Academics
Paralegal
The mission of the Associate in Applied Science Paralegal program of study is to produce competent, well-rounded individuals who are able to work under the supervision of an attorney in the many areas of the practice of law, specifically, the student will be prepared to perform such tasks as legal research, client interviews, investigations, preparation of legal documents, and other legal work as delegated by an attorney. Paralegals are employed by private law firms, corporations, governmental agencies, insurance companies, title companies, and financial institutions. Paralegals must work under the supervision of an attorney in good standing under the state bar and must not engage in the unauthorized practice of law, as set forth in the Illinois Code of Professional Conduct.
Accreditation:
This program has been approved by the American Bar Association.
Degree
Associate in Applied Science (Career Program)
Total Credit Hours: 60
Program Requirements
Select a course number below to see a course description.
Required General Education Courses
| Course | Name | Credit Hours |
| ENGL 110 | COMPOSITION I | 3 |
| COMM 110 | INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION: PRESENTATION AND THEORY | 3 |
| SOCIAL SCIENCE * | 3 | |
| LABORATORY SCIENCE *** | 4 | |
| BUS 120 or | BUSINESS MATHEMATICS or | 3 |
| MATHEMATICS **** | 3 | |
| HUMANITIES/FINE ARTS ** | 3 |
Required Program Courses
| Course | Name | Credit Hours |
| CRJ 225 | CRIMINAL LAW | 3 |
| CRJ 230 | COURT PROCEDURES AND EVIDENCE | 3 |
| PRLGL 110 | INTRODUCTION TO PARALEGAL | 3 |
| PRLGL 112 | LEGAL RESEARCH I | 3 |
| PRLGL 113 | LEGAL RESEARCH II | 3 |
| PRLGL 114 | FAMILY LAW | 3 |
| PRLGL 115 | WILLS, TRUSTS AND ESTATE ADMINISTRATION | 3 |
| PRLGL 116 | CIVIL LITIGATION | 3 |
| PRLGL 117 | ADMINISTRATIVE LAW | 3 |
| PRLGL 118 | LAW OFFICE MANAGEMENT | 3 |
| PRLGL 120 | MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY FOR PARALEGALS | 2 |
| PRLGL 215 | BUSINESS ORGANIZATION AND PRACTICE | 3 |
| PRLGL 260 | PARALEGAL INTERNSHIP | 3 |
Elective Courses
| Course | Name | Credit Hours |
| APPROVED ELECTIVE ***** | 3 |
* POLSC 115, 119 or PSY 110 are recommended; see specific requirements for Associate in Applied Science Degree.
** PHIL 111 is recommended; see specific requirements for Associate in Applied Science Degree.
*** BIOL 111 or 140 are recommended; see specific requirements for Associate in Applied Science Degree.
**** MATH 110 or above; see specific requirements for Associate in Applied Science Degree.
***** Other PRLGL, CRJ, or law related courses recommended; meet with your advisor for appropriate selection.
Students enrolled in the Associate in Applied Science degree program must meet with the Program Coordinator to plan a specific course schedule meeting Illinois Central College and personal requirements.
Computers are an important component to many aspects of this profession. The student should be familiar with keyboarding. If not, an additional class in keyboarding is recommended.
Students enrolled in the Paralegal Studies AAS degree program must complete at least 25 percent of the legal specialty courses required at Illinois Central College for award of the degree or certificate from Illinois Central College.  In addition, each student must complete the number of hours of legal specialty courses delivered through traditional classroom instruction as required by the American Bar Association’s Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal Education Programs. The Illinois Central College Paralegal Studies Program will only accept legal specialty transfer credits from other American Bar Association approved schools.  The Illinois Central College Paralegal Studies Program does not award any legal specialty transfer credit through examination or portfolios.
Recommended Course Sequence
| Semester | Courses |
| Fall Semester 1 | ENGL 110; BUS 120 or Mathematics; Social Science; COMM 110 |
| Spring Semester 1 | PRLGL 110; PRLGL 112; Humanities/Fine Arts; Laboratory Science |
| Summer Semester | CRJ 225; PRLGL 120 |
| Fall Semester 2 | PRLGL 113; PRLGL 116; PRLGL 117; PRLGL 215 |
| Spring Semester 2 | CRJ 230; PRLGL 115; PRLGL 260; PRLGL 114; PRLGL 118 |
Program Contact Information
Business, Legal, and Information Systems Department
Peoria Campus Poplar Hall
Room 117
(309) 690-7691
Illinois Career Cluster
Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
Career Pathway:
Legal Services
Career Pathway
Pathway programs at ICC have a map that shows the courses/degree requirements that will lead students to their desired education and employment goals.
Career Cluster:
Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security If you are a high school junior or senior, you can get a head start on your future by taking college-level courses now! Visit our Dual Credit webpage for a listing of area high schools with courses available Composition I (ENGL 110) | Humanities | Introduction to Communication: Presentation and Theory (COMM 110) | Lab Science | Mathematics | Social Science High School Diploma or GED Getting Started: Apply to ICC | Paying for College | Career Information:
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
| Student Information Paralegal
(60 credit hours) None Paralegal, Legal Assistant, Corporate Law Assistant, Legal Analyst, Law Associate
$24-28/hr
Pathway:
Legal Services
ICC Pathway: Paralegal
Early College
Point of Entry
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Industry Credentials
Employment Information
OR
Post-Degree Certificate
(for those with an associates or bachelors degree)Paralegal Certificate (38 credit hours)
Industry Credentials
None
Employment Information
Paralegal, Legal Assistant, Corporate Law Assistant, Legal Analyst, Law Associate$24-28/hr
OCCUPATION BACHELOR DEGREE TRANSFER OPTIONS
There are no current articulation agreements to Bachelor degree programs at this time.
CAREER CLUSTER BACHELOR DEGREE TRANSFER OPTIONS
Program transfer
guides layout course work to be taken at ICC and the transfer institution to complete specific programs of study or majors.
GENERAL BACHELOR DEGREE TRANSFER OPTIONS
Transfer agreements formalize the transfer process from ICC to other colleges and universities. For additional transfer information, including information on transfer partnerships and transfer guides: