Paralegal
Paralegal.jpg Paralegal.jpg Paralegal
Contact: Tracy Parker, J.D., Program Manager • 301.624.2819 Admissions: Jefferson Hall (J200) • 301.624.2716 Career & Academic Planning Services: Jefferson Hall (J200) • 301.846.2478 Financial Aid: Jefferson Hall (J300) • 301.846.2620
Contact: Tracy Parker, J.D., Program Manager
301.624.2819

1Apply

Use the Online Application to apply for admission to FCC. This is the first step to enrolling in credit courses to get a degree or certificate. After you apply, you will receive a letter in the mail which contains your student ID number and your email username that will allow you to access your online myFCC account. Prior to enrolling, prospective veteran and military students should speak with an Education Services Officer (ESO) or an FCC Veteran and Military Services representative. Please call 301-624-2836 to set up an appointment. You will need this information for each step of the enrollment process.
 

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your qualifications for federal and state aid, institutional grants, work study options, and student loans.
 

Apply for scholarships through the FCC Foundation.
Visit Cost & Financial Aid for information about paying your bill and applying for financial aid.
View enrollment checklists for new students.
View all required registration forms.
 

FCC operates with open admissions by offering admittance to all students who apply to the College. Some areas of study have additional, program-level admissions requirements. Selective admissions programs include: NursingRespiratory CareSurgical Technology, and the Honors College.
 

Recognizing that not everyone arrives with the same educational background, and not everyone is ready for the same level of math and English classes, there are a few things you will need to do to help us to successfully place you academically.
 

To comply with the Maryland College and Career Readiness Act of 2013 and the Academic Placement and Assessment Procedure of FCC, the College requires that:
 

  • Upon entering the College, all new students, unless otherwise exempted, must complete all mathematics, reading, writing, and skills placement tests before enrolling in developmental or credit courses.
  • Upon entering the College, all new students who are seeking a degree must file a degree plan that is developed in consultation with an academic advisor.
  • Upon reaching 24 credits, all new students must have completed developmental courses and the first college-level English and math courses required by their degree plan.


If you are seeking non-credit continuing education courses for professional development, skill building, or personal enrichment, visit Continuing Education & Workforce Development (CEWD) Registration.

2Test

All new students must complete placement tests in mathematics, reading, writing, and skills placement before enrolling in developmental or credit courses. In special circumstances, the College may exempt placement test requirements for students with previous college credits, grades, or test scores that meet specific criteria.

In order to determine if you need to take placement tests you will need to submit the following documents:
  1. High school transcript and previous college transcripts
  2. College entrance exam scores from SAT and/or ACT
  3. Advanced Placement (AP) test scores and International Baccalaureate (IB) test scores


These documents will determine which placement tests you are required to take, the courses you should register for, and/or the courses you are eligible to receive credit for based on previous grades or scores.

 

FCC administers the ACCUPLACER test to ensure the appropriate placement level for all new students. Students are advised to prepare for the ACCUPLACER test as they would any other exam to confirm accurate placement by academic skill level. For more information about the ACCUPLACER and academic placement and assessment, visit the Testing Center.



To be exempt from the ACCUPLACER, you need to have earned the following scores within the past five years:

SAT Score
  • Reading: 480
  • Math: 530
ACT Score
  • English: 21
  • Reading: 21
  • Math: 21
AP Score
  • English Language & Composition: 3 or better
  • English Literature & Composition: 3 or better
  • Calculus or Statistics: 3 or better
IB Score
  • Language: A
  • Literature: SL or HL and/or Language A
  • Language & Literature: SL or HL
  • Mathematics: SL or HL and/or Further Math

3See Advisor

New credit students seeking a degree are required to consult an advisor to develop a degree plan. New students should schedule a consultation after completing the admissions and testing steps, and activating a myFCC account.

 

All new students planning to attend FCC for their first college experience will participate in the ROAR program, which includes:
 

  • an online orientation, presented by FCC students to prepare you for college
  • an on-campus meeting with an advisor to help you develop your academic plan
  • the registration lab where you'll learn how to enroll yourself into classes


Learn more and start the ROAR process here.

 

Dual enrollment and transfer students should submit official college transcripts from previous institutions to the Registration & Records Office for official transfer credit evaluation prior to meeting with an academic advisor.

 

Walk-in advising is available in the Career & Academic Planning Services. You can also send a message to email advising via your myFCC email account. When you meet with an advisor, be sure to bring your photo ID and any documents that might be helpful (unofficial transcripts, test results, ACT/SAT scores).

 

For more information about career & academic planning services, see Career & Academic Planning Services.
 

4Register

There are two ways to register for classes:

  1. Register online for credit courses using Campus Solutions
  2. Register in-person via the Enrollment Center (Jefferson Hall Suite 101).

