Notice: Due to revisions in the American Bar Association Guidelines, we can no longer offer the paralegal certificate online. We continue to offer a Bachelor's Degree, Associate Degree, and Certificate in Paralegal Studies on our campus.
The Mount's Paralegal Studies program, approved by the American Bar Association since 1992, is designed to prepare men and women to become paralegals - professionals who perform substantive legal work under the supervision of a lawyer. A paralegal performs many of the functions of a lawyer, such as interviewing clients, acquiring factual data, drafting court pleadings and legal documents, and researching statutes, cases and legal source material. A paralegal is not licensed to practice law. The Mount's program also provides those students who wish to become practicing attorneys with an excellent opportunity to prepare for law school.
The Mount's Paralegal Studies program offers both general preparation for the profession and concentration in specific areas of the law, providing a broad base of knowledge for practicing paralegals. The program of study emphasizes theoretical and practical information in many important legal areas, such as the fundamentals of manual and computer based legal research, proficiency in legal writing, and the development of the professional skill of "learning."
Students also develop an understanding of the values underlying the legal system and of the ethical considerations arising in paralegal practice. The program promotes an understanding of how the individual student fits into the legal system, both as a professional and as a citizen.
The program prepares students to think critically, analyze facts and concepts, synthesize information, and articulate concepts and information verbally and in writing. These capabilities are essential to the effective paralegal.
Georgana Taggart, J.D., serves as program director for the Mount's Paralegal Studies program. Courses are taught by practicing lawyers with expertise in a variety of legal areas. To learn more about Dr. Taggart, visit the Behavioral Sciences Department faculty page or Dr. Taggart's homepage.
Some paralegal studies classes can be taken online through a Web-based course of instruction.
Program Requirements
Major in Paralegal Studies - Associate in Arts Degree
Major in Paralegal Studies - Bachelor of Arts Degree
Certificate in Paralegal Studies
Learning Outcomes