Program Details
Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
Associate of Applied ScienceVirginia Peninsula Community College
The curriculum is designed to provide students with entry-level knowledge and proficiency needed to provide legal services to clients under the direction and supervision of an attorney in a variety of legal specializations and working environments. Both the Legal Assistant (261) Certificate and the AAS Paralegal Studies will prepare students for entry into the workforce. Upon successful completion of the certificate plan, students will have completed approximately fifty percent of this two-year program. This Paralegal Studies program will prepare students with foundational knowledge and skills to take the national Certified Paralegal Exam (CPE) offered through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), as well as for possible transfer of a significant portion of coursework to 4-year institutions.
Program Overview & Guidance
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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| Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | |
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Program Credit Requirements
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.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | VPCC waives the SDV 100 requirement for all students transferring with a previously earned degree, regardless of whether it was earned in high school (via dual enrollment) or afterward. Please submit your transcripts for evaluation to receive transfer credit. For additional information check out https://www.vpcc.edu/academics/transfer/transfer-to-vpcc/ |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | VPCC waives the SDV 100 requirement for all students transferring with a previously earned degree, regardless of whether it was earned in high school (via dual enrollment) or afterward. Please submit your transcripts for evaluation to receive transfer credit. For additional information check out https://www.vpcc.edu/academics/transfer/transfer-to-vpcc/ |
| Credit for Prior Learning | Please submit your transcripts and records of professional certifications and licenses, military service, and exam grades for evaluation of credit for prior learning. For additional information check out https://www.vpcc.edu/academics/transfer/transfer-to-vpcc/ |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) provides affordable, high-quality education and workforce training for residents of the Virginia Peninsula. With flexible schedules, convenient locations, small classes for personalized attention, and strong industry partnerships, VPCC prepares students for seamless four-year university transfers or in-demand careers. VPCC offers scholarships, internships, and are nationally recognized for supporting military families. For additional information check out https://www.vpcc.edu/admissions/ |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | The student's catalog year determined by their first semester of attendance and program placement. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance and program placement |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Virginia's community colleges offer students more than the opportunity to earn a degree or certificate; they provide a gateway to the Commonwealth's four-year colleges. Through system-wide negotiated agreements, students who graduate from a Virginia community college with an associate degree and the minimum grade point average required by the four-year college are guaranteed admission to many of the Commonwealth's colleges and universities. Students should review the Guaranteed Admissions Agreement for the four-year institution they wish to attend to learn more about the process: https://www.vpcc.edu/academics/transfer/guaranteed-admission-agreements/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.
| 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 |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
| Mountain Empire Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, 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