Program Information
A.S. Degree - Code 206200 - Catalog 2023/2024
Nathan W. Kotas, J.D., Assistant Chair, 386-506-3511, Nathan.Kotas@daytonastate.edu
School of Business Administration, 386-506-3086
Program Mission, Description, and Outcomes
Mission:
The mission of the Paralegal Studies A.S. degree program is to create an innovative, inclusive, and industry-relevant learning environment that promotes excellence in the legal profession by preparing students for the professionalism, ethics, and competencies required for a law-related career.
Description:
The Associate of Science Paralegal Studies degree program at Daytona State College is designed to deliver the education, training, and work experience opportunities that prepare students for a paralegal career1. The program also provides a solid foundation in the law and legal system for students seeking advanced degrees, including law school, where this knowledge would be advantageous.
Students experience an innovative Florida-focused curriculum taught by licensed attorneys that blend legal knowledge with practical legal skills. Courses are carefully designed with input from the program’s advisory committee (whose members include Florida attorneys, judges, and paralegals) to ensure that students are acquiring industry-relevant knowledge and skills.
Students are eligible for the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) Certified Paralegal (CP) knowledge exam during their last semester and graduates who earn the NALA, CP certification are eligible to become a Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP).
The program is an institutional member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) which is the nation’s largest continuously operating organization dedicated to promoting quality paralegal and legal studies education.
Graduates of this program are eligible to be enrolled in the Daytona State College, Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management program. Call (386) 506-4BAS or email BASinfo@daytonastate.edu for details.
Outcomes:
Graduates of the program will be able to:
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Communicate effectively and professionally with lawyers, clients, witnesses, coworkers, court personnel, and other professionals.
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Perform substantive legal work as a paralegal in all phases of litigation including case/document management, drafting, discovery, calendaring/scheduling, and trial preparation.
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Perform substantive legal work as a paralegal in the areas of family law, estate planning & administration, and real property including reviewing, drafting, and editing transactional documents.
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Integrate knowledge of substantive and procedural laws across multiple domains by identifying and analyzing legal issues.
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Develop and execute legal research plans and write objective or persuasive legal documents based upon the results.
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Apply and adapt law office management best-practices and optimize workflow using legal technology.
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Explain and apply the NALA Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and other standards of legal ethics that govern the legal profession.
Financial Aid
This program is eligible for federal financial aid and state Bright Futures Scholarship Program.
Financing Options: All students are encouraged to apply for federal and state student financial assistance by completing the FAFSA at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. For more information on grant, loans, and work program available please see the Office of Financial Aid webpage at daytonastate.edu/financial-aid/. Students are also encouraged to apply for one of the many Daytona State College Foundation scholarships offered each semester. For more information see: daytonastate.edu/scholarships/.
Note: It’s never too early to prepare for your career! Login to your Daytona State Career Services Student Job Board and create your personal account to submit your resume for review and search for jobs, and practice your interview skills with Big Interview. For questions, please email Career Services to connect with a Career Advisor.
General Education Courses
General Education Core - 21 Credits
Communication Core (9 credits)
| ENC1101 | Introduction to Composition | 3 |
| ENC1102 | Writing with Research | 3 |
| SPC2608 | Oral Communications/Research/Presentation Skills | 3 |
Mathematics Core (3 credits)
Choose One Course
Natural Sciences Core (3 credits)
Choose One Course
| AST1002 | Astronomy | 3 |
| BSC1005 | Survey of Biological Sciences (For Non-Science Majors) | 3 |
| CHM1020 | Chemistry in Society | 3 |
| EVR2001 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 3 |
| PHY1020 | Energy and its Environmental Effects | 3 |
Humanities Core (3 credits)
Choose One Course
Social Sciences Core (3 credits)
Choose One Course
| AMH2020 | United States History 1865 to Present | 3 |
| POS2041 | American Federal Government | 3 |
AMH2020, POS2041: These courses satisfy the Civic Literacy Competency graduation requirement.
Note: Prior to enrollment in college-level English or math courses, some students may be advised to complete college preparatory/developmental course work. See an Academic Advisor to determine developmental course requirements.
Program Specific Courses
Program specific courses require a "C" or better.
| BUL2241 | Business Law I | 3 |
| BUL2242 | Business Law II | 3 |
| ISM2000 | Business Information Processing | 3 |
| OST2828 | Business Presentation Software | 1 |
| PLA1003 | Introduction to Paralegal Studies | 3 |
| PLA1104 | Legal Research and Writing I | 3 |
| PLA2610 | Real Property Law and Transactions | 3 |
| PLA2800 | Family Law | 3 |
| PLA2114 | Legal Research and Writing II | 3 |
| PLA2201 | Civil Litigation | 3 |
| PLA2303 | Criminal Law and Procedure | 3 |
| PLA2600 | Wills, Trusts, and Estate Administration | 3 |
| PLA2763 | Law Office Management and Technology | 3 |
| PLA2880 | Constitutional Law | 3 |
| | |
| PLA2949 | Cooperative Education Experience in Legal Assisting | 1-4 |
| OR | |
| PLA2460 | Bankruptcy Law | 3 |
PLA2949: This course is a variable credit course (1-4 credits). The academic department has approved it for 3 credits in this program.
Sample Program of Study
Year 1
1st Semester
| BUL2241 | Business Law I | 3 |
| ENC1101 | Introduction to Composition | 3 |
| PLA1003 | Introduction to Paralegal Studies | 3 |
| Mathematics Core | 3 |
| Social Sciences Core - Civic Literacy (AMH2020 or POS2041) | 3 |
2nd Semester
| PLA1104 | Legal Research and Writing I | 3 |
| PLA2303 | Criminal Law and Procedure | 3 |
| Natural Sciences Core | 3 |
| BUL2242 | Business Law II | 3 |
| ENC1102 | Writing with Research | 3 |
| OST2828 | Business Presentation Software | 1 |
Summer Semester
| ISM2000 | Business Information Processing | 3 |
Year 2
1st Semester
| SPC2608 | Oral Communications/Research/Presentation Skills | 3 |
| PLA2201 | Civil Litigation | 3 |
| PLA2610 | Real Property Law and Transactions | 3 |
| PLA2880 | Constitutional Law | 3 |
| PLA2114 | Legal Research and Writing II | 3 |
2nd Semester
| PLA2800 | Family Law | 3 |
| PLA2600 | Wills, Trusts, and Estate Administration | 3 |
| Humanities Core | 3 |
| PLA2763 | Law Office Management and Technology | 3 |
| | |
| PLA2949 | Cooperative Education Experience in Legal Assisting | 1-4 |
| OR | |
| PLA2460 | Bankruptcy Law | 3 |
PLA2949: This course is a variable credit course (1-4 credits). The academic department has approved it for 3 credits in this program.
Note: Sequence of courses may vary but not all courses are offered every semester. Check catalog course descriptions for requisite requirements and offering semesters.
Total Credit Hours: 64