Legal Studies Degree

students earning a legal studies degree

If you are interested in going to law school or becoming a paralegal, then a legal studies degree is just the program you may be looking for. Legal studies programs can also help those planning to enter business, healthcare, public service and other fields through helping them develop essential analytical and research skills, understand how the legal system pertains to their future career and to comprehend those members of society their profession directly affects.

Featured Programs:
Sponsored School(s)
FIND SCHOOLS
Sponsored Content

Why Legal Studies?

Perhaps you have always been fascinated by the law and the criminal justice system and would like nothing more than to be a paralegal assisting an attorney represent his or her clients in the best manner possible. Or maybe you dream of going to law school in the near future to become an attorney yourself. By taking a two-year Associate legal studies degree, you can apply for a paralegal position right after graduation. A four-year Bachelor Legal Studies program will help better prepare you for the LSAT exam and law school, rather than an undergraduate program with another major, as you will be immersed in a world of constitutional law, legal terminology, tort and criminal law and legal research, ethics and procedures. The possibilities go beyond law school and a paralegal career when you complete a legal studies degree; the program opens up doors for vocations in media, healthcare, government, business, mediation and other areas.

Online Legal Studies Degree

A number of accredited universities across the country offer recognized online legal studies degrees that you can complete at your own pace. From the comfort of your own home office, you can pursue Associate, Bachelor and Master degrees, as well as certificate programs, in legal/paralegal studies. No need to stop working full or part time or give up your vital parenting role to pursue a degree. You can decide your own hours of study and how long you would like it to take.

Courses for Legal Studies Programs

  • Paralegal Studies: You can complete certification or an Associate/Bachelor Degree in paralegal studies. Coursework emphasizes all forms of law (criminal, civil, family and contract law), courtroom procedure, research skills and legal academic writing.
  • Legal Studies: You may complete a Bachelor or Masters Degree in Legal Studies. As part of a Bachelors Degree, students complete core courses in arts, math, communications, humanities and social sciences, as well as major-related courses including legal theories, research, analysis and writing, constitutional, criminal and civil law and valuable internships. Masters students have the opportunity to select an intensive study area to focus on, such as healthcare, education or government. If you have tried and failed to apply for law school, or are not ready for such an intense program, then a Masters in Legal Studies will transform you into an ideal candidate.

Legal Studies Degree FAQs

What jobs can I get with a Legal Studies Degree?

Upon completion of a Legal Studies/Paralegal Degree, you will be qualified for numerous jobs which include:

FIND SCHOOLS
Sponsored Content
  • Paralegal – Legal Assistant – Legal Clerk
  • Legislative Assistant
  • Journalist
  • Lobbyist
  • Patent Agent
  • Arbitrator
  • Mediator
  • Claims Adjuster
  • Title Examiner
  • Probation Officer
  • Court Reporter

I want to be an attorney. Should I get a degree in Legal Studies?

Yes. While you cannot become a lawyer right after graduating with a Legal Studies Degree, it will definitely get you one step closer and make the whole process easier. Before applying to law school in order to become an attorney, you are required to complete a Bachelor Degree. Rather than taking a generic Bachelor of Arts or Science, majoring in Legal Studies will give you an advantage over others, as you will already have a firm foundation over the realm of the legal world. A degree in Legal Studies will also help you perform well on the LSAT, which is required to be considered for law school.