If the area of law intrigues you, the Paralegal profession is a great start to an exciting, challenging and lucrative field. Learn how to prepare and draft legal documents, investigate and research legal issues, interview clients and witnesses, and render practical procedural assistance in law related matters. Our program combines a college curriculum of business, liberal arts and legal courses, as well as hands-on experience in a law firm. You'll also receive training in Westlaw Computer-Assisted Legal Research Service, a valuable tool used in many law offices that provides the legal researcher with immediate access to cases, statutes, administrative regulations, and numerous other authorities.
Upon completion, the Associate in Science Degree in Paralegal Studies is awarded.
Career Forecast
- You'll find immediate work in law firms, corporations, government agencies, and other entities where attorneys are employed.
- You can continue with your education. MassBay has a number of transfer agreements with public and private four-year colleges and universities.
Program Requirements:
| Course ID |
Course Title |
Credits |
| First Year |
Semester I |
|
| AC 101 |
Financial Accounting I |
4 |
| CS 104 |
Microcomputer Applic. for Business |
3 |
| CT 100 |
Critical Thinking |
2 |
| EN 101 |
Freshman English I |
3 |
| PA 110 |
Introduction to Paralegal Studies |
3 |
| |
Humanities Elective |
3 |
| |
Credits: |
18 |
| |
|
|
| First Year |
Semester II |
|
| AC 102 |
Financial Accounting II |
4 |
| EN 102 |
Freshman English II |
3 |
| LA 221 |
Principles of Business Law I |
3 |
| MG 101 |
Principles of Management |
3 |
| |
Humanities Elective |
3 |
| |
Social Science Elective |
3 |
| |
Credits: |
19 |
| |
|
|
| Second Year |
Semester I |
|
| MAC 100 |
Business Math |
3 |
| PA 101 |
Litigation for Paralegal I |
3 |
| PA 201 |
Legal Research and Writing I |
3 |
| |
Economics Elective |
3 |
| |
Social Science Elective |
3 |
| |
Credits: |
15 |
| |
|
|
| Second Year |
Semester II |
|
| PA 102 |
Litigation for Paralegal II |
3 |
| PA 202 |
Legal Research and Writing II |
3 |
| PA 251 |
Internship (Optional) |
(3) |
| |
Paralegal Electives (2) |
6 |
| |
Math/Science Elective |
3/4 |
| |
Credits: |
15/19 |
| |
|
|
| |
Total Credits: |
67/71 |
Program footnotes:
Economics Electives: Principles of Macro-Economics, Principles of Micro-Economics
Humanities Electives: Art, Communications, Film, French, Humanities, Literature, Philosophy, Photography, Sign Language, Spanish, Oral Communication, Theater Arts
Math/Science Electives: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Physics
Social Science Electives: Anthropology, Geography, History, Economics, Law & Society, Government, Psychology, Sociology
Paralegal Electives: Criminal Law & Procedures, Real Estate for Paralegal, Family Law for Paralegal
Optional internship in second year is available.