Legal studies, often classified as an interdisciplinary or liberal arts major, arms students with a theory-based approach to how the law works. A legal studies degree covers the law, its institutions, and practical application. Legal studies graduates may work as paralegals or legal assistants. Earning a bachelor's in legal studies online can also lead degree-holders to careers as lawyers, judges, or mediators.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators will grow 8% between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than other occupations. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $66,130.
The BLS reports that paralegals and legal assistants earn a median annual salary of $52,920 and projects jobs for these professionals to grow 10% between 2019 and 2029.
Read on for the top legal studies degrees, including common courses for students who pursue a legal studies degree online.
FAQs about Legal Studies
What is legal studies?
Legal studies programs cover law terms, processes, and regulations related to the legal profession. Students learn to apply these principles and guidelines in the field.
What kind of jobs can you get with a legal studies degree?
Degree-holders may work as paralegals, legal assistants, arbitrators, conciliators, and mediators. This degree allows learners to apply to a master's or juris doctor (JD) program.
Is a legal studies degree worth it?
Learners pursuing a legal studies degree often find many career opportunities and flexibility within the major. Students who enjoy law but do not want to commit to law school often find this degree appealing.
Are legal studies and paralegal the same thing?
The paralegal field is a narrower niche field under the broad umbrella of legal studies.
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Why Get a Degree in Legal Studies?
Legal studies programs hone in on specific legal skills related to research, analysis, and writing.
Professionals who earn a master's in legal studies often earn above-average salaries and can pursue careers with projected growth between 2019 and 2029.
By pursuing a legal studies bachelor's degree, enrollees often gain career-relevant skills within the legal studies profession. Learners typically take classes in accounting, healthcare, and education.
Degree-seekers may want to continue working while they study — one of the major benefits of online learning. In addition to flexible learning, enrollees also benefit from affordable tuition. Online learners also do not incur additional fees for room and board or commuting to campus.
How Much Does a Legal Studies Degree Cost?
The cost of a legal studies bachelor's degree varies widely depending on the school. Students may pay less to take online courses because colleges and universities often do not charge activity or technology fees. Some schools may waive other fees or impose additional fees related to online learning. However, students can generally expect a lower cost for online courses.
Break down your current financial situation, and receive a college tuition estimate you can afford to pay.
How Much Do Legal Studies Majors Make?
Students who pursue jobs as arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators earn a median annual salary of $66,130, while paralegals and legal assistants earn $52,920. Degree-seekers may work for the federal or state government, private corporations, or individual law practices.
Legal studies graduates can also pursue careers in real estate, law enforcement, and hospital administration. Some degree-holders work in business consulting, government affairs, or financial management. Job titles may include compliance officer and legislative assistant.
Many students continue their studies in graduate school and may pursue a JD or master of business administration.
Courses in Legal Studies
Legal studies courses help students develop research and analytical skills and a thorough understanding of the law. Degree-seekers may acquire these skills through original research projects or a thesis. See below for some common courses in legal studies programs.
Introduction to Law
The foundational course provides a general introduction to law and the legal system, including an overview of both civil and criminal arenas. Students learn how the legal system operates and begin to apply qualitative analysis to modern-day law problems. The class lays out a comprehensive foundation for a legal studies program and career.Western Legal Tradition
The course includes an overview of divine, natural, canon, secular, and common law. Enrollees explore the history of the Magna Carta and study Western law practices. This course helps students understand the underpinnings of the origins of law.The American Constitution
The class covers major aspects of American constitutional law and its development, including the separation of powers in the American political system, within the federal government, and in individual states. Enrollees study the development of civil rights and liberties and learn how to develop and apply analytical techniques in the field.
Certifications and Licensure for Legal Studies
Many legal studies professionals need specific licenses and certifications. Some professionals choose to pursue specific certifications and licensure to advance their careers. See below for some potential credentials for legal studies professionals.
The national professional standard for paralegals, the CP designation requires successfully completing a rigorous examination. Recognized as a high-level achievement, the certification encourages positive growth within the paralegal profession.
ACP courses help students advance their education by learning specific areas of law. This certification includes an assessment component and a 20-hour course.
This credential from the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. involves critical assessment related to typical paralegal tasks. These tasks involve administration of client legal matters, development of client legal matters, research, writing, and office administration.
Scholarships for Legal Studies
Legal studies students can apply for many different types of scholarships. Degree-seekers should also inquire at their college or university for a list of institutional grants and scholarships. See below for three opportunities for students pursuing a legal studies degree.
