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Program Overview
The two-year associate degree Legal Studies/Paralegal program will prepare you for highly responsible entry-level paralegal and other legal positions. You will take courses that provide you with basic competencies, including:
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Oral, written, and verbal and non-verbal communication skills
- Computer skills
- Ethics
The subjects you will cover in the core coursework include:
- Ethics
- Substantive and procedural law
- The American legal system
- Delivery of legal services
- Law offices and related environments
- The paralegal profession
- Legal research and writing
- Law-related computer skills
- Legal interviewing and investigation
You must complete at least 9 credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses in person, online live or classroom live.
Upon completion of Madison College's Legal Studies/Paralegal program, you will be qualified for employment by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity to perform designated and substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. Please note that paralegals may not provide legal services to the public, except as permitted by law.
Legal Studies Program Details
The Legal Studies/Paralegal program will prepare you for a good job and with the associate degree, you can transfer to another college to earn your bachelor’s degree. Increase your earning potential with credentials that keep you moving on your own career path.
You may complete the Legal Studies/Paralegal program by taking online and online live classes. Evening classes typically run from 5:30 to 8:20 pm. Saturday and summer classes are also offered.
Students in the Legal Studies/Paralegal program can attend full- or part-time.
Legal Studies/Paralegal classes may be offered at the Madison College Truax campus.
Legal Careers
Earning your Legal Studies/Paralegal associate degree at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work as a:
- Case Administration Specialist
- Compliance Officer
- Contract Administrator
- Conveyance Examiner
- Corporation Paralegal
- Disability Claims Specialist
- Law Office Manager
- Law Office Paralegal
- Legal Aid Office Paralegal
- Licensing Manager
- Plan Intake Coordinator
- Public/Government Paralegal
- Real Estate Paralegal
- Trust Department Paralegal
- Victim/Witness Advocate
If you're interested in a career in Paralegal or related law field, you'll want to look closely at career data:
- United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics - Paralegal
Local Professional Organizations that offer student and professional memberships:
Paralegal Resources
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
Prior to start of program10-110-175Orientation to the Legal Profession
Students are introduced to the legal profession, classes offered in the legal studies/paralegal program, and tools for success in the legal studies/paralegal program and the legal field. Students enroll in their upcoming semester courses.1 creditFirst Semester10-110-101Introduction to Law
Students are introduced to the American legal system, legal ethics, legal terminology, legal research and writing and the common law of torts.3 credits10-110-141Computer Applications - Legal
Students are introduced to software applications used in law offices, including the ethical use of computers and software and concepts of data security to develop law office technology skills.3 credits10-110-173Contract Law in a Global Economy
Students explore the common law of contracts, contracts of sale under Article 2 of the UCC, and the legal issues that affect business transactions in the global market.3 credits10-809-199Psychology Of Human Relations
This course explores the relationship between general psychological principles and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding is applied to human relations at home and on the job.3 creditsChoose one of the following two courses:10-801-195Written Communication
Develops workplace writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on workplace subject matter and content.3 credits20-801-201English 1
The first course in communication skills at the college level, developing student abilities in critical reading, writing, listening, and speaking, for both exposition and argumentation. The course emphasizes summarizing, analyzing, and synthesizing information from sources, and develops research and presentation skills. The class assumes competence in English grammar and paragraph structure.3 creditsSecond Semester10-110-102Civil Litigation I
Students outline the initial stages of civil litigation, including initial client contact, investigation, pleadings and motions. Students draft pleadings and motions.3 credits10-110-104Legal Research
Students gain practical experience applying legal research and legal citation techniques, using traditional and electronic resources.3 credits10-801-196Oral/Interpersonal Communication
Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.3 credits10-809-197Contemporary Amer Society
This is an interdisciplinary course covering issues that illustrate how our traditional institutions (such as family, education, media, the workplace, the economy and government) are being changed by global political, demographic, multicultural and technological trends. By exploring contemporary issues, students expand their use of critical-thinking skills.3 creditsChoose one of the following two courses:10-110-171Immigration Law
Examine historical, legal, and policy foundations of the field to apply key statutes and regulations to current immigration matters. Differentiate between temporary (non-immigrant) visa categories and examine permanent visa requirements, and prepare necessary legal forms for both, including citizenship and naturalization documentation. Outline processes for seeking asylum, refugee status, and humanitarian protection. Locate rules related to removal, and its defenses, and summarize enforcement and detention rules governing U.S. borders. Apply interview and fact-gathering techniques, use analytical skills and critical thinking to solve practical legal problems, and apply ethical principles.3 credits10-110-115Administrative Law
Students explore the process by which government agencies make and administer rules and regulations as well as how agencies adjudicate cases and controversies involving those rules.3 creditsThird Semester10-110-105Legal Writing
Students gain practical skills required for legal writing and analysis.3 credits10-110-106Family Law
Students gain practical experience in the area of family relations, particularly divorce.3 credits10-110-176Career Building Techniques - Legal Studies/Paralegal
Students will focus on internship and career strategies.2 credits10-804-144Math of Finance
This course takes an algebraic approach to solving financial problems. Topics include personal finance and retirement, mathematics of retailing, mathematics of banking and lending, and statistical applications. Major emphasis is placed on solving problems involving the time value of money by using a financial calculator. The material in this course develops a sound base for subsequent courses by using an analytical approach to problem solving.3 creditsChoose one of the following two courses:10-110-114Administration of Estates - Legal Studies/Paralegal Program
Students gain knowledge of basic legal concepts surrounding powers of attorney, wills, trusts, and intestacy, including probate forms and procedures as well as inheritance tax returns.3 credits10-110-103Civil Litigation 2
Students cover the civil litigation procedure during discovery, trial, and appeal.3 creditsFourth Semester10-110-107Legal Aspects of Business Organizations
Students gain practical experience with legal aspects of the formation, operation, and dissolution of the five principal types of business organizations utilized in the United States.3 credits10-110-142Legal Internship
Students gain practical experience working in a legal environment under the supervision of an attorney or other qualified professional for a minimum of 140 hours.3 credits10-809-166Intro to Ethics: Theory & App
This course provides a basic understanding of the theoretical foundations of ethical thought. Diverse ethical perspectives will be used to analyze and compare relevant issues. Students will critically evaluate individual, social and/or professional standards of behavior, and apply a systematic decision-making process to these situations.3 creditsChoose one of the following two courses:10-110-168Criminal Law - Legal Studies/Paralegal
Students are introduced to substantive and procedural criminal law emphasizing the elemental analysis of criminal statutes, the drafting of prosecutorial documents, and the Constitutional rights of defendants.3 credits10-110-108E-Discovery and Digital Tools
Students gain experience working with litigation software and e-Discovery software used for document review and coding.3 creditsChoose one of the following two courses:10-110-122Bankruptcy Law
Students explore pre- and post-judgment collection rights, creditor protections, state and federal consumer protection laws, and federal bankruptcy laws.3 credits10-110-110Real Estate Law - Legal Studies/Paralegal
Students analyze and/or draft real estate descriptions, listing contracts, offers to purchase, deeds, easements, land contracts, mortgages, transfer tax returns, foreclosure pleadings, and leases.3 credits -
How to Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now - Limited Seats Available!
This program has limited capacity and may reach maximum enrollment quickly. Applying to the Pre-Legal Studies/Paralegal program early gives you the best chance of securing a spot.
To enroll in program courses, students must first meet academic preparedness requirements and complete the declaration process.
- Program capacity: 60 spots each Fall; 40 spots each Spring. It shares this capacity with other programs that have a similar curriculum.
- This program admits students for core classes in the Fall and Spring semesters only. Students may apply and work on academic preparedness requirements in the Summer semester.
- Estimated Wait Time: Up to 0-1 semester wait time between when students are core ready and when they become eligible to enroll in program classes. This timeline may vary depending on how many students complete the declaration process each semester.
Submitting your application now ensures you're considered as soon as space becomes available. If the program reaches capacity, a waiting list will be used to manage additional qualified applicants.
Before applying, be sure to:
- Review the admission requirements for deadlines, materials, and requirements
- Review the After You Apply section on this page
Application Dates
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is December 31, 2026
Summer 2027
- Application available on September 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is May 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 15, 2027
Admission Requirements
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Additional Notes
Students are required to meet the current admission requirements, academic preparedness requirements, and complete the declaration process. Requirements are subject to change based on updates to accreditation requirements or Madison College program assessment data.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Legal Studies/Paralegal career.
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After You Apply
Academic Preparedness Requirements
This program has academic preparedness requirements that must be completed before beginning core classes. Requirements for this program are listed below and are subject to change. Run a personalized report in your student account to confirm which requirements are complete, which are still outstanding, and how requirements may be satisfied.
When you’ve completed all academic preparedness requirements, you will submit the declaration form to confirm that you are ready to enter core program classes. These steps are part of the declaration process.
Student Report
- Pre-core students admitted prior to Fall 2027: Run your Degree Progress Report in your Student Center in PeopleSoft.
- Pre-core students admitted for Fall 2027 and later: Academic preparedness requirements will be available in your Academic Progress Report in Workday. Access will be available beginning March 2027.
