 3.0 |
LEG 262 | Litigation Applications | 3.0 |
LEG 270 | Paralegal Certification Preparation | 3.0 |
Paralegal Studies Certificate
Major: Paralegal Studies (24 credit hours)
Degree: Certificate
Special Requirements
If you previously earned a baccalaureate degree and are seeking to advance in your existing career, retool for the next phase of your career, or prepare for law school, our Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies provides an excellent path to your goal. To enter the Certificate Paralegal Studies' Program, students must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all of the courses with an LEG prefix for the grade to be counted towards degree completion.
Certificate: Paralegal studies (24 CREDIT HOURS) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
LEG 120 | Torts | 3.0 |
LEG 121 | Business Law I | 3.0 |
LEG 132 | Legal Bibliography | 3.0 |
LEG 135 | Introduction to Law and Ethics | 3.0 |
LEG 201 | Civil Litigation I | 3.0 |
LEG 232 | Law Office Management | 3.0 |
Approved LEG Elective | 3.0 | |
Approved LEG Elective | 3.0 | |
Subtotal | 24.0 |
Approved Leg electives | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
LEG 121 | Business Law II | 3.0 |
LEG 212 | Workers' Compensation | 3.0 |
LEG 213 | Family Law | 3.0 |
LEG 214 | Property Law | 3.0 |
LEG 215 | Bankruptcy Law | 3.0 |
LEG 220 | Intellectual Property Law | 3.0 |
LEG 230 | Legal Writing | 3.0 |
LEG 231 | Criminal Law | 3.0 |
LEG 233 | Wills, Trusts and Probate | 3.0 |
LEG 234 | Title Examination Procedures I | 3.0 |
LEG 262 | Litigation Applications | 3.0 |
LEG 270 | Paralegal Certification Preparation | 3.0 |