PARALEGAL STUDIES
College of Southern Maryland
Business, Economics, and Legal Studies Department
P.O. Box 910, BUS
La Plata, MD 20646

PROGRAM INFORMATION

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PARALEGAL STUDIES WORKSHEET TO PLAN YOUR COURSES

The College of Southern Maryland offers an associate of applied science (A.A.S.) in Paralegal Studies. 

This program is designed to prepare graduates for careers as entry-level paralegals by providing substantive knowledge and practical skills necessary for entry-level paralegal positions in public, private, or business entities. Students learn critical thinking, organization skills, communication skills, legal research, legal writing, technology skills, interviewing skills, investigation skills, and management techniques that they require to be successful paralegals.

Cooperative education is available in this program.  Distance learning is also utilized.

The College currently has an articulation agreement with University of Maryland University College (UMUC) to better facilitate graduates' transfer.

For specific information about the degree program requirements, click here to go to the current academic catalog.

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The demand for paralegals is good.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a faster than average growth rate is expected through 2012.  You can visit the Bureau's web site, www.bls.gov, for more information.

CURRENT JOB LISTINGS FOR CURRENT STUDENTS & GRADUATES

Go to the online service, Job Connection.

EMPLOYERS - LIST YOUR POSITIONS

You can list a position online at no charge.  Go to Job Connection.  (You can also contact Daphne Morris or Jayne Mignogno.)

WHAT IS A PARALEGAL?

Paralegals, also called legal assistants, perform delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.  They work with attorneys to provide economical, quality legal services and to made legal services more available to the public.  Paralegals work with many different areas of law, such as civil litigation, family law, criminal law, real estate/banking, corporate law, estate planning, and insurance.

IMPORTANT: Students who declare Paralegal Studies as their program of study must have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
IMPORTANT: Under Maryland law, paralegals (and other non-lawyers) are prohibited from practicing law, which means they cannot give legal advice, represent a client in court, establish a fee, or accept a case on behalf of a client.
IMPORTANT: For students transferring to CSM, at least nine (9) credits of legal specialty courses must be completed at the College of Southern Maryland.