Paralegal, Associate in Applied Science
Program Overview
Northampton Community College's Paralegal Associate in Applied Science program equips students with the knowledge and skills to work under attorney supervision in legal settings. The two-year program covers legal research, writing, procedure, and substantive law, culminating in an internship experience. Graduates are prepared for careers as paralegals, legal assistants, and other legal professionals.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Paralegal, Associate in Applied Science program at Northampton Community College prepares students for a career as a paralegal. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work under the supervision of an attorney in a law office or other legal setting.
Objectives:
The objectives of the Paralegal program are to:
- Prepare students to perform legal research and analysis
- Draft legal documents
- Manage legal files
- Communicate effectively with clients and attorneys
- Understand and apply legal ethics
Description:
The Paralegal program is a two-year, 64-65 credit program. The program includes coursework in legal research, legal writing, legal procedure, and substantive law. Students also complete an internship in a law office or other legal setting.
Outline:
First Semester
- COLS101 College Success (1 credit)
- CMTH102 Introduction to Communication (3 credits)
- ENGL101 English I (3 credits)
- OFAD101 Keyboarding & Formatting Essentials I (3 credits)
- PARL101 Introduction to Paralegal Studies (3 credits)
- PARL153 Real Estate Law (3 credits)
Second Semester
- ENGL151L English II (3 credits)
- PARL150 Law Office Procedures (3 credits)
- PARL187 Litigation Practice & Procedure (3 credits)
- PARL205 Legal Research (3 credits)
- PARL Paralegal Elective (3 credits)
- General Education Elective (3 credits)
Third Semester
- ACCT101 Financial Accounting I (3 credits)
- CISC101 Introduction to Information Technology (3 credits)
- PARL210G Legal Writing (3 credits)
- PARL Paralegal Elective (3 credits)
- PARL Paralegal Elective (3 credits)
Fourth Semester
- PARL250 Internship (3 credits)
- General Education Elective (3 credits)
- General Education Elective (3 credits)
- Mathematics (QL) or Science (SCI) Elective (3/4 credits)
- Elective (3 credits)
Assessment:
Assessment in the Paralegal program is based on a variety of methods, including:
- Exams
- Quizzes
- Papers
- Presentations
- Case studies
Teaching:
The Paralegal program is taught by a team of experienced faculty, including attorneys, paralegals, and other professionals. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Simulations
- Role-playing
- Hands-on exercises
Careers:
Graduates of the Paralegal program are prepared for a variety of careers in the legal field, including:
- Paralegal
- Legal assistant
- Trust coordinator
- Title searcher
- Settlement clerk
- Litigation specialist
Northampton Community College
Overview:
Northampton Community College (NCC) is a public community college located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs. NCC is known for its affordability and commitment to student success.
Services Offered:
NCC provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Personalized guidance and support for academic planning and course selection.Academic Support:
Resources like tutoring, writing centers, and learning labs to enhance academic performance.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs to help students finance their education.Career Development:
Assistance with career exploration, job search, and resume building.Student Life:
Clubs, organizations, and events to foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for personal growth.Library Services:
Access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and technology resources.Health and Wellness:
Counseling services, health clinics, and wellness programs to support student well-being.Technology Help:
Technical support and resources for students to utilize technology effectively.Student Life and Campus Experience:
NCC offers a vibrant and supportive campus environment. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and organizations, attend social events, and engage in extracurricular activities. The college also provides opportunities for leadership development and community involvement.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Affordability:
NCC is one of the most affordable colleges in the region, offering significant savings compared to other institutions.High-Quality Education:
NCC provides a rigorous and relevant curriculum, preparing students for successful careers or further education.Student Support:
The college offers a wide range of services and resources to support student success, both academically and personally.Flexible Learning Options:
NCC offers a variety of class formats, including online, hybrid, and traditional, to accommodate diverse student needs.Transfer Options:
NCC has transfer agreements with numerous four-year colleges and universities, making it easy for students to continue their education.Academic Programs:
NCC offers over 120 programs of study across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
English, History, Music, Theatre, and more.Business and Technology:
Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Science, and more.Health Sciences:
Nursing, Medical Assisting, Dental Hygiene, and more.Public Safety:
Criminal Justice, Fire Science, and more.Trades and Skilled Crafts:
Automotive Technology, Welding, and more.Other:
NCC has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. The college also has a robust alumni network, providing opportunities for networking and career advancement.
