Program Details

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies

Associate of Applied Science

Laurel Ridge Community College

This degree gives students the knowledge and skills necessary to become a paralegal and perform effectively as a legal assistant.

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Web Page

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External Link

Delivery Mode

In-Person

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Delivery Mode

Online

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Delivery Mode

Hybrid

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Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree	Designed to provide an individual with a sufficient level of knowledge, understanding and proficiency to perform the tasks in meeting client needs which can be performed by a trained, non-lawyer assistant working under the direction and supervision of a licensed attorney. The occupational objectives include employment in public and private organizations as a legal assistant, paralegal or legal research assistant.
Considerations When Selecting Courses	Degree is designed for students to gain an understanding of fundamental legal concepts through coursework followed by substantive law courses. The curriculum is structured with this in mind. Therefore courses should be taken in the order listed in in the program. Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year Connect with an advisor at your community college and Laurel Ridge Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree	This degree is designed to prepare graduates for a number of positions in the legal field upon graduation and not designed for transfer to a four-year educational institution. However a small number of former graduates have continued their education at four-year colleges and universities.
Program Successes & Highlights

Related Programs & Certifications

Credential That Prepares You For This Program

Credential

Certificate in Legal Administration

Link

Program Credit Requirements

Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:

Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.

If you are interested in the cost of attending this institution, please visit the institution's cost page to review costs

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	Students transferring to Laurel Ridge with an Associate Degree or higher already completed will be able to transfer in applicable credits to their degree and will have SDV 100 waived.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	Laurel Ridge does not distinguish between students earning an associate degree while in high school or after high school graduation.
Credit for Prior Learning	https://laurelridge.edu/credit-for-prior-learning/
Did You Know That...	Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree? Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Laurel Ridge Community College

College Level Information

Transfer Center

Visit our transfer site for more information

External Link

Transfer Admission Application

Transfer Students - Apply Here

External Link

Transfer Student Aid

Financial Aid for Transfer Students

External Link

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	Our classes feature up-to-date technology and course content to prepare you for a competitive job market. We offer many courses that will transfer to colleges all over Virginia and the nation. Our student life team offers many ways for students to get involved including clubs, activities, and volunteer opportunities.
Transfer Student Catalog Year	The catalog year in effect at the time a student was formally admitted into their curriculum at Laurel Ridge.
First Year Student Catalog Year	Catalog placement is tied to semester start selected in the application.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	https://laurelridge.edu/transfer/

Where Can This Degree Transfer

This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution	Title	Degree	Award Name	Award Level	Delivery Mode
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies - General Practice Specialization	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies - Litigation Specialization	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration- Paralegal Studies Specialization	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Mountain Empire Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies Degree	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Studies	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies Degree	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
23-2099.00	Legal Support Workers, All Other	All legal support workers not listed separately.	Legal Occupations
23-2011.00	Paralegals and Legal Assistants	Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.	Legal Occupations
23-2093.00	Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers	Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.	Legal Occupations

Cost To Complete

This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 62 credits remaining to be completed

Residence State

Delivery Mode

Service Member?

Service Status *

Branch

GI Bill (for Spouses/Dependants)

Disability Discharge

Residence City

Hours to Complete Degree *

Minimum Term of Active Duty

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Estimated Cost for the Plan Name Not Provided at Laurel Ridge Community College These costs are based on an estimated 4 semesters or 2 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category	Cost	Basis	Cost (To You)	Estimated Benefits	Net Cost	Notes
Tuition	$168	Per Credit	$10,416	$0	$10,416
Fees
Student Activity Fee	$3	Per Credit	$186	0	$186
Auxiliary Fee	$4	Per Credit	$248	0	$248

*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.

Tuition & Fee Notes:

Additional Fees
- Some courses include materials fees in the cost of tuition or use free materials, and other courses require students to purchase texbooks or other materials. Laurel Ridge does not charge fees for parking or graduation. Tuition and fees are the same regardless of whether students attend online or in person. Tuition and Fees are subject to change.

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:

You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.