Legal Studies Degree

A legal studies degree affords students the opportunity to learn about law and the legal framework of the United States, with an emphasis of the role of law in culture. As a four year bachelor’s degree program, it is often considered to be like a liberal arts degree that focuses on the law.

Legal Studies Training and Courses

Associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs are available, as well as minor programs for those pursuing a four year degree in another field. Studies generally include the role of law and its impact on media and business; constitutional law and its role in protecting civil liberties, and survey courses on legal practice and procedure.

Sources:The Wall Street Journal and Bureau of Labor Statistics

Job Opportunities for Legal Studies Degree Program Graduates

Using these courses and combined with work experience, legal studies majors can pursue careers in policy with legislators, continue on to law school or perform research for think tanks and consultancies. They may also go on to obtain paralegal certificates or other job-specific training, with the note that academia and legislatures smile upon more advanced degrees.

Salary Expectations For Legal Studies Degree Graduates

Salary will depend on the career pursued after graduation and location of employment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that paralegals earn a median annual salary of $46,730 nationally as of May 2011.¹

Online Legal Studies Degrees, Programs and Schools

Everest University Online
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Paralegal (Associate's)
• Paralegal (Bachelor's)
• Criminal Justice (Associate's)

Keiser University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Paralegal Studies, AA (Online)
• Criminal Justice, AA (Online)

Kaplan University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• MS in Legal Studies - Education and the Legal System
• MS in Legal Studies - State and Local Government
• BS in Legal Studies

Western International University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Business / Minor in Legal Studies

Walden University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• B.S. in Political Science & Public Administration - Law & Legal Studies
• Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Mixed-Model - Criminal Justice
• M.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership & Executive Management - General

Concord Law School
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Executive J.D. SM Program
• Juris Doctor Program

Penn Foster Schools
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Paralegal
• Legal Secretary
• Legal Transcriptionist

References:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm