Legal studies programs give students a foundational understanding of the law and prepares them for law-related careers. A bachelor's degree in legal studies typically takes four years to complete. Some schools offer BA-to-JD programs conferring a legal studies bachelor's degree and a law degree in six years. Besides law school, legal studies degree graduates may pursue positions as arbitrators and mediators, paralegals and legal assistants, trial consultants, and court reporters.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in legal occupations will grow 5% between 2019-2029, faster than the average rate. Legal occupations promise strong earning potential with a median annual salary of $81,820.
Legal studies program admission requirements include a high school or GED diploma, a competitive GPA, and satisfactory test scores. Many programs and schools have adopted a test optional policy through all 2021 admissions cycles.
Featured Online Legal Studies Programs
What Can I Do With a Legal Studies Degree?
Legal studies program graduates choose from various career paths available to them. Many legal studies degrees prepare students for law school or an entry-level law-related career. An interdisciplinary field, legal studies draws on sociology, criminology, history, political science, and philosophy.
A bachelor's degree in legal studies may include law school preparation, such as application assistance, advising, and internship opportunities at local law offices. Alternatively, graduates may pursue jobs as mediators, court reporters, file clerks, or paralegals and legal assistants. Most of these entry-level positions require a bachelor's or associate degree.
A degree demonstrating an interest in and dedication to the study of law can distinguish candidates for non-lawyer legal positions, giving legal studies program graduates an advantage. Students who start working upon graduation can always decide to pursue a law degree after gaining a few years of experience.
What Are the Requirements for a Legal Studies Program?
Most legal studies degrees require 120 credits and take four years to complete. Courses cover topics such as criminal law, law and society, and civil practice and procedure. Coursework also includes trial advocacy and rhetoric and the law.
To gain admission to legal studies programs, candidates must hold a high school or GED diploma, along with a competitive GPA and satisfactory test scores. Other application requirements may include a personal essay and recommendation letters.
To graduate, learners must complete all the degree requirements while maintaining a minimum GPA. Some legal studies programs require a senior capstone, internship, or honors thesis. Prospective students should consult an advisor for a given program's specific requirements.
FAQ About Legal Study Programs
Is legal studies the same as pre-law?
Yes and no. Schools typically offer legal studies as a major, while pre-law indicates an intention to pursue law school upon graduation. Not all pre-law students will major in legal studies, but legal studies students might choose pre-law.
What bachelor's degree do you need to become a lawyer?
Law schools do not necessarily require a bachelor's degree in particular disciplines. Pre-law students generally benefit from a liberal arts education emphasizing skills such as logic and reasoning, effective communication, and research methods.
What can you do with a bachelor's in legal studies?
Legal studies bachelor's degree-holders can pursue law school or gain employment in multiple legal support services.
What are the best states for lawyers?
States with the highest employment of lawyers include California, New York, Florida, Texas, and Illinois.
Courses in a Legal Studies Program
Legal studies programs provide an understanding of the law and the U.S. legal system. Students learn the skills necessary to support the functioning of this system. Through required courses, enrollees develop legal procedure knowledge and the research skills necessary to discover specific information related to cases, statutes, or a legal topic.
Some programs allow learners to tailor their electives to a specific concentration area. For instance, students interested in criminal justice may take courses related to criminal law, crime and society, and criminology.
The list below provides an overview of courses found in many legal studies programs. Not all programs offer these courses, but we have provided a representative sample.
This course introduces U.S. laws, systems of law-making and administration, and processes for resolving legal conflicts. Students gain familiarity with the U.S. Constitution and law categories. They study civil litigation, alternative dispute resolution, and contemporary issues related to justice in law and society. Learners gain an understanding of the legal system structure, the relationship between state and federal courts, and the relationship between case law and statutes.