Scholarships for Legal Studies
| Scholarship |
Amount |
Who Can Apply |
Ehline Law Firm Paralegal Scholarship |
$750 |
Students enrolled in a paralegal program with a minimum 3.0 GPA may apply. Applicants can demonstrate exemplary student status through signed writing from an official instructor or supervising attorney (if not in school). All applicants must show proof of U.S. citizenship and complete an essay. |
Annual Reiff Law Firm Legal Scholarship |
$1,000 |
Learners who intend to work in the legal field may apply, including those pursuing a degree in paralegal studies. Students must be U.S. citizens and show proof of full-time enrollment at an accredited institution. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA. |
Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship |
$10,000 |
The Justice and Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco offers this scholarship. Students from minority groups who attend eligible law schools in the Bay Area may apply. Applicants must submit official transcripts, a personal statement up to 500 words, a resume, and a copy of admission letters from eligible law schools. |
Online Bachelor's In Legal Studies Programs
#1 Online Legal Studies Degrees 2022
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
With a main campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University provides 229 program options for students to pursue. The private institution's academic offerings include in-person and online bachelor's programs. Among the school's virtual options is a respected law program.
Enrollees pursuing the bachelor of science in paralegal studies remotely benefit from scheduling flexibility. General education requirements help participants develop critical thinking and analytical skills. Degree-seekers can select field-specific electives to tailor the curriculum to their career goals. Undergraduates can receive academic and professional guidance from faculty mentors.
The institution charges distance learners affordable tuition rates and offers institutional funding for eligible applicants. Enrollees in the school's online programs pay an average of $750 per credit. The school's dedicated financial aid counselors work with students as they locate and apply for educational funding.
Liberty University at a Glance:
Number of Online Students: 78,511
Student Acceptance Rate: 51%
Total Bachelor's Programs: 91
Online Bachelor's Programs: 30
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Online Legal Studies Degrees 2022
Bellevue University
- Bellevue, NE
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private institution, Bellevue University offers in-person programs on its Bellevue, Nebraska, campus. Students can also enroll in the school's 79 online programs to earn their degree without relocating. Distance learners can earn the bachelor of science in legal studies remotely from the institution.
The law program features foundational and advanced courses in the major. Undergraduates complete upper-division courses, which strengthen skills such as critical thinking. Degree-seekers typically require four years to earn the 120 credits required for the bachelor's degree.
The school provides student support services, such as academic advising and career counseling, to support learners' overall success. Enrollees at the accredited institution can receive federal financial aid, such as the Pell Grant.
Bellevue University Facts:
Total Programs: 84
Total Bachelor's Programs: 58
Online Bachelor's Programs: 54
Permits Transfer Credits: No
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Online Legal Studies Degrees 2022
California University of Pennsylvania
- California, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
California University of Pennsylvania is a public institution educating students from its main campus in California, Pennsylvania. The institution offers online and on-campus programs. The school educates learners through 119 programs, including 52 virtual options. Remote degree-seekers can enroll in the online bachelor of arts in jurisprudence from the institution.
The school requires at least 120 credits for the bachelor's degree in legal studies. Participants in the bachelor's program complete general education requirements, which foster transferable skills they can apply to field-specific classes. Enrollees can receive career and curriculum advice from faculty mentors. Individuals in the online program can pursue in-person internships, which students typically complete locally.
Learners with financial need can finance their education through federal grants and loans. At the school, 97% of students receive financial aid to fund their undergraduate education. Admissions advisors provide prospective applicants with program-specific application details.
Percent Online Enrollment
64%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Online Legal Studies Degrees 2022
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Adelphi, MD
- 4 years
- Online
A public institution, University of Maryland Global Campus offers in-person programs on its Adelphi campus. Students interested in many fields can pursue relevant degrees through the school's 84 online programs. In addition to on-campus offerings, the institution delivers 31 bachelor's programs remotely. The college offers an online bachelor of science in legal studies for working professionals who want to start the path to their law degree while maintaining employment.
The virtual legal studies program features flexible scheduling and enrollment options, which can make earning a degree easier for learners balancing academics with personal obligations. While earning the degree, participants complete core major classes to develop a foundation for upper-division coursework. Graduation requirements include at least 120 credits. Enrollees complete a rigorous curriculum and gain field-specific training in legal studies.
Learners in any field can access support services such as tutoring, academic advising, and career counseling. Online undergraduates can access professional assistance from faculty advisors and career counselors. The school's financial aid counselors support remote students as they search for funding options.
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
90%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Online Legal Studies Degrees 2022
William Woods University
- Fulton, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Graduates of William Woods University's online bachelor of science in paralegal studies can pursue a variety of law-adjacent positions. With 14 virtual programs, the private institution educates students based in Missouri and throughout the country. Along with in-person undergraduate programs, the school offers six bachelor's programs remotely.
Distance learners in the program complete coursework in a virtual classroom environment. Program participants complete core major classes and specialized courses. General education requirements help degree-seekers develop transferable skills that apply to a variety of careers. Undergraduates can participate in internships to gain hands-on experience.
