Level II Certificate & AAS, Paralegal Studies

Additional information: Reference the SHSU Polytechnic College page for additional information.

Program Description

The Paralegal Studies Program is designed to equip students with the practical knowledge and skills required to support legal professionals in a variety of settings, including law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in legal theory, ethics, and procedural law, while also providing students with hands-on experience in legal research, document drafting, case management, and client interactions. This program prepares graduates to perform essential paralegal tasks such as conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, and assisting attorneys in case preparation and trial proceedings. Through a combination of coursework and real-world experiences, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, effective communication, and a thorough understanding of the legal system. Upon completion of the program, students will be well-prepared to enter the workforce as competent paralegals or legal assistants, or to continue their studies in law or related fields.

Statewide Industry Highlights

  •    Current Workforce: 9,260
  •    Average Salary: $55,200
  •    Open Positions: 1,140
    Data provided by Lightcast, 2024
Level II Certificate, Paralegal Studies
LGLA 1303: Legal Research3
LGLA 1305: Legal Writing3
LGLA 1311: Introduction to Law3
LGLA 1313: Introduction to Paralegal Studies3
LGLA 1317: Law Office Technology3
LGLA 1345: Civil Litigation3
LGLA 1355: Family Law3
LGLA 2035: Interviewing and Investigating3
LGLA 2307: Law Office Management or LGLA 1380: Cooperative Ed I, Paralegal Assistant (CO-OP) 13
LGLA 2331: Advanced Legal Research & Writing 3
Total Hours30

Note: The Level II certificate program stacks into the AAS curriculum.  

1

Choose one of the courses listed. 

AAS, Paralegal Studies
COMS 2386Interpersonal Communication 13
ENGL 1301Composition I 23
MATH 1332College Mathematics 33
PHIL 1301Introduction to Philosophy 43
POLS 2306Texas Government 53
LGLA 1303: Legal Research3
LGLA 1305: Legal Writing3
LGLA 1311: Introduction to Law3
LGLA 1313: Introduction to Paralegal Studies3
LGLA 1317: Law Office Technology 3
LGLA 1345: Civil Litigation3
LGLA 1350: Contracts 3
LGLA 1355: Family Law3
LGLA 2035: Interviewing and Investigating3
LGLA 2307: Law Office Management or LGLA 1380: Cooperative Ed I , Paralegal Assistant (CO-OP) 63
LGLA 2331: Advanced Legal Research & Writing 3
LGLA 2333: Advanced Legal Document Preparation3
LGLA 2337: Mediation3
LGLA 2339: Certified Paralegal Exam Review (Capstone) or LGLA 2381: Cooperative Ed II, Paralegal Assistant (CO-OP) 73
LGLA 2352: Advanced Civil Litigation 3
Total Hours60
1

COMS 2386 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences). 

2

ENGL 1301 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area I (Communications).

3

MATH 1332 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area II (Mathematics).

4

PHIL 1301 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture). 

5

POLS 2306 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VII (Political Science/Government).

6

Choose one of the courses listed. 

7

Choose one of the courses listed. 

Additional information: Reference the SHSU Polytechnic College page for additional information.

Level II Certificate, Paralegal Studies

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
LGLA 1303: Legal Research3LGLA 1345: Civil Litigation3
LGLA 1305: Legal Writing3LGLA 1355: Family Law3
LGLA 1311: Introduction to Law3LGLA 2305: Interviewing and Investigating3
LGLA 1313: Introduction to Paralegal Studies3LGLA 2307: Law Office Management or LGLA 1380: Cooperative Ed I, Paralegal Assistant (CO-OP)13
LGLA 1317: Law Office Technology 3LGLA 2331: Advanced Legal Research & Writing 3
 15 15
Total Hours: 30

Note: This Level II certificate program stacks into the AAS curriculum.

1

Choose one of the courses listed. 

AAS, Paralegal Studies 

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
LGLA 1303: Legal Research3LGLA 1345: Civil Litigation3
LGLA 1305: Legal Writing3LGLA 1355: Family Law3
LGLA 1311: Introduction to Law3LGLA 2035: Interviewing and Investigating3
LGLA 1313: Introduction to Paralegal Studies3LGLA 2307: Law Office Management or LGLA 1380: Cooperative Ed I, Paralegal Assistant (CO-OP)13
LGLA 1317: Law Office Technology 3LGLA 2331: Advanced Legal Research & Writing 3
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ENGL 130123COMS 238653
LGLA 1350: Contracts3LGLA 2337: Mediation3
LGLA 2333: Advanced Legal Document Preparation3LGLA 2339: Certified Paralegal Exam Review (Capstone) or LGLA 2381: Cooperative Ed II, Paralegal Assistant (CO-OP)63
MATH 133233LGLA 2352: Advanced Civil Litigation3
POLS 230643PHIL 130173
 15 15
Total Hours: 60
1

Choose one of the courses listed.

2

ENGL 1301 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area I (Communications).

3

MATH 1332 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area II (Mathematics).

4

POLS 2306 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VII (Political Science/Government).

5

COMS 2386 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences).

6

Choose one of the courses listed.

7

PHIL 1301 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture).

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers. Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The Level II Certificate and AAS Program in Paralegal Studies is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

  • Use legal terminology to create documents and presentations, and to compose correspondence and legal documents.
  • Search and analyze law literature from primary and secondary sources.
  • Use common law office technology such as databases and electronic filing systems.
  • Assist with client and witness interviews and legal investigations.
  • Understand the ethical obligations of the profession and possess the ability to communicate effectively and professionally in oral and written communication.