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Calhoun Community College started serving students and the community in 1947.
The school served as a war surplus project for training World War II Veterans, under its original name of Decatur Trade School.
It quickly grew to serve thousands of students.
The school became a comprehensive institution in 1965 and gave students the advanced technology skills that they need to compete in today’s job market and career fields.
It is a member of the Achieving the Dream National Reform Network.
Today, the school serves more than 10,000 students.
It is the largest two-year college in Alabama.
One of the programs offered at the school is the Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies program.
The program gives students the basic skills that they need to start their career as a paralegal.
Licensed, practicing attorneys teach every paralegal course that is offered in this program.
About Calhoun Community College
Location and Flexibility
Calhoun Community College serves students at its Decatur campus, which is located in North Tanner, Alabama.
It also serves students at its Huntsville, Alabama campus.
The Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies program is offered during daytime and evening classes.
It is also available online, giving students the flexibility that is often needed for students who work or have other responsibilities.
Program Structure and Curriculum
- Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science
- Total Credits: 64–65 credit hours
Course Breakdown
Calhoun Community College does not list a required course sequence for the paralegal program.
Students should meet with an academic advisor before registering for classes to make sure that they have met prerequisite course requirements.
The General Education Core Requirements include Freshman Seminar, English Composition I, English Composition II, and Intermediate College Algebra.
The other core requirements that students must complete include Modern Business Mathematics with Excel, Computer Applications, Principles of Macroeconomics, Fundamentals of Oral Communication or Fundamentals of Public Speaking, and a Humanities or Fine Arts elective.
The Major Course Requirements include Business Communications, Principles of Accounting I, The Legal and Social Environment of Business, Computer Information Science elective, Introduction to Paralegal Study, and Basic Legal Research and Writing.
Students also take the courses Criminal Law and Procedure, Real Property Law, Domestic Law, Wills, Trusts, and Estates, Civil Law and Procedure, Paralegal Elective, and Law Office Management and Procedures.
Delivery Modes and Scheduling
Students can begin their paralegal program during any semester.
They should meet with an academic advisor to plan their courses so that they graduate on time.
Classes for this program are offered both during the daytime and in the evening.
Students may also complete their courses in an online format.
Pros and Cons of the Paralegal Program
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Calhoun Community College offers its Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies program in the traditional classroom setting and online. | Out-of-State students pay considerably higher tuition rates. |
| The program has an internship, which gives students real-world training. | The school does not indicate that this program is approved by the American Bar Association. |
| Students gain the knowledge and skills that they need to start working immediately after their graduation. | Some employers may want their paralegals to have more than an Associate of Applied Science degree. |
How to Apply/Next Steps
- Plan your schedule. Decide which term you want to enroll in and whether you will take classes in-person, online, or in a hybrid format.
- Submit an application to the school and to the paralegal program.
- Explore your financial aid options. Apply for state and federal financial aid programs. Apply for scholarships. Apply for any other financial aid that applies to you.
Contact Information
Contact the Calhoun Community College Decatur campus at 256-306-2500 or the Huntsville campus at 256-890-4700 if you would like more information about the Paralegal Studies program.
You may also visit the website at https://calhoun.edu/programs-training/explore-academic-programs/business-cis/paralegal/.
| Calhoun Community College : Key Details | |
|---|---|
| Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Location | 6250 U.S. Highway 31 North Tanner, AL, 35671 102 Wynn Drive NW Huntsville, AL, 35805 |
| Website | https://calhoun.edu/programs-training/explore-academic-programs/business-cis/paralegal/ |
| Phone | 256-306-2500 |
| On Campus? | Yes |
| Online? | Yes |
| Program Length | 2 Years |
| Student Rating | -NA- |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies program?
Students complete 64–65 credit hours over two years.
What type of career opportunities are available to graduates of this program?
Students who graduate from the Paralegal Studies program can work as paralegals, legal assistants, legal researchers, law office administrators, or litigation specialists.
Can I give legal advice after I complete the program?
Paralegals are not permitted to give legal advice.
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