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The present-day Gadsden State Community College was developed through the merger of several colleges.
The faculty, staff, and administrators all work together to prepare students to enter the workplace after their graduation.
They also work with students who plan to transfer to a four-year university.
One program offered at the school is the Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies.
The program is offered at the school’s Wallace Drive campus.
The school started offering its paralegal program in 1989.
Today, the program gives students the knowledge and skills that they need to work in various paralegal positions.
It gives students a quality education that places an emphasis on substantive and procedural law and ethical principles.
Students also gain an understanding of the rules of professional conduct and learn the application of those rules to paralegals.
Graduates of the 71-credit-hour program may qualify to sit for a certification exam.
Passing the exam and earning a certification leads to the designation of Certified Paralegal (CP) or Registered Paralegal (RP).
About Gadsden State Community College
Location and Flexibility
The Gadsden State Community College Wallace Drive campus is in Gadsden, Alabama.
It is the location that offers the Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies program.
Program Structure and Curriculum
- Degree Type: Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
- Total Credits: 71 credit hours
Course Breakdown
The school does not list a required course sequence breakdown.
Students must complete English Composition I, English Composition II, Humanities and Fine Arts Elective, Principles of Biology I, and Mathematical Applications.
They also take the course Fundamentals of Oral Communication.
Students must complete Principles of Macroeconomics, General Psychology, or Introduction to Sociology.
They must complete Business Communication, Principles of Accounting I, and Principles of Accounting II or Principles of Microeconomics, The Legal and Social Environment of Business, Computer Applications, and Beginning Keyboarding.
Students must pass the prerequisite courses Introduction to Paralegal Study and Basic Research and Writing before they can take any other paralegal courses.
The paralegal studies courses that students complete include Advanced Legal Research and Writing, Criminal Law and Procedure, Real Property Law, Domestic Law, Wills, Trusts, and Estates, and Civil Law and Procedure.
They also complete an internship.
Delivery Modes and Scheduling
The school has open enrollment.
Students should speak with an academic advisor to plan their schedule so that they can enroll in prerequisite courses before taking other courses.
The Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies program is offered in-person at the Wallace Drive campus.
Pros and Cons of the Paralegal Program
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is one of only two paralegal programs in the state of Alabama that is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). | There is no online option for this program. |
| The program qualifies students to sit for a certification exam. | Internship placement may depend upon availability. |
| Students may transfer to a four-year university to continue their studies. | The program is only offered at the Wallace Drive campus. |
How to Apply/Next Steps
- Plan your schedule. Decide which semester you want to start your paralegal studies program.
- Apply for admission to the school and to the paralegal program.
- Research your financial aid options. Apply for state and federal financial aid programs. Apply for scholarships. Apply for other financial aid if you meet the qualifications.
Contact Information
If you would like more information about the Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies program, contact the school at 256-835-5400.
You may also contact the Paralegal Studies advisor and program coordinator at 256-549-8336.
You can visit the website at https://www.gadsdenstate.edu/programs-of-study/paralegal-studies.cms.
| Gadsden State Community College: Key Details | |
|---|---|
| Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Location | 1001 George Wallace Dr Gadsden, AL, 35903 |
| Website | https://www.gadsdenstate.edu/ |
| Phone | +1 256-549-8200 |
| On Campus? | Yes |
| Online? | Yes |
| Program Length | 2 Years |
| Student Rating | -NA- |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours of legal specialty courses do I need to take for this degree?
The American Bar Association and the school both require that students complete at least nine semester credit hours in the legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.
Students must pass all other courses.
Does Gadsden State Community College have accreditation?
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredits Gadsden State Community College to award the Associate degree.
Can I give legal advice after I earn this degree?
Paralegals are not permitted to give legal advice.
They are not allowed to provide any legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
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