Paralegal Studies (5706)

Legal and Public Safety
Legal and Public Safety

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. 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 a paralegal in private, corporate and governmental law practices, as well as in federal, state or local courts. 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 professional skills you need to successfully provide paralegal services, under attorney supervision, or other law-related services in private, corporate and/or governmental law offices.

It is important to note that paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

By completing our Paralegal Studies Program, you will be able to: 

  • Perform effective legal research and analysis
  • Use current legal technologies consistent with professional standards
  • Respond appropriately to the ethical issues that arise for a paralegal in a legal environment
  • Professionally communicate in writing and speaking as a paralegal in a legal environment
  • Assist in the representation of clients in a culturally responsive manner

This program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). This organization requires that you take at least nine (9) semester credits, or equivalent of legal specialty courses, through synchronous instruction. 

  • 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.

PennWest California: AAS in Paralegal Studies to BA in Legal Studies (pdf)
PennWest Clarion: AAS in Paralegal Studies to BA in Legal Studies (pdf)
PennWest Edinboro: AAS in Paralegal Studies to BA in Legal Studies (pdf)

You can complete this program at our Harrisburg and Lancaster campuses through various modalities (e.g., on-campus/in-person instruction, hybrid, synchronous remote instruction and/or asynchronous instruction).

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.

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