Associate of Applied Science Degree
Program Coordinator: Nan Jones, LRC 212, Ext. 2465 Length: Four Semesters (two years)
Purpose: The curriculum is designed to provide an individual with a sufficient level of knowledge, understanding, and proficiency to perform specific tasks in a legal environment. A legal assistant will have a basic understanding of the general processes of American law, and will have the knowledge and proficiency to perform specific tasks under the supervision of a lawyer.
Occupational Objectives: The Administrative Support Technology with a Specialization in Legal Assisting will help prepare you for a wide range of entry level positions in the legal fields with opportunities in: Law Firms Private Corporations Mortgage Companies Government Banks Administrative Agencies Title Insurance Companies
Admissions Requirements: In addition to the admission requirements established for the college, entry into the Associate of Applied Science Degree curriculum in Administrative Support Technology requires proficiency in high school English and mathematics. Students who are not proficient in English and mathematics will be required to correct their deficiencies in developmental courses.
Advanced Placement: Students who have completed training in Office Technology courses at the high school level or who have had appropriate occupational experience may apply for advance placement with credit. Credit by examination will be the basis upon which such advance placement will be granted. Through a special examination program, it will be possible for a student to exempt a portion of the typewriting requirement. Students currently holding either the CPS or PLS certification may also be granted up to 25 semester hours of credit. The student may then elect to enroll in an accelerated program to complete the AAS degree requirements in less than two years or take appropriate advanced courses for further occupational preparation.
Program Requirements: The two-year curriculum in Administrative Support Technology combines instruction in the many areas required for competence as a legal assistant in business, government, industry, law offices, and other organizations. The curriculum will include courses in Administrative Support Technology, specialized courses in legal assisting, general education and electives. Students are advised to consult with their faculty advisor and counselor in planning their programs. Upon satisfactory completion of the four semester curriculum listed below, the graduate will be awarded the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Technology with a major in Administrative Support Technology - Specialization in Legal Assisting.
Notes on Transfer: Associate of Applied Science Degree programs are designed primarily to provide occupational competence for employment entry. Upon the student’s request, courses may be modified to provide possible transfer acceptability by four-year colleges and universities. LGL 110, 127 and 215 are not designed to transfer to a baccalaureate program. Transfer options are listed in the footnotes.
Administrative Support Technology – Specialization in Legal Assisting
First Semester (Fall)
Course Number
Course Title
Lec. Hrs.
Lab Hrs.
Crs.
ENG 111
College Composition I
3
0
SDV 101
Orientation to College Success
1
AST 101
1*Keyboarding I
4
MTH 141
2*Business Math
LGL 110
Intro. to Law and Legal Assistance
AST 107
Proofreading and Editing
Total
17
Second Semester (Spring)
AST 102
Keyboarding II
AST 137
Records Management
LGL 127
Legal Research and Writing
AST 141
Word Processing I
EEE
3*Social Science Elective
PED
4*Physical Education
2-3
16
Third Semester (Fall)
AST 154
Voice Recognition Applications
2
AST 232
Microcomputer Office Applications
AST 230
Intro. To Office Technology
LGL 215
Torts
AST 205
Business Communications
AST 238
Word Processing Advanced Operations
Fourth Semester (Spring)
AST 236
Specialized Software Applications
AST 240
Machine Transcription
AST 206
Professional Development
5*Humanities Elective
AST 136
6*Office Record Keeping
15
Total Minimum Credits for AAS Degree.............................67
Notes The above semester-by semester sequence of courses may be modified when necessary. Please meet with your faculty advisor for a discussion of factors which affect planning and sequencing in this program of study.
Footnotes*
1. Students who pass the Keyboarding Exemption Test will be granted credit for this course. Testing date is published in the class schedule.
2. Transfer students should check the math requirements at respective four year schools of interest.
3. Social Science electives include any course in economics, geography, history, political science/government, sociology, and /or psychology.
4. Students may substitute any HLT (Health) course for Physical Education requirement. Transfer students should note that four-year institutions may require a PED activity course in the general core.
5. Humanities elective include: ART 201, 202; foreign languages; HUM 201, 202; MUS 121, 122; PHI 101; REL 200, 210, 230; CST 130, 151, 152.
6. ACC 211 should be taken in place of AST 136 if you intend to transfer.