2001-2002 UAF Catalog

Degrees and Programs

Paralegal Studies

College of Rural Alaska
Tanana Valley Campus
(907) 474-7400

Degree: A.A.S.

Minimum Requirements for Degree: 60 credits

The objectives of the paralegal studies program are to: (1) train students for employment as paralegals in law offices, under the supervision of a practicing lawyer, where the paralegal can assist in the economical and efficient delivery of legal services, and (2) provide opportunities for continuing education and upgrading of existing skills for paralegals already gainfully employed in the local job market, and (3) provide practical law-related topics for UAF students whose main focus is in other law-related areas of study such as political science and justice.

Upon graduation with a degree in paralegal studies, students will be qualified to perform rudimentary legal research, produce drafts of letters, office memoranda, pleadings, contracts, wills, and similar legal documents, conduct client and witness interviews, engage in basic fact-finding and investigation, assist in trial preparation and discovery, at all times being cognizant of the ethical responsibilities owed by the supervising lawyer to clients, other lawyers and the court system.

Note: Graduates are not authorized to provide direct legal services to the public. The paralegal studies program provides training for paralegals/legal assistants who are authorized to perform substantive legal work under the supervision of a lawyer. The program does not train lawyers or legal administrators.

Undergraduate Program

Major

Paralegal Studies -- A.A.S. Degree

  1. Complete ENGL 111X with a grade of C or better prior to admission to the program.
  2. Complete the general university requirements.
  3. Complete the A.A.S. degree requirements. (As part of the A.A.S. degree requirements, complete PS 101*.)
  4. Complete the following:*
    CIOS 150 -- Computer Applications (3 credits)
    PLS 101 -- Introduction to Paralegal Studies (3 credits)
    PLS 203 -- Torts (3 credits)
    PLS 210 -- Civil Procedure (3 credits)
    PLS 213 -- Criminal Law for Paralegals (3 credits)
    PLS 215 -- Contracts/Real Property (3 credits)
    PLS 240 -- Family Law (3 credits)
    PLS 299 -- Paralegal Studies Practicum (3 credits)
    PS 303 -- Politics and the Judicial Process (3 credits)
    PS 404 -- Introduction to Legal Research and Writing (3 credits)
    PS 435W -- Constitutional Law I: Institutions and Governmental Powers (3 credits)
         or PS 436 -- Constitutional Law II: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (3 credits)
  5. Complete general electives** (12 credits)
  6. Minimum credits required (60 credits)

* Student must earn a C grade or better in each PLS, PS and CIOS course.

**Recommended electives: ABUS 154, 241,241, ANS 310, 425, CIOS 160, 206, 260, JRN 413, JUST 251, PLS 293 (Employment and Administrative Law, PLS 293 (Probate law), PS 300X and 330.

Note: Students interested in the paralegal studies degree should consult the program coordinator before enrolling in paralegal classes. Transfer credits for paralegal courses completed at other institutions are subject to approval by the program coordinator.

Minor

  1. Complete the following:
    PLS 101 -- Introduction to Paralegal Studies (3 credits)
    PLS 203 -- Torts (3 credits)
    PLS 210 -- Civil Procedure (3 credits)
    PLS 213 -- Criminal Law for Paralegals (3 credits)
    PLS 215 -- Contracts/Real Property (3 credits)
    PLS 240 -- Family Law (3 credits)
  2. Minimum credits required (18 credits)