Paralegal Certificate (PLS) You will learn the fundamental skills necessary for an entry-level position in a legal setting such as a law office, courthouse, administrative agency, corporate in-house counsel office, or insurance company. This certificate introduces you to the paralegal field, to several areas of substantive law, to the basics of legal analysis and research, and is a good introduction to MWCC’s Paralegal Studies Degree. Number PLS101 ENG101 CIS127 or CIS120 BUS211 PLS110 PLS250
Suggested Course Order Introduction to Law English Composition I Computer Technologies or Microcomputer Applications Business Law I Litigation Legal Research and Writing I Restrictive Elective
Cr Semester Grade Prerequisites/Notes 3 ENG100, RDG100, or placement 3 ENG100, RDG100, or placement 3 ENG100, RDG100, or placement MAT100, RDG100, or placement 3 ENG100, RDG100, or placement 3 ENG100, RDG100, or placement 4 ENG101 Electives: All PLS courses, ACC101, 3 ACC102, BUS212, CIS121, CIS123, CJU133, CJU134, ECO101, ECO102, ENG106, ENG239, ENG240, HIS121, MKT142, MKT241, POL250, PSY246 Note: See above Restrictive Elective Restrictive Elective 3 Note: See above Restrictive Elective Restrictive Elective 3 Total: 28 credits
See page 149 of the college catalog for technical standards.
Campus/format: This program can be completed online or during the day or evening at the Gardner or Leominster Campus. Helpful hints: Students enrolling in the Paralegal Practicum must contact the program coordinator for approval and available options: (978) 630-9359. Transfer options: Some courses may be applied to MWCC’s Paralegal or General Studies Degree. Consult with your academic adviser. Special requirements: Technical standards must be met with or without accommodations. Career options: Administrative assistant, paralegal, law clerk, document clerk, or legal assistant in the private or public sector. Earning potential: $31,921 to $52,717 per year; varies greatly depending on education, training, experience, employer, and geographic location.
147 MWCC 2008-09 College Catalog & Student Handbook