In addition to registering for classes, Campus Solutions allows you to make a payment, see your grades, obtain unofficial transcripts, print class schedules, and update your personal information.

5Pay

Your enrollment at Frederick Community College is complete when you have paid for your courses. Please take note of important payment deadlines. You can either pay in-full or sign up for the interest-free payment plan.

‭To apply for Financial Assistance, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and take advantage of federal, state, and institutional grants, work study, and student loans.

To apply for Scholarships through The FCC Foundation, Inc., click here.

For more information about paying your bill and financial aid, see Cost and Financial Aid.

6Buy Books

Textbooks are available through the FCC bookstore. Have your course schedule ready to easily find the required textbooks for your courses.

7Attend Class

Congratulations! You are enrolled and ready to begin attending classes at Frederick Community College. If you have questions or need additional guidance during your time of study, please reach out to your program manager or academic advisor. Some students may be eligible for specialized advising through Disability Access Services, or  Veteran and Military Services. Check your myFCC account and your FCC email for important alerts and announcements.

Paralegal A.A.S. Degree
The Paralegal A.A.S. program combines general education courses with specialized law courses to provide students with a wide variety of knowledge and skills. Students who complete the program will receive an A.A.S. degree, and while the primary goal of this program is to prepare students for employment in the legal field, course credits may also be transferred to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

The Paralegal program is nationally recognized by the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) and has a chapter of Lambda Epsilon Chi – the Paralegal Honor Society. Please visit their website to learn more information about this prestigious recognition.

Internship Program
Internships help students integrate what is taught in school with what is required in the workplace. Students take internships to develop knowledge and skills valued by employers. At FCC, students in certain programs are eligible to receive credit for internships.

Learn More

A drug screening and/or criminal background check is often required to obtain and maintain employment in this career field. Individuals whose criminal histories may interfere with their ability to secure employment should discuss any questions with FCC faculty.
 
*To view curriculum requirements for all previous catalog years and pathways for previous catalog years from 2021-2022 forward, please see previous catalog versions. Pathways for years prior to 2021-2022 are archived below.

 

Paralegal Certificate
The Paralegal Certificate program is designed for individuals already in this field of employment who wish to increase their opportunities by acquiring college credentials. In addition, individuals who already have a degree in another field may be able to improve their employment opportunities. This certificate program offers a more condensed curriculum consisting of law-related courses.

This Paralegal Program is nationally recognized by the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) and has a chapter of Lambda Epsilon Chi – the Paralegal Honor Society. Please visit their website to learn more information about this prestigious recognition.
 
Internship Program
Internships help students integrate what is taught in school with what is required in the workplace. Students take internships to develop knowledge and skills valued by employers. At FCC, students in certain programs are eligible to receive credit for internships.

Learn More
Gainful Employment - Paralegal
Important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended this program.

A drug screening and/or criminal background check is often required to obtain and maintain employment in this career field. Individuals whose criminal histories may interfere with their ability to secure employment should discuss any questions with FCC faculty.

 
*To view curriculum requirements for all previous catalog years and pathways for previous catalog years from 2021-2022 forward, please see previous catalog versions. Pathways for years prior to 2021-2022 are archived below.

 

Access to Justice
Develops paralegals qualified to perform legal services under supervision to assist self-help center, private pro bono, or limited scope attorneys.

Promotes access to justice to low- and moderate-income people in crisis. Offers specialized training that incorporates field placement to connect trained paralegals with legal professionals offering no cost/low cost services.
*To view curriculum requirements for all previous catalog years and pathways for previous catalog years from 2021-2022 forward, please see previous catalog versions. Pathways for years prior to 2021-2022 are archived below.

 

Frederick County Public School students may receive free tuition and fees through Dual Enrollment at FCC for all courses taken during Fall or Spring semesters.  FCPS students participating in dual enrollment may obtain required textbooks and materials at the FCC bookstore at no cost to the student. Students should speak with their high school counselor first if they plan to enroll in FCC courses or programs.

 

To find more information about how credits may transfer from Frederick Community College to a state four-year institution visit ARTSYS or consult a College advisor.  

Frederick Community College has articulation agreements with the following institutions, allowing students a seamless transfer experience. Students who plan to transfer should speak with an advisor or program manager from their chosen transfer institution before selecting elective courses.
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Paralegals and Legal Assistants
$56,230.00/yr • +14%*
*Median pay, projected job growth or decline from 2020-2030. Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2020 Edition.
Admissions: Jefferson Hall (J200) • 301.624.2716 Advising: Jefferson Hall(J200) • 301.846.2471 Financial Aid: Jefferson Hall (J300) • 301.846.2620