The school delivers in-person and virtual student support services, such as tutoring and career counseling. Enrollees at the accredited institution can receive federal financial aid. Financial aid counseling can help students explore options for reducing out-of-pocket expenses, including loans, scholarships, and grants.
Percent Online Enrollment
41%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Online Legal Studies Degrees 2022
SUNY College of Technology at Canton
- Canton, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
SUNY College of Technology at Canton offers an online bachelor of science in legal studies for busy students who want to start the path to their law degree while maintaining employment. In addition to educating students at its New York campus, the public institution delivers 18 programs for online degree-seekers. Distance learners can pursue 12 bachelor's programs remotely.
Participants in the legal studies program complete coursework in a virtual classroom environment, gaining experience with the latest technology. While completing core coursework, enrollees gain transferable skills they can apply to a variety of professional roles. General education requirements help degree-seekers develop widely applicable skills, such as critical thinking abilities. The program connects students with experiential learning opportunities like internships.
Online and on-campus learners can access support services, such as tutoring, academic advising, and career counseling. The institution holds accreditation, which means enrollees with financial need may qualify for federal grants and loans. Admitted students meet with academic and financial aid advisors to sign up for classes and create a plan to pay for their degree.
Percent Online Enrollment
64%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#7 Online Legal Studies Degrees 2022
Florida Gulf Coast University
- Fort Myers, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Based in Fort Myers, Florida Gulf Coast University delivers 86 academic programs. The public institution's learners can study online or on campus. To prepare for law-related careers, undergraduate students can pursue the school's bachelor of science in legal studies degree remotely.
The virtual bachelor of science in legal studies' high-quality learning experience incorporates scheduling flexibility. Participants gain transferable skills while completing general education coursework. Elective classes and upper-division coursework help degree-seekers gain field-specific skills. Faculty mentors and academic advisors assist undergraduates as they tailor the program curriculum to their interests and career aspirations.
Online learners at the institution pay affordable tuition rates and can apply for institutional funding to further reduce the financial burden of earning a master's degree. Financial aid counseling can help students reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Florida Gulf Coast University Facts:
Number of Online Students: 7,120
Undergraduate Admission Rate: 67%
Total Bachelor's Programs: 54
Online Bachelor's Programs: 3
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Online Legal Studies Degrees 2022
Eastern Kentucky University
- Richmond, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
With a main campus in Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution. With 52 online programs, distance learners benefit from a variety of options. Working professionals often pursue one of the institution's 17 virtual bachelor's programs. Remote students can enroll in the convenient bachelor of arts in paralegal science to gain advanced knowledge in legal studies. Degree-seekers with personal or professional obligations often benefit from the virtual program's flexible scheduling options.
Participants in the online program take classes on general education topics, foundational legal studies subjects, and more advanced areas of the field. The school requires students to earn at least 120 credits to graduate with the degree. While earning the degree, enrollees complete a rigorous curriculum comprising core and specialized coursework.
The school's support services, including career and academic advising, help learners prepare for academic and professional success. During their undergraduate studies, individuals can receive support from faculty advisors and career counselors. Students can explore funding options with the help of the school's financial aid counselors.
Percent Online Enrollment
44%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Online Legal Studies Degrees 2022
Keiser University
- West Palm Beach, FL
- 4 years
- Campus
With a campus in West Palm Beach, Florida, Keiser University provides many degree options for people from all walks of life. The academic catalog includes programs that can be completed on campus or remotely. Distance learners can pursue an online bachelor of arts in legal studies from Keiser University to prepare for law-related careers.
The institution delivers program coursework in a virtual classroom environment, using the latest technology. In addition to core coursework, students in the program complete advanced classes in the legal studies field. The program's general education requirements help degree-seekers gain transferable skills to prepare for employment and advanced studies. Online undergraduates can gain hands-on experience by completing internships with local employers.
Learners enrolled in the school's online programs can access support services such as academic advising and career counseling. The institution holds accreditation, which means students with financial need qualify for federal grants and loans. Financial aid counselors help enrollees understand funding options and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Online Legal Studies Degrees 2022
University of Massachusetts Global
- Irvine, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Individuals interested in earning a law degree in their future can enroll in the online bachelor of arts in legal studies from University of Massachusetts Global. Along with on-campus programs in Irvine, California, the private institution delivers 50 virtual programs. Degree-seekers with personal or professional responsibilities often enroll in one of the school's 16 remote bachelor's programs.
Distance learners in the legal studies program complete coursework in a virtual classroom environment, gaining experience with the latest technology. The program features foundational and advanced courses in the major. During general education classes, participants develop transferable skills such as critical thinking and communication. Gaining professional experience during internships can benefit graduates applying for positions in their field.
Student support services such as tutoring and career counseling prepare enrollees to succeed academically and professionally. Students at the accredited institution can qualify for federal grants and loans. Financial aid counseling can help degree-seekers reduce out-of-pocket expenses, and academic advisors assist with course selections.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
