Paralegal, Associate in Applied Science
College(s):
HW WRProgram Code: 0304
The Associate in Applied Science degree in Paralegal prepares students with the skills to become highly trained paralegals to meet the needs of corporations, law firms and offices, and other sectors where law-related work is performed. Program completion can lead to employment in any area where law-related work is conducted. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. The program is approved by the American Bar Association at Wright College.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Coursework | ||
| ENGLISH 101 | Composition | 3 |
| ENGLISH 102 | Composition | 3 |
| SPEECH 101 | Fundamentals Of Speech Communication | 3 |
| Humanities courses | 6 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences courses | 6 | |
| General Education Human Diversity course | 3 | |
| Required Program Core | ||
| BUSINES 147 | 3 | |
| BUSINES 148 | 3 | |
| BUSINES 149 | 3 | |
| BUSINES 150 | 3 | |
| BUSINES 219 | 3 | |
| BUSINES 222 | 3 | |
| BUSINES 223 | 3 | |
| BUSINES 224 | 3 | |
| BUSINES 225 | 3 | |
| BUSINES 238 | 3 | |
| Program Electives | ||
| Select a minimum of 6 credit hours of the following: 1 | 6 | |
BUSINES 220 | ||
BUSINES 226 | 1 | |
BUSINES 227 | ||
BUSINES 229 | ||
BUSINES 239 | ||
BUSINES 240 | 1 | |
| Total Hours | 60 | |
| 1 | One of the courses must be BUSINES 226 or BUSINES 240 . |
Pathway
This is an example course sequence for students interested in Paralegal. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If this pathway is followed as outlined, you will earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree. All prescribed courses on this pathway are required for the degree. Courses may not be substituted. Students should meet with a College Advisor for selection of elective courses.
The AAS program at Wright College is approved by the American Bar Association. As a result, students wishing to graduate from the Wright College Paralegal Program will need to take all of their Paralegal (Business) courses at Wright College (with the exception of General Education courses).
Choose your courses with your College Advisor.
Semester-by-Semester Program Plan for Full-Time Students
All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students by adding more semesters.
| Semester 1 | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGLISH 101 | Composition 1 | 3 |
| BUSINES 238 | 3 | |
| BUSINES 149 | 3 | |
| BUSINES 147 | 3 | |
| BUSINES 148 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| ENGLISH 102 | Composition 1 | 3 |
| BUSINES 222 | 3 | |
| BUSINES 219 | 3 | |
| BUSINES 223 | 3 | |
| BUSINES 150 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| BUSINES 224 | 3 | |
| BUSINES 225 | 3 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences course 1 | 3 | |
| Program Elective 2 | 3 | |
| BUSINES 226 or BUSINES 240 |
2 or |
3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| Humanities course 1 | 3 | |
| Humanities course 1 | 3 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences course 1 | 3 | |
| Any IAI Approved Human Diversity course 1 | 3 | |
| SPEECH 101 | Fundamentals Of Speech Communication 1 | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 60 | |
| 1 | General Education Requirement |
| 2 |
Program Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BUSINES 220 | 3 | |
| BUSINES 226 | 1 | 3 |
| BUSINES 227 | 3 | |
| BUSINES 228 | 3 | |
| BUSINES 229 | 3 | |
| BUSINES 239 | 3 | |
| BUSINES 240 | 1 | 3 |
| 1 | Must take BUSINES 226 or BUSINES 240 . If a student chooses to take both BUSINES 226 and BUSINES 240 , one course may be used as the Program Elective Requirement. |
Choose your courses with your College Advisor.
Careers
This program can prepare students for the jobs listed below. Click on each one to learn more, including average earnings, annual job openings, and how much education people in that field have. For additional guidance and resources on career options, current City Colleges students and alumni can contact the Career Services Office.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Job Description
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.
Salary Based on Experience Level
Take a look at the average hourly/annual earnings for this career in Cook County
Emsi earnings figures are based on OES data from the BLS and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
Annual Wages
| Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $37,962 |
|---|---|
| Median 50th Percentile | $62,268 |
| Senior-Level 90th Percentile | $96,481 |
Hourly Wages
| Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $18 |
|---|---|
| Median 50th Percentile | $30 |
| Senior-Level 90th Percentile | $46 |
Annual Job Openings
1129 annual openings in Cook County
National Education Attainment
Here, you can see the level of education that people in this career complete.
| Degree Program | % of Jobs |
|---|---|
| A high school diploma or less | 3.42% |
| A certificate | 7.25% |
| Some college | 0.00% |
| An Associate degree | 50.23% |
| A Bachelor's degree | 39.10% |
| A Master's or Professional degree | 0.00% |
| A Doctoral degree or more | 0.00% |
39.10% continue their education beyond an associate degree