Prerequisites
Reading and Writing (testing, college coursework or bachelor's degree)
Testing
- ACT Reading 18+
- Accuplacer NexGen (Reading) 253+
- ACT English 15+
- Accuplacer NexGen (English) 245+
College courses
- English 1
- Written Communication
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
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Transfer Opportunities
UW System Schools
The terms of the B.S in Leadership & Org Studies agreement are limited to students who complete selective A.A.S or A.A.A. degrees and are admitted to the Organizational Studies emphasis at UW-Oshkosh. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higherThis program-to-program articulation agreement between UW-W and Madison College allows students to be awarded up to 60 credits toward the Legal Studies B.S. or B.A. after successful completion of the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)-Legal Studies/Paralegal at Madison College and declaring the Legal Studies major at time of admission/upon transfer to UW-W.Wisconsin Private Schools
Student who earn an Associate Degree from Madison College can transfer a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 72 credits to Lakeland College to be applied to the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree.Completion of an A.A.S. Degree at Madison College after 2018, and meeting admission requirements for the Rader School of Business (RSOB) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) can earn a B.B.A degree in Technical Sales at MSOE.Bachelor of Science in Business Management and LeadershipOut-of-State Schools
Students who complete any associate degree at Madison Area Technical College will have no additional general education core curriculum requirements to meet but must satisfy the Kirkpatrick Signature Series requirement.Per the agreement, students must complete the associates of arts, associates of science or associates of applied science with an overall GPA of a 2.0 prior to transferring.Franklin University will guarantee acceptance of Madison College graduates with an AA, AS, or AAS. Madison College graduates will have junior standing at Franklin University and may transfer up to 94 additional credits toward their baccalaureate degree. -
Career Outcomes
Madison College Legal Studies/Paralegal Program graduates are prepared to:
- Apply ethical principles in a legal environment.
- Process legal documents.
- Perform legal research.
- Demonstrate professionalism as a member of a legal team.
- Synthesize various sources into a supportive legal conclusion. .
Madison Area Technical College offers the only ABA-approved Paralegal Program in our District.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 17 22 12 Number of Surveys Sent 17 22 12 Number of Surveys Returned 8 14 8 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 7 11 6 Percent Available for Employment 87.5% 78.6% 75.0% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 12.5% 21.4% 25.0% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 7 11 6 Percent of Graduates Employed 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Employed in Related Occupation 4 9 4 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 57.1% 81.8% 66.7% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 2 2 2 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 28.6% 18.2% 33.3% Employed - No Response 1 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 14.3% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 0 0 0 Percent Seeking Employment 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.8 3.5 4 Number of Satisfaction Responses 8 14 8 Very Satisfied (4) 6 11 8 Percent Very Satisfied 75.0% 78.6% 100.0% Satisfied (3) 2 1 0 Percent Satisfied 25.0% 7.1% 0.0% Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 14.3% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 8 14 8 Preparation for Getting a Job 1 2 1 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 12.5% 14.3% 12.5% Career Change 3 5 0 Percent Career Change 37.5% 35.7% 0.0% Improvement of Existing Skills 1 2 1 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 12.5% 14.3% 12.5% Preparation for Further Education 2 2 6 Percent Preparation for Further Education 25.0% 14.3% 75.0% Personal Interest 1 2 0 Percent Personal Interest 12.5% 14.3% 0.0% Other 0 1 0 Percent Other 0.0% 7.1% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 6 11 6 Before Enrollment 1 1 1 Percent Before Enrollment 16.7% 9.1% 16.7% While Attending the College 3 7 4 Percent While Attending the College 50.0% 63.6% 66.7% After Training at the College 2 3 1 Percent After Training at the College 33.3% 27.3% 16.7% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 7 11 6 In College District 5 5 4 Percent In College District 71.4% 45.5% 66.7% In Wisconsin, Not in District 1 3 1 Percent of In Wisconsin 14.3% 27.3% 16.7% Outside of Wisconsin 0 3 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% 27.3% 0.0% Employer Location Unknown 1 0 1 Percent Location Unknown 14.3% 0.0% 16.7% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 4 6 2 Average Monthly Wage $3,803 $3,897 $4,376 Average Hourly Wage $22.11 $22.66 $25.44 Average Work Hours per Week 39.3 39.3 38.3 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 3 1 Average Hourly Wage $19.33 $23.00 Average Work Hours per Week 21.7 30.0 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Centro Hispano of Dane County Immigration Peer Support Laffey, Sebranek, Auby & Ristau, SC Paralegal Sun Prairie Wisconsin Institute For Law & Liberty Paralegal Milwaukee * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu
