Paralegal Studies - Associate in Applied Science (AAS) (5706)
If you’re interested in legal concepts and enjoy researching different legal topics, a career as a paralegal may be a good fit for you. Our Paralegal Studies program prepares you for entry-level employment in the legal field or helps you earn the credits needed to transfer to a four-year school. After completing our program, you’ll receive your Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in paralegal studies, and the American Bar Association (ABA) approves this program.
Jump to career information below!
Find information on transferring prior paralegal coursework to HACC for credit here. (pdf)
After completing our program, you’ll be eligible to work as an assistant in a law library, or a paralegal in private, corporate and governmental law practices or title insurance companies. It is very important to note that as a paralegal, you may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by the law. Instead, you will work with lawyers to perform a variety of tasks including:
- Drafting memorandums, briefs and litigation documents
- Maintaining and organizing files
- Performing legal research
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Throughout our program, you will develop the skills you need to successfully work as a paralegal. This includes being taught how to provide legal services while under the direction of an attorney. You’ll explore private, corporate and governmental law concepts.
By completing our Paralegal Studies Program, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a mastery of legal terminology, substantive and procedural law and ethical rules
- Conduct legal research and prepare legal memoranda and briefs
- Draft correspondence and litigation documents (complaints, answers, motions, discovery documents)
- Draft a variety of legal documents including, but not limited to, bankruptcy schedules, divorce complaints, property settlement agreements, support calculations, wills, inheritance tax returns, corporate filings, fictitious name filings, deeds, HUD-1 settlement sheets
- Identify and analyze the ethical issues that may arise for the paralegal
- Write and speak effectively
- Develop critical thinking and communication skills through the appreciation of accomplishments in the arts and sciences
This program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).
- View summaries of every course at HACC by browsing our class schedules database.
- Review our program guide (pdf) to view a list of required courses, recommended course sequencing and program competencies.
Yes! You are able to transfer to a wide variety of colleges and universities with no loss of credit. However, each college has its own unique program. We encourage you to select a four-year school as soon as possible. This will allow you to learn the transfer college’s program requirements so you can take the proper classes at HACC.
The various transfer options for you are:
| Central Penn College: | Paralegal to Legal Studies (pdf) |
You can complete this program at our Harrisburg and Lancaster campuses. However, to fulfill the program requirements, you will need to take more than 51% of your required coursework through multiple modalities (e.g. Blended, Online and/or Remote Learning).
Yes! We offer many scholarships through the HACC Foundation. Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements. To learn how to apply, please visit hacc.edu/Scholarships.
You can enroll in our spring, summer and fall classes anytime by applying online. When you submit your application, please include the specific program code 5706 to ensure you apply for the correct associate degree program.
Future students, we are excited to connect with you and answer your questions. Please choose the option that works best for you to meet with us.
Current HACC students, please contact our Advising Department with any questions.
