Program Information
A.S. Degree - Code 206200 - Catalog 2024/2025
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:
To advance student professional success by delivering innovative legal education and opportunities.
Description:
Daytona State College’s Paralegal Program offers 100% online and livestream classes for everyone seeking to combine their legal education with flexibility and opportunity.
Program highlights include a Federal and Florida-focused curriculum that adapts to current trends such the use of artificial intelligence in the legal profession. And a network of community partners who provide opportunities for real-world experience.
Graduates qualify for the NALA Certified Paralegal (CP) exam and meet eligibility requirements for the Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) program.1 Graduates are also eligible to enroll in the Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management program at Daytona State College.
Most Paralegal Studies, A.S. graduates can earn an A.A. degree by taking three (3) additional courses. Students who pursue this option must coordinate with academic advising to ensure that all A.A. requirements are satisfied including Foreign Language, Civic Literacy, Cultural/Global Focus, and any Common Prerequisites required for transfer to a bachelor’s program. Ideal for everyone interested in a four-year degree or law school.
Daytona State College’s Paralegal Program is an institutional member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) and an “Approved Paralegal Program” as defined by the Florida Bar.
You belong here. Enroll today.
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.
Additional Completion Requirements
- Program specific and prerequistie courses must be completed with a grade 'C' or better.
General Education Courses
General Education Core - 24 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)
Natural Sciences Core (3 credits)
Choose One Course
| OCE1001 | Introduction to Oceanography | 3 |
| BSC1005 | Survey of Biological Sciences (For Non-Science Majors) | 3 |
| EVR2001 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 3 |
Humanities Core (3 credits)
Choose One Course
Social Sciences Core (6 credits)
Choose Two Courses
| AMH2010 | United States History to 1877 | 3 |
| AMH2020 | United States History 1865 to Present | 3 |
| POS2041 | American Federal Government | 3 |
| PSY1012 | General Psychology | 3 |
AMH2010, 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.
Program Electives (6 credits)
Choose Two Courses
Sample Program of Study
Year 1
1st Semester
2nd Semester
| PLA1104 | Legal Research and Writing I | 3 |
| PLA2303 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| ENC1102 | Writing with Research | 3 |
| Humanities Core | 3 |
| Social Sciences Core | 3 |
Summer Semester
| BUL2242 | Business Law II | 3 |
| Natural Sciences Core | 3 |
Year 2
1st Semester
| SPC2608 | Oral Communications/Research/Presentation Skills | 3 |
| PLA2201 | Civil Litigation | 3 |
| PLA2610 | Property Law | 3 |
| PLA2114 | Legal Research and Writing II | 3 |
| | |
| LIT2110 | Masterpieces of World Literature I | 3 |
| OR | |
| LIT2120 | Masterpieces of World Literature II | 3 |
| OR | |
| AML2600 | Introduction to African American Literature | 3 |
2nd Semester
Total Credit Hours: 64