Paralegal, A.A.S.
Be a Legal Eagle! Sharpen Your Paralegal Skills for Career or Transfer.
You have a keen interest in law and admirable attention to detail. Earn a Paralegal (PAL) A.A.S. degree at DCC to jumpstart your paralegal career or transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree. Build a solid foundation in legal studies, business, research and communication. Assist lawyers in law firms, banks and corporations.
Credits in law, legal writing and research, business, and more
Years of full-time study for most students (earning college credits in high school can save time)
After graduation — go to work right away or transfer to complete a bachelor's degree
What You Study in Our Paralegal A.A.S. Program
Develop top-notch communication skills, research savvy, and diverse subject knowledge. Your newly acquired expertise boosts your job prospects and marketability.
Learn to confidently work with attorneys and clients. Specialize with courses in family law, wills and estates, business law, and real estate. Discover how to research legal questions and write accurate and thorough legal documents.
VIEW FULL CATALOGSample Courses
PAL 151: Introduction to Law
Overview of the law, courts, and dispute-resolution options, with focus on administrative
and constitutional law.
BUS 215: Business Law I
Intro to the legal environment in with businesses work — business-related torts, intellectual
property, contracts, and more.
CRJ 265: Criminal Law and Procedure
Study of laws that define "street crime" and "white-collar crime," and how police
and others enforce them.
Where Do Paralegal Grads Go?
Transform your associate degree into a bachelor’s degree. DCC grads successfully go on to four-year programs at:
- Culinary Institute of America
- Marist College
- SUNY Albany
- SUNY Canton
- SUNY New Paltz
- SUNY Oswego
- Quinnipiac University
What Paralegals Do
Work settings for legal assistants are versatile and fast-paced – law firms, banks, corporations, or government agencies. On a day-to-day basis, you work closely with attorneys to manage legal matters, juggling a large amount of confidential information. Assist with legal research, documents, and service to clients.
What You Learn at DCC
This paralegal associate degree prepares you for success in the legal field. Develop a deep understanding of:
- Roles of paralegals in our legal system
- Ethical issues you might encounter as a paralegal
- How to analyze and resolve legal problems
- Legal research that is accurate, efficient and effective
- Analytical writing and better written communications
- Print and digital resources used for legal research
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How to Make DCC Work for You
Contact Us
Office of Admissions
101 Orcutt Student Services Center
Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Phone: (845) 431-8010
Email: admissions@sunydutchess.edu
53 Pendell Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601