Best Online Legal Studies Degrees Of 2024. Online legal studies are a prime choice for those aspiring to become lawyers, paralegals, or law enforcement professionals. The expansive nature of the field also equips individuals for diverse careers in business, politics, nonprofit organisations, or public administration.
Engaging in an online legal studies program allows you to refine your analytical and communication skills, fostering a comprehensive grasp of the legal system. Given the persistent demand for legal professionals, pursuing a legal studies degree opens doors to potentially rewarding, stable, and intellectually stimulating job opportunities.
Online Legal Studies Degrees
Online Legal Studies is an interdisciplinary program that offers students a comprehensive exploration of fundamental legal principles, encompassing the legal frameworks in the US and the rationale behind the application of laws. This undergraduate degree is a common pathway for those aspiring to attend law school.
Many graduates initially pursue entry-level positions in law firms, such as paralegals or legal assistants, while others venture into areas like regulatory compliance, social work, and more. A BA in Legal Studies earned online can acquaint you with the theories underpinning law, addressing how laws impact society, their development, and their implementation.
The curriculum covers core legal terminology, delving into the current legal systems and processes in the US and internationally. In addition to gaining insights into the functioning of federal and state court systems, you are likely to develop familiarity with the Constitution and significant laws. Most legal studies programs aim to comprehensively survey various legal domains, including
- Business law
- Torts
- Criminal justice
- Employment law
- Family law
- Real estate
- Mediation and dispute resolution
- International law
- Litigations
Another objective of a legal studies degree program is to develop effective communication, critical reasoning skills, and the ability to consider all relevant information. Throughout the program, you will engage in legal research and writing, involving analysing case studies, formulating logical arguments, and applying laws to real-life scenarios. Given the broad scope of legal studies degrees, you typically can choose electives and specialisations, allowing you to concentrate on a specific area of law.
Many legal studies programs offer tracks designed to prepare you for a role as a paralegal, with some aligning their coursework with professional certification exams for paralegals and legal assistants. Alternatively, you can specialise in law office management or explore the impact of legal regulations on businesses. A legal studies degree provides flexibility, accommodating various interests and career paths.
Legal Studies Careers and Salaries
A Legal Studies A bachelor’s degree is a versatile foundation for various career trajectories, spanning roles within the legal sector, compliance, or human resources. Numerous graduates further their education by attending law school, laying a solid groundwork for aspiring lawyers by familiarizing them with fundamental laws and policies.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics outlines the median annual salaries for potential careers linked to legal studies.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Lawyers | $127,990 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
| Compliance Officers | $71,650 |
| Police and Detectives | $66,020 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $60,380 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $60,250 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $56,230 |
| Arbitrators, Mediators, and ciliators | $49,410 |
| Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | $47,710 |
| Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers | $47,310 |
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies Curriculum & Courses
Legal studies programs typically include fundamental courses like:
- Law Introduction: Provides an overview of various US legal domains, encompassing criminal law, torts, family law, contracts, and consumer law.
- US Legal System: Explores the structure and processes of the US legal system, covering law creation, implementation, and federal and state court jurisdiction.
- Litigation: Addresses civil litigation stages, emphasising paralegal responsibilities like researching case facts and conducting interviews.
- Criminal Law and Procedures: Examines crimes, e.g., murder, fraud, and theft, and explores legal responses to criminal offences.
- Dispute Resolution: Explores conflict resolution methods like arbitration, negotiation, and mediation, aiming to avoid litigation.
- Torts: studies acts causing harm and civil litigation, focusing on common torts like trespass and negligence.
- Contract Law: Analyzes contract components, creation, modification, interpretation, and handling of breaches and damages.
- Legal Ethics: Introduces common ethical issues in law, covering conflicts of interest, pro bono services, and client privileges.
- Legal Writing and Research: Develop skills in using legal terminology, objective and persuasive writing, and consulting relevant research materials.
- Employment Law: Addresses workplace-related laws, including electronic surveillance, harassment laws, and the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Legal studies programs often provide elective courses, allowing students to delve deeper into specific areas of interest within law.
How to Choose an Online Bachelors in Legal Studies Program
To streamline your selection of potential legal studies programs, consider the following factors:
- School Accreditation: Ensure the school’s credibility by choosing an accredited institution, as it indicates vetting for educational quality. Additionally, investigate graduate outcomes to determine the program’s success in placing graduates in relevant careers.
- Coursework and Specializations: Examine the provided coursework for legal studies degree programs to align with your interests. Some programs may offer specialisations such as paralegal studies, criminal law, or business.
- Program Format: Evaluate the program style, noting that some online programs are entirely virtual, while hybrid formats may require occasional campus visits for specific classes and events.
- Student Resources: Compare available student resources among different schools. Beyond basic technical support, look for programs offering tutoring services, alumni networking, career advice, and internship opportunities.
- Tuition: Despite online programs generally having lower overall costs than their on-campus counterparts, tuition rates can vary significantly. Explore each school’s financial aid options, including potential scholarships you may apply for.
With numerous online legal studies degrees available, gaining insights into a program’s details before enrollment is crucial for a well-informed decision.
