Paralegal Studies
Overview
Study for an in-demand career in law as a paralegal. The Paralegal Studies Program at Midlands Technical College is designed for students who are seeking a flexible and affordable path to earning an ABA-approved paralegal degree for immediate employment in a legal environment. The Program is also designed for students who intend to transfer to complete a four-year Bachelor’s degree in legal studies and for those who intend to obtain a Juris Doctor degree.
The Paralegal Studies Associate Degree program is a 61-credit-hour program that prepares students to assist lawyers in carrying out their professional responsibilities. Working under the direct supervision of an attorney, the paralegal does research, prepares documents, and interviews clients. In addition to law firms and traditional legal environments, employment opportunities are available in diverse areas such as government agencies, courts, insurance companies, real estate companies, mortgage companies, banks, and more.
Legal specialty courses, which are taught by attorneys, judges, and doctorate-level legal educators, are specifically designed to provide students with practical paralegal skills and substantive legal theory.
Many of our legal specialty courses are project-based and offer hands-on, real, practical experience. Assignments may include analyzing hypotheticals, engaging in simulated litigation processes, drafting correspondence, pleadings, discovery, estate planning documents, deeds, and legal memoranda, analyzing documents, and conducting legal research. These learning experiences for students are provided in classrooms (daytime and/or evening) as well as online.
Mission
The mission of the ABA-approved Paralegal Studies Program is to meet the evolving needs of the legal community and prepare students for employment as paraprofessionals by providing a comprehensive legal curriculum taught by experienced legal professionals that includes procedural and substantive law; ethics; and legal research, writing, and analysis.
Program Goals
The goal of the Paralegal Studies Program is to teach students the skills and knowledge they need to become effective and productive paraprofessionals in the public and private sectors through the integration of skills, knowledge, and ethical values. Program graduates will develop practical legal skills; acquire foundational knowledge in substantive areas of law; understand legal ethics and the role of the paralegal in the legal environment; understand legal concepts, legal terminology, and the court structure; understand legal writing, research, and analysis; and practice appropriate technology use in the legal environment.
In furtherance of said goals, the program will provide quality instruction that will promote student success in developing: 1) strong verbal and written communication skills; 2) requisite knowledge and practical skills experience in the curriculum; 3) technology skills needed for the profession; and 4) a strong sense of ethics and professionalism.
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 certificate program and seven legal specialty courses in the 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.
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.
Basic typing skills are required for the successful completion of the program.
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all legal courses for the grade to be counted toward graduation. This includes all courses with the LEG prefix.
Approvals and Affiliations
Approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), our Paralegal Studies Program includes skilled instructors and nearly 50 years of educational excellence. Pursuant to ABA requirements, students must take at least nine (9) semester credits through synchronous instruction. Synchronous instruction includes traditional face-to-face courses as well as live virtual courses.
This Program is an Institutional Member of the American Association for Paralegal Education.
In the United States, paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public or engage in the practice of law, except as permitted by law.
Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) Statement: Paralegals work under the supervision of a licensed attorney and are not authorized to practice law in South Carolina (S.C. Code § 40-5-310).
Unauthorized Practice of Law
In the United States, paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public or engage in the practice of law, except as permitted by law.
Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) Statement: Paralegals work under the supervision of a licensed attorney and are not authorized to practice law in South Carolina (S.C. Code § 40-5-310).
How to Enroll
To pursue this degree, you must apply to MTC using our online application.
Questions?
