Legal Assistant - Certificate of Completion
NMSU Alamogordo 2025-2026 Catalog
The Legal Assistant Certificate prepares students in basic legal office skills. The courses apply to the Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies.
A grade of C- or better is required in all courses.
Total Credits Required for Certificate: 25
| Prefix | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 2110 | Principles of Accounting I | 3 |
| or ACCT 200 | A Survey of Accounting | |
| COMM 1115G | Introduction to Communication | 3 |
| or COMM 1130G | Public Speaking | |
| ENGL 1110G | Composition I | 4 |
| OATS 213 | Word Processing I | 3 |
| PL S 160 | Legal System for the Paralegal | 3 |
| PL S 190 | Criminal Law for the Paralegal | 3 |
| or CJUS 1120 | Criminal Law | |
| PL S 200 | Legal Ethics for the Paralegal | 3 |
| PL S 278 | Litigation for the Paralegal | 3 |
| Total Credits | 25 | |
NMSU Alamogordo 2025-2026 Catalog
A Suggested Plan of Study - Legal Assistant Certificate
Additional classes may be needed based on placement test results and course prerequisites. Visit with an advisor for help with creating a customized plan.
A grade of C- or better is required in all courses.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ACCT 2110 or ACCT 200 | Principles of Accounting I or A Survey of Accounting | 3 |
| COMM 1115G or COMM 1130G | Introduction to Communication or Public Speaking | 3 |
| ENGL 1110G | Composition I | 4 |
| PL S 160 | Legal System for the Paralegal | 3 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Spring | ||
| OATS 213 | Word Processing I ( (Keyboarding proficiency required)) | 3 |
| PL S 190 or CJUS 1120 | Criminal Law for the Paralegal 1 or Criminal Law | 3 |
| PL S 200 | Legal Ethics for the Paralegal | 3 |
| PL S 278 | Litigation for the Paralegal | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 25 | |
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CJUS 1120 Criminal Law is offered in Fall semester only.