For
Program Information please contact:
Carter, Karen,
Chair
Room 2236
Atlanta Technical College
1560 Metropolitan Parkway
Atlanta GA 30310
404.225.4534.
kcarter@atlantatech.edu
PARALEGAL STUDIES- DIPLOMA
The Paralegal Studies program provides educational opportunities to individuals that will
enable them to succeed as paralegals. The general studies component of the curriculum is added to
develop written, oral, and analytical skills and to provide breadth to the curriculum in the area of
humanities, behavioral sciences, and mathematics. Students are provided training in the areas of
legal ethics, the court system, and interviewing skills. Particular emphasis is placed on developing
communications skills and legal research ability. Special importance is given throughout the program
to impress upon students the legal proscription against the unauthorized practice of law by anyone who
is not a licensed attorney. The high ethical duties attendant to the attorney- client relationship are
also emphasized during the program of study and how paralegals are bound to maintain high ethical standards
when assisting attorneys with the efficient and competent delivery of legal services to clients.
This program provides students with the skills necessary to obtain entry-level career positions.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
ATC’s Career Placement Office is available to assist students in finding employment in their occupational fields.
Location: Cleveland Dennard Building, Suite 128
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
* Must be 16 years of age
* Official high school or GED transcript is required
to apply
* Achievement of minimum program admission
scores in Reading, Language, and Math
* Transfer of previous post secondary credits will be
determined by the registrar.
Student Performance/Graduation Requirements: Students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average and complete all required courses to graduate.
CORE COURSES
Curriculum
|
Essential General Core Courses
|
| 1. Courses |
|
Credits
|
| ENG 191 |
Composition and Rhetoric I |
5
|
| SPC 191 |
Business Communications |
5
|
| PSY 191 |
Introductory Psychology |
5
|
| SOC 191 |
Introduction to Sociology |
5
|
| MAT 191 |
College Algebra |
5
|
| |
OR |
|
| MAT 196 |
Contemporary Math |
(5)
|
|
Total |
25
|
|
2. Essential Occupational Courses
|
| SCT 100 |
Introduction to Computers |
3
|
| PLS 101 |
Introduction to Law and Ethics |
4
|
| PLS 102 |
Legal Research |
5
|
| PLS 103 |
Legal writing |
5
|
| PLS 104 |
Family Law |
4
|
| PLS 108 |
Criminal Law & Criminal Procedures |
5
|
| PLS 111 |
Tort Law |
5
|
| PLS 112 |
Law Office Management |
5
|
| PLS 120 |
Bankruptcy/Debtor-Creditor Relations |
5
|
| |
OR |
|
| PLS 121 |
Health Care Law |
8
|
| PLS xxx |
Electives |
5
|
|
Total |
48
|
| |
|
|
| |
Minimum Quarter-hour Credits Required for Graduation |
73
|
| |
Minimum Program Length in Quarters |
4
|
| |
Estimated Program Cost |
$3,853
|
|