Paralegal Studies - Bachelor of Applied Science

College of Policy, Ethics and Legal Studies

LEGAL-BAS

Program Leadership Information

Dr. Susan Demers
Dean
Demers.Susan@spcollege.edu
(727) 791-2501

Program Summary

The Paralegal Studies BAS program is designed to train students for careers as paralegals in law firms, governmental entities and corporate legal departments. Paralegals work under the supervision of attorneys to provide non-clerical professional support in the delivery of legal services to clients and the community. Paralegals are not licensed to practice law.

The Academic Pathway is a tool for students that lists the following items:
  • the recommended order in which to take the program courses
  • suggested course when more than one option exists
  • which semester each course is typically offered
  • if the course has a prerequisite
  • courses that may lead to a certificate (if offered in the program)
If you are starting the program this term, click here to access the recommended Academic Pathway.

If you have already started the program, click one of the following for the archived Academic Pathways. Please verify the Academic Pathway lists your correct starting semester.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Acquire and implement advanced critical thinking and analytical skills needed to effectively problem solve.
  2. Demonstrate the appropriate use of communication and organizational skills within and outside the legal system
  3. Execute the technical skills, including legal research and writing, needed to succeed in the legal profession.
  4. Exhibit the ability to deliver professional and ethical legal services in a culturally and locally appropriate manner.
  5. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of the American legal system.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree Admission Guides outline criteria specific to each program including course requirements, GPA and the application process.

Graduation Requirements

FOREIGN LANGUAGE: If you have not completed two consecutive years of the same foreign language in high school or 8 credits in college, you will need to complete 8 credits of foreign language before completing the B.A.S. program.

CIVIC LITERACY: As per Florida Rule 6A-10.04213, baccalaureate degree students entering a Florida College System (FCS) or State University System (SUS) institution in the 2021-2022 academic school year and thereafter must demonstrate competency through successful completion of a civic literacy course AND by achieving a passing score on the Florida Civic Literacy Examination (FCLE).

Program Requirements

ADMISSIONS COURSES
AA Degree or AS Degree
Credits 60
60
ADMISSIONS COURSES
ADDITIONAL GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES - Grade of “C” or higher
Credits 15
For A.S. degree holders, an additional 15-21 general education credits are required to complete the thirty-six (36) credit hour general education requirement of St. Petersburg College.
Enhanced World View Course
 
A. COMMUNICATIONS
9
B. HUMANITIES/FINE ARTS
6
C. MATHEMATICS
6
D. NATURAL & PHYSICAL SCIENCES
6
E. SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
6
F. ETHICS
3
G. COMPUTER/INFORMATION LITERACY COMPETENCY
 
MAJOR CORE COURSES
Grade of “C” or higher required for all upper-division courses
Credits 18
PLA 3885
United States Constitutional Law (Active)
3
PLA 4116
Legal Writing Seminar (Active)
3
PLA 3723
Logic and the Law (Active)
3
PLA 4830
Comparative Legal Systems (Active)
3
PLA 3703
Seminar in Professional Responsibility (Active)
3
PLA 3734
Computers and the Law Office (Active)
3
MAJOR CORE COURSES
REQUIRED FINAL COURSE - Last Semester for All Students
Credits 3
PLA 4941
Paralegal Studies Capstone (Active)
3
MAJOR ELECTIVE COURSES
Complete 24 credits - Grade of “C” or higher required for all upper-division courses
Credits 24
Complete a total of 24 credits of upper division PLA coursework. Within the 24 credits students may complete up to 12 credits of upper division BUL, PAD and/or PUP coursework as part of this requirement.
MAJOR ELECTIVE COURSES
PLA, BUL, PAD, PUP Elective Courses (Complete 12 credits)
Credits 0
BUL 3XXX Any 3000 level BUL prefix course BUL 4XXX Any 4000 level BUL prefix course PAD 3XXX Any 3000 level PAD prefix course PAD 4XXX Any 4000 level PAD prefix course PLA 3XXX Any 3000 level PLA prefix course PLA 4XXX Any 4000 level PLA prefix course PUP 3XXX Any 3000 level PUP prefix course PUP 4XXX Any 4000 level PUP prefix course
 

PUP 4949 is excluded from elective options

MAJOR ELECTIVE COURSES
PLA Elective Courses (Complete a minimum of 12 credits)
Credits  
PLA 3XXX Any 3000 level PLA prefix course PLA 4XXX Any 4000 level PLA prefix course
 
Total: 120