Sample Program Plan and Costs
Class Delivery Methods
View current courses offered via our online course directory.
| 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. |
Full Time
| Semester | Course ID | Course Title | Classroom | Online | Hybrid | Virtual | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 (16 Credit Hours) |
COL-101 |
College Orientation College Orientation ID: COL-101 Credit Hours: 1 This course may include selected topics such as career planning, study skills, stress management, tutoring, group guidance, and other subjects to facilitate student success. |
• | • | • | • | 1 |
| 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 | |
| CPT-101 |
Introduction to Computers Introduction to Computers ID: CPT-101 Credit Hours: 3 This course covers basic computer history, theory and applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, data bases, and the operating system. |
• | • | • | • | 3 | |
| ENG-101 |
English Comp I English Comp I ID: ENG-101 Credit Hours: 3 This is a (college transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: a study of composition in conjunction with appropriate literary selections, with frequent theme assignments to reinforce effective writing. A review of standard usage and the basic techniques of research are also presented. |
• | • | • | • | 3 | |
| MAT-155 |
Contemporary Mathematics Contemporary Mathematics ID: MAT-155 Credit Hours: 3 This course includes techniques and applications of the following topics: elementary number theory; algebra; geometry; measurement; graph sketching and interpretations; and descriptive statistics. |
• | • | • | 3 | ||
| Semester 2 (15 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-122 |
Business Law II Business Law II ID: LEG-122 Credit Hours: 3 This course is an in-depth study of the Uniform Commercial Code with special emphasis on the essentials of Article 3, Commercial Paper, and Article 9, Secured Transactions. Business partnerships and corporations and their formation are studied. |
• | • | • | 3 | ||
| SPC-205 |
Public Speaking Public Speaking ID: SPC-205 Credit Hours: 3 This course is an introduction to principles of public speaking with application of speaking skills. Students entering this course must be able to communicate clearly with American speakers of English. |
• | • | • | • | 3 | |
| ENG-102 |
English Comp II English Comp II ID: ENG-102 Credit Hours: 3 This is a (college transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: development of writing skills through logical organization, effective style, literary analysis and research. An introduction to literary genre is also included. |
• | • | • | 3 | ||
| PSY-201 |
General Psychology General Psychology ID: PSY-201 Credit Hours: 3 This course includes the following topics and concepts in the science of behavior: scientific method, biological bases for behavior, perception, motivation, learning memory, development, personality, abnormal behavior, therapeutic techniques, and social psychology. |
• | • | • | • | 3 | |
| Semester 3 (15 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 | ||
| 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 | |||
| LEG-233 |
Wills, Trusts, and Probate Wills, Trusts, and Probate ID: LEG-233 Credit Hours: 3 This course includes a detailed study of testacy and intestacy, preparation of wills and codicils, and fundamentals of trust and probate administration. Students probate a simple estate. |
• | 3 | ||||
| Approved LEG Elective | 3 | ||||||
| Semester 4 (15 Credit Hours) |
LEG-213 |
Family Law Family Law ID: LEG-213 Credit Hours: 3 This course includes an examination of the laws of marriage, divorce, annulment, separation, adoption, custody, and the juvenile. |
• | 3 | |||
| LEG-214 |
Property Law Property Law ID: LEG-214 Credit Hours: 3 This course includes an overview of South Carolina property law, including the mechanics of various commercial and private property transactions and mortgage foreclosures. Students are introduced to techniques and procedures examining titles to real property. |
• | 3 | ||||
| LEG-242 |
Law Practice Workshop Law Practice Workshop ID: LEG-242 Credit Hours: 3 This course includes the application of substantive knowledge in a practical situation as a paralegal. |
• | 3 | ||||
| Approved HUM Elective | 3 | ||||||
| Approved LEG Elective | 3 | ||||||
| Total Credit Hours | 61 | ||||||
| Estimated Cost Financial Aid |
$11,468.00 Not including fees and equipment |
||||||
Part Time
| Semester | Course ID | Course Title | Classroom | Online | Hybrid | Virtual | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 (7 Credit Hours) |
COL-101 |
College Orientation College Orientation ID: COL-101 Credit Hours: 1 This course may include selected topics such as career planning, study skills, stress management, tutoring, group guidance, and other subjects to facilitate student success. |
• | • | • | • | 1 |
