Program Details
Program Details

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
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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
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Credential That Prepares You For This Program
Credential
Certificate in Legal Administration
Link
Program Credit Requirements
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Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf 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.

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies
62
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies
62
Course Grad Req 260 (2024-25 Catalog)
62
1st Semester Requirements
16
Student Development Requirement
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ENG 111 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ITE 152 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 125 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 110 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 215 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
2nd Semester Requirements
16
LGL 130 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 230 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 126 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 216 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 217 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 200 Requirement
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
3rd Semester Requirements
15
LGL 115 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 117 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 218 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PLS 135 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MTH 154 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
4th Semester Requirements
15
HIS 121 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 298 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PHI 220 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 235 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
LGL 225 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Residency
62
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 46 credits may be applied to this program.
GPA
62
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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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
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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
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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 CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies - General Practice SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies - Litigation SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in Business Administration- Paralegal Studies SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Mountain Empire Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal StudiesAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeParalegal Studies, A.A.S.AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Paralegal StudiesAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Paralegal StudiesAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Regent UniversityB.S. in Paralegal StudiesBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearOnline
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
23-2099.00Legal Support Workers, All OtherAll legal support workers not listed separately.Legal Occupations
23-2011.00Paralegals and Legal AssistantsAssist 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
23-2093.00Title Examiners, Abstractors, and SearchersSearch 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
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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

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies 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 $163 Per Credit $10,106 $0 $10,106
Fees
Student Activity Fee $2 Per Credit $124 0 $124
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.