Paralegal Studies AAS

Do you have strong research, writing, and organizational skills? Are you interested in going into the legal field and possibly becoming a lawyer? A paralegal career is a great way to start! Paralegals work under the direction of a lawyer making decisions that call for understanding basic legal concepts, managing information, and preparing documents in specialized areas of the law. Typical job duties of a paralegal include:

  • Interviewing clients and potential witnesses
  • Preparing trial evidence
  • Maintaining case files
  • Summarizing depositions
  • Researching legal issues
  • Writing briefs, interoffice memos, contracts, interrogatories, and letters

Our Paralegal Studies advisory committee is made up of lawyers, judges, paralegals, and professors, so courses emphasize subject matter that’s most sought after and applicable to this region.

Upon completing this degree, you’ll be qualified to work as a paralegal in law offices, State and Federal Court systems, and for non-profits and corporations.

Contact (815) 455-8690 with specific questions about this program.

(in-district) Total Amount: $11,466

Credit Hours to Complete: 60

Weeks to Complete: 64


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Sample Semester 1 16 Credit Hours

    COURSE LIST Course Ids: PAR-101#3 hrs,PAR-102#3 hrs,PHI-251#3 hrs,SPE-151#3 hrs,ENG-151#3 hrs,MCC-101#1 hr

Sample Semester 2 15 Credit Hours

    COURSE LIST Course Ids: PAR-103#3 hrs,PAR-110#3 hrs,PAR-121#3 hrs,Select a Mathematics or Physical or Life Science Course#3 hrs,Select a Program Elective#3 hrs

Sample Semester 3 15 Credit Hours

    COURSE LIST Course Ids: PAR-123#3 hrs,PAR-125#3 hrs,PLT-155#3 hrs,Select a Program Elective#3 hrs,Select a Program Elective#3 hrs

Sample Semester 4 15 Credit Hours

    COURSE LIST Course Ids: PAR-120#3 hrs,PAR-122#3 hrs,Select a Program Elective#3 hrs,Select a Program Elective#3 hrs,PAR-255#3-6 hrs

Career Outlook

Related Programs

  • Paralegal Certificate Earn your Paralegal Studies Certificate in as little as 18 months!
  • Criminal Justice AAS Develop the skills, knowledge, and attitude necessary for employment and advancement as a law enforcement officer.

What you need to know about getting your Paralegal Studies AAS (CIP 22.0302)

Total Paralegal Studies AAS Costs
Cost in-district out-of-district out-of-state international
Tuition $7,290 $19,749 $27,763.8 $27,763.8
Additional Costs $4,176 $4,176 $4,176 $4,176
Program Total $11,466 $23,925 $31,939.8 $31,939.8

What makes MCC's Paralegal Studies AAS program better than or distinct from similar programs at other institutions?

MCC’s program is specifically tailored for the paralegal market in Chicagoland and McHenry County. With the help and guidance of our advisory board, made up of lawyers, judges, paralegals, and professors, we have designed a unique program emphasizing the needs of the existing legal community. You'll focus on class subjects that are the most sought-after and applicable within our local markets.

What job opportunities are available to someone with a Paralegal Studies AAS?

You’ll qualify to work as a paralegal in law offices, State and Federal Court systems, and corporations.

How will MCC's Paralegal Studies AAS program prepare me for my career or connect me to opportunities?

Our elective internship program provides practical experience as you network and develop a portfolio of written work. Your internship may even lead to employment opportunities.

Outside the Classroom

Paralegal-Specific Career Information

  • Mission

    The mission of McHenry County College’s Paralegal Studies Program is to develop students who are skilled as ethical and competent paralegals ready to assist in the delivery of legal services to clients and enhance the community at large with an educated and enlightened citizenry. MCC students shall be distinguishable by their critical thinking, effective communication, professionalism, and technical competency. Students will use current and contemporary practices to demonstrate mastery of the Program Learning Outcomes. Students who graduate from the Paralegal Studies program may work as a paralegal, legal secretary, or office manager at a law office, corporation, or in the State or Federal courts. Though the AAS is not designed as a transfer degree, students may also choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree after completing the AAS in Paralegal Studies or go on to pursue law school.

  • Program Learning Objectives

    Students will:

    1. Demonstrate analytical thinking skills in paralegal work assignments, including large and small law firms, corporations and businesses, governmental agencies, and legal aid offices;
    2. Perform professional legal writing and legal research;
    3. Apply principles of professional ethics and critical thinking to specific factual situations;
    4. Demonstrate proficient understanding and use of technology commonly used in the legal field;
    5. Interact effectively, in person, by telephone, and in written correspondence with lawyers, clients, witnesses, court personnel, co-workers, and other business professionals through cooperation, teamwork, and leadership;
    6. Develop and utilize the management and organizational skills required to be an effective paralegal.

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Semesters to complete assumes students are taking a full-time credit load of 12 credits per semester (the minimum required for federal financial aid).

Proportion of students completing in normal time is the percentage of completers who earned the credential within the specified time of their first enrollment at the College.

Students attending part-time or changing their program of study are two common reasons why they may not complete in "normal" time.

Tuition and fees are set by the Board of Trustees. Prices for books and supplies are subject to change.

See additional information about international student costs.