| 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 (9 Credit Hours) |
CPT-101 |
Introduction to Computers Introduction to Computers ID: CPT-101 Credit Hours: 3 This course covers basic computer history, theory and applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, data bases, and the operating system. |
• | • | • | • | 3 |
| ENG-101 |
English Comp I English Comp I ID: ENG-101 Credit Hours: 3 This is a (college transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: a study of composition in conjunction with appropriate literary selections, with frequent theme assignments to reinforce effective writing. A review of standard usage and the basic techniques of research are also presented. |
• | • | • | • | 3 | |
| MAT-155 |
Contemporary Mathematics Contemporary Mathematics ID: MAT-155 Credit Hours: 3 This course includes techniques and applications of the following topics: elementary number theory; algebra; geometry; measurement; graph sketching and interpretations; and descriptive statistics. |
• | • | • | 3 | ||
| Semester 3 (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-122 |
Business Law II Business Law II ID: LEG-122 Credit Hours: 3 This course is an in-depth study of the Uniform Commercial Code with special emphasis on the essentials of Article 3, Commercial Paper, and Article 9, Secured Transactions. Business partnerships and corporations and their formation are studied. |
• | • | • | 3 | ||
| SPC-205 |
Public Speaking Public Speaking ID: SPC-205 Credit Hours: 3 This course is an introduction to principles of public speaking with application of speaking skills. Students entering this course must be able to communicate clearly with American speakers of English. |
• | • | • | • | 3 | |
| Semester 4 (6 Credit Hours) |
ENG-102 |
English Comp II English Comp II ID: ENG-102 Credit Hours: 3 This is a (college transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: development of writing skills through logical organization, effective style, literary analysis and research. An introduction to literary genre is also included. |
• | • | • | 3 | |
| PSY-201 |
General Psychology General Psychology ID: PSY-201 Credit Hours: 3 This course includes the following topics and concepts in the science of behavior: scientific method, biological bases for behavior, perception, motivation, learning memory, development, personality, abnormal behavior, therapeutic techniques, and social psychology. |
• | • | • | • | 3 | |
| Semester 5 (9 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 | ||
| 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 6 (6 Credit Hours) |
LEG-233 |
Wills, Trusts, and Probate Wills, Trusts, and Probate ID: LEG-233 Credit Hours: 3 This course includes a detailed study of testacy and intestacy, preparation of wills and codicils, and fundamentals of trust and probate administration. Students probate a simple estate. |
• | 3 | |||
| Approved LEG Elective | 3 | ||||||
| Semester 7 (6 Credit Hours) |
LEG-213 |
Family Law Family Law ID: LEG-213 Credit Hours: 3 This course includes an examination of the laws of marriage, divorce, annulment, separation, adoption, custody, and the juvenile. |
• | 3 | |||
| LEG-214 |
Property Law Property Law ID: LEG-214 Credit Hours: 3 This course includes an overview of South Carolina property law, including the mechanics of various commercial and private property transactions and mortgage foreclosures. Students are introduced to techniques and procedures examining titles to real property. |
• | 3 | ||||
| Semester 8 (9 Credit Hours) |
LEG-242 |
Law Practice Workshop Law Practice Workshop ID: LEG-242 Credit Hours: 3 This course includes the application of substantive knowledge in a practical situation as a paralegal. |
• | 3 | |||
| Approved HUM Elective | 3 | ||||||
| Approved LEG Elective | 3 | ||||||
| Total Credit Hours | 61 | ||||||
| Estimated Cost Financial Aid |
$11,468.00 Not including fees and equipment |
||||||
What’s next after I complete this program?
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies
MTC’s Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies articulates directly into a bachelor’s degree program after completion. Once you have earned this degree, you can consider transferring to a four-year institution and earning a bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies or another law-related major. MTC has articulation agreements with several four-year institutions that will accept general education courses and legal specialty courses from MTC as transfer credits toward your new degree.
Pursue a Career as a Paralegal
If you already possess a bachelor’s degree and want to become a paralegal, you can select MTC’s post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate to prepare you for your paralegal career.
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. As such, a paralegal degree can help prepare you for success in law school.