Admissions Requirements
When seeking admission to an online legal studies program, you will typically provide the following documents:
- High school transcripts: A commonly requested item, some institutions may specify a minimum GPA.
- Essay: Many programs require you to articulate your experiences, accomplishments, and aspirations.
- References: Programs often seek two or three recommendation letters from individuals familiar with your character, such as teachers or employers.
- SAT or ACT scores: While part of the conventional admission process, many schools now don’t mandate test scores.
- Some online programs may also necessitate interviews or resumes.
Accreditation
Selecting a trustworthy legal studies program hinges significantly on accreditation. Institutions with regional accreditation uphold rigorous standards, offering a higher likelihood of delivering quality education. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s (CHEA) directory provides a comprehensive list of accrediting organisations and accredited schools. A degree from an accredited institution is often mandatory for law school admission, and employers may prioritise candidates with such credentials. Attending an accredited school also opens avenues for federal financial aid eligibility.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Many students seek financial aid to support their education, often starting with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal assistance includes loans, grants, and work-study programs, with federal loans having lower interest rates. Scholarships from schools and external sources, along with potential employer tuition assistance, are additional avenues for financial support in legal studies.
Legal Studies Professional Organizations
Getting involved in a professional organisation in the early stages of your career can open doors to job prospects, connect you with mentors and peers, and kickstart your career development. These organisations often provide training and certifications, enhancing your skill set for better career prospects.
These are some of the top professional organisations in legal studies:
- National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
- National Contract Management Association (NCMA)
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
You can even join any of these organisations as a student and continue your membership as a legal professional.
What Is a Legal Studies Major?
A bachelor’s program in legal studies explores the principles, application, and functioning of law in the United States. The curriculum encompasses various areas, including criminal law, litigation, business, and employment law. Emphasizing practical application, the program integrates real-life scenarios with legal knowledge to foster sound decision-making. Graduates can pursue entry-level positions in legal or business domains, with many opting for further education in law.
What Can You Do with a Legal Studies Degree?
Online legal studies equip you for diverse career avenues. Graduates often enter law firms as paralegals or legal assistants or opt for law enforcement roles like police officers or correctional treatment specialists. Other law-related paths include court reporter, mediator, and conciliator. Some pursue law school for a legal career, while others explore opportunities in human resources, finance, regulatory compliance, public administration, and more.
Is Legal Studies a Good Major?
Yes, legal studies prove to be a beneficial major for undergraduates. It offers practical skills applicable to various professions, including paralegal studies, investigation, and human resources. With transferable skills like persuasive communication and logical analysis, legal studies is particularly relevant for those considering law school. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, legal careers demonstrate steady growth and above-average pay, with a median yearly salary of $82,430.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Legal Studies Degree?
Online legal studies programs usually require 120 credit hours, allowing completion of a bachelor’s degree in approximately 4 years with full-time study. Flexibility in online programs permits adjustments in the number of courses per semester. Part-time study is common for students with additional commitments, while accelerated tracks enable full-time students to finish sooner.
Is a Legal Studies Degree Worth It?
Yes, a legal studies degree holds value for numerous students. If you aspire to work in a law firm or attend law school, it proves to be a highly relevant undergraduate qualification. Beyond legal professions, it opens doors to diverse careers, with anticipated job growth in areas like paralegals, legal assistants, arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The skills acquired, including effective communication and data analysis, extend their utility to fields like business and public administration.
Universities Offering Online Legal Studies Degree Programs
The provided list of schools is organized alphabetically. To qualify, an educational institution must have regional accreditation and provide online or hybrid degree programs.
- American Public University
- Bay Path University
- Bellevue University
- Berkeley College
- Davenport University
- Dominican University
- Florida National University
- Herzing University
- Hodges University
- Liberty University
- Pennsylvania Western University
- South University
- State University of New York – Canton
- Stevenson University
- Tulane University
- University of Central Florida
- University of Maryland Global Campus
- University of Massachusetts – Global
- University of Memphis
- Wilmington University
Conclusion
A legal studies degree opens doors to diverse career paths, from law enforcement to academia. This bachelor’s program equips you with essential legal reasoning skills, making it highly relevant for law-related professions. The convenience of accredited online programs allows flexible scheduling and comfortable learning, offering a tailored approach to your education and career aspirations. Start exploring accredited schools now for online legal studies programs that match your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the quickest law degree to get?
The quickest law degree achievable is a Master of Legal Studies, with certain programs enabling graduation in just 12 months. Prerequisites typically include holding a bachelor’s degree; in some cases, completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is mandatory.
What is the highest degree in legal studies?
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
The Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) degree is the utmost tier of legal education, tailored for individuals seeking advanced legal knowledge post-JD and LLM attainment.
Which graduation degree is best for law?
The LLB, a prevalent undergraduate law degree in India, typically spans three years. Nearly all law institutions adhere to a uniform LLB curriculum, introducing students to essential bar subjects.
What subject is best for LLB?
Possessing a bachelor’s degree is a basic prerequisite for law school admission. While many attorneys hold degrees in English, economics, political science, philosophy, journalism, mathematics, and business, there is no officially recommended major for aspiring law students.