Paralegal Studies

Overview

Students with a Bachelor's Degree or higher can enroll in this paralegal certificate program to learn the skills needed for this career.

The Paralegal Studies Certificate program is an eight-course, 24-credit-hour program that prepares students to assist lawyers in carrying out their professional responsibilities. Working under the direct supervision of the attorney, the paralegal does research, prepares documents, and interviews clients. Employment opportunities are also available in such diverse areas as insurance, real estate, mortgage companies, government agencies, courts, and banks. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

This program is approved by the American Bar Association. Learning experiences for students in the Paralegal Studies program are provided in classrooms on the Airport and Beltline campuses as well as online.

Paralegal Program Legal Specialty Course Transfer Policy

Upon a student’s admission to Midlands Technical College (MTC) and enrollment in the Paralegal Program, we review transfer credits and may accept up to two-thirds of the requisite number of legal specialty credits from regionally accredited, ABA-approved schools. This translates to as many as five legal specialty courses in the paralegal certificate program and seven legal specialty courses in the paralegal associate degree program.

Each legal specialty course submitted for transfer consideration is evaluated by the program director. Transferability is based on course content, hours of instruction, and the grade earned in the course by the student. College transcripts are reviewed to determine whether acceptance of transfer credits is appropriate. In addition, each student must complete a minimum of 10 credit hours of legal specialty courses through traditional classroom instruction.

Legal specialty courses cannot be accepted from a college that does not have regional accreditation. We may accept credits from non-ABA approved schools if adequate evidence is provided to document that the course meets an appropriate level of academic rigor and compliance with ABA guidelines for paralegal education.

To enter the program, students must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. To be successful in this field, students should possess strong communication and computer/word processing skills.

Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all of the courses for the grade to be counted toward graduation.

How to Enroll

To pursue this degree, you must apply to MTC using our online application.

Apply Now

Questions?

Print Plan

Sample Program Plan and Costs

On-Campus Traditional. Classes meet on campus.
Virtual 100% online. Meets with a live instructor and classmates on specific days, at specific times. Uses web conferencing software, like Zoom.
Hybrid Some classes on campus. Some classes online or virtual.
Online 100% online. Due dates for projects and assignments. Self-paced work on your time.
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(12 Credit Hours)
LEG-120 Torts

Torts

ID: LEG-120

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the various classifications and functions of tort law, including intentional and negligent torts, causation, proximate cause, and defenses.

3
LEG-121 Business Law I

Business Law I

ID: LEG-121

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the basics of commercial law, with emphasis on the formation and enforcement of contracts and the rules particular to the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and sales of goods.

3
LEG-135 Introduction to Law and Ethics

Introduction to Law and Ethics

ID: LEG-135

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides a general introduction to law, including courts, legal terminology, procedures, systems, and laws of society. Emphasis is on ethics and the role of the paralegal in the legal system.

3
LEG-232 Law Office Management

Law Office Management

ID: LEG-232

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the basic principles of office management, including administrative procedures, client relations, and office operating procedures.

3
Semester 2
(12 Credit Hours)
LEG-132 Legal Bibliography

Legal Bibliography

ID: LEG-132

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the methods of legal research, proper citation of authority, use of legal treatises, texts, reporters, and digests. This course introduces students to the techniques and procedures of legal writing and analysis.

3
LEG-201 Civil Litigation I

Civil Litigation I

ID: LEG-201

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the principles of litigation and the rules of procedure for each court in the South Carolina system, including pleading, practice, and discovery procedures.

3
Approved LEG Elective 3
Approved LEG Elective 3
  Total Credit Hours 24
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$4,512.00
Not including fees and equipment
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(9 Credit Hours)
LEG-120 Torts

Torts

ID: LEG-120

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the various classifications and functions of tort law, including intentional and negligent torts, causation, proximate cause, and defenses.

3
LEG-121 Business Law I

Business Law I

ID: LEG-121

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the basics of commercial law, with emphasis on the formation and enforcement of contracts and the rules particular to the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and sales of goods.

3
LEG-135 Introduction to Law and Ethics

Introduction to Law and Ethics

ID: LEG-135

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides a general introduction to law, including courts, legal terminology, procedures, systems, and laws of society. Emphasis is on ethics and the role of the paralegal in the legal system.

3
Semester 2
(3 Credit Hours)
LEG-232 Law Office Management

Law Office Management

ID: LEG-232

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the basic principles of office management, including administrative procedures, client relations, and office operating procedures.

3
Semester 3
(6 Credit Hours)
LEG-132 Legal Bibliography

Legal Bibliography

ID: LEG-132

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the methods of legal research, proper citation of authority, use of legal treatises, texts, reporters, and digests. This course introduces students to the techniques and procedures of legal writing and analysis.

3
LEG-201 Civil Litigation I

Civil Litigation I

ID: LEG-201

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the principles of litigation and the rules of procedure for each court in the South Carolina system, including pleading, practice, and discovery procedures.

3
Semester 4
(6 Credit Hours)
Approved LEG Elective 3
Approved LEG Elective 3
  Total Credit Hours 24
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$4,512.00
Not including fees and equipment

What’s next after I complete this program?

Earn an AAS Degree in Paralegal Studies

Students can apply credits earned in the Paralegal academic certificate toward MTC’s AAS Degree in Paralegal Studies.

Continue Education Toward a Law Degree

Students wishing to pursue a degree in law will find this program covers many of the substantive law topics covered in a law school curriculum.

Want more information?

Academic programs count as academic credit for a certificate, diploma or degree and may transfer toward future academic endeavors at four-year colleges and universities.
Training programs can be completed in a matter of weeks or months, are focused on career training, and provide credentials and certificates needed in the specific fields of study. Coursework does not transfer.
Not sure: Check out these resources to explore what fits your goals.

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