Paralegal Studies/Pre-Law (AAPSPL)

Associate in Arts

Prepare for an exciting and interesting career in the legal field! This degree is the first two years of a bachelor degree in paralegal studies. You will be given the opportunity to take many legal courses here at WCC before transferring to EMU to learn how to do legal research and writing. When you complete your 4 year degree you will be able to work with attorneys in the courts and assist with legal research and writings. While working as a professional paralegal, you may wish to continue your education and pursue a law degree having obtained a great foundation!

This is a high demand, high skill and high wage program as defined by the Michigan Community College Network.

Career Outlook in Michigan

55,331Median Earnings

65Annual Job Openings

5% 10 Year Employment Growth

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64,232Median Earnings

7Annual Job Openings

8% 10 Year Employment Growth

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2024-2025 Academic Requirements

This program prepares students for entry-level positions or further study in the field of law. Entry-level paralegal positions are available in legal offices such as corporate, prosecuting and public defense in addition to some courts. Under the supervision of an attorney, paralegals may assist with research, court filings, documentation and depositions. Students who wish to continue their education may continue on to a bachelor's degree or a Juris Doctorate degree.

Eastern Michigan University, BS degree

Copies can be obtained from the Counseling Office, a program advisor, or from the Curriculum and Assessment Office Web site: https://www.wccnet.edu/learn/transfer-wcc-credits/articulation-agreements.php .

Division
Adv Tech/Public Serv Careers
Department
Public Services Careers Dept
Advisors
Kevin Lindsey
Haley Slade
Niki Lee
Janine Militello
First Semester
Class Title Minimum Credits
BOS 206   Personal Management Application and Internet Resources 2
CJT 130   Introduction to Paralegal Studies 3
CJT 156   Everyday Law 4
ENG 111   Composition I 4
Total 13
Second Semester
Class Title Minimum Credits
CJT 120   Criminal Justice Ethics 3
CJT 160   Criminal Justice Constitutional Law 3
ENG 226   Composition II 3
MTH 160   Basic Statistics 4
SOC 100 or   Principles of Sociology
ECO 211   Principles of Economics I 3
Total 16
Third Semester
Class Title Minimum Credits
ACC 111   Principles of Financial Accounting 3
BMG 111   Business Law I 3
CJT 208   Criminal Evidence and Procedure 3
Elective   Nat. Sci. Elective(s) 3
Elective   Soc. Sci. Elective(s) 3
Total 15
Fourth Semester
Class Title Minimum Credits
CJT 209   Criminal Law 3
COM 102   Interpersonal Communication 3
MUS 147   Art and Entertainment Law 3
Elective   Nat. Sci. Lab Elective(s) 3
Elective   Arts/Human. Elective(s) 3
Elective   General Education elective(s) to reach a minimum of 30 General Education credits. 1
Total 16

Total Credits Required
60