Criminal justice degrees are great options for people that are interested in law as it relates to crime and who may want to pursue careers in law enforcement, corrections or go to law school later on. But what about all the other legal careers that are out there? What if someone is more interested in how the legal system works than in criminal behavior? That’s where a legal studies degree comes in.  

While criminal justice and legal studies programs do in fact have a lot in common, a bachelor’s in legal studies explores the legal system a bit more holistically. As such, they tend to prepare students for legal careers that are more internal in nature, as opposed to careers that address crime directly.

What is a legal studies bachelor’s degree?

A bachelor’s degree in legal studies prepares students for a wide range of legal careers. These programs, which typically take about four years to complete, focus on how the legal system works and impart practical skills in legal research, writing and procedures. Many schools now offer the legal studies major online, which can bring a college education within reach for many people.  

Legal studies degrees may be considered either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. BA programs tend to require more liberal arts classes as a condition of graduation, whereas BS programs are usually more focused on science and mathematics. 

There are many similar baccalaureate majors that have slightly different names. These often imply important differences in what they teach and who they’re for: 

• Law: Prepares students for law school and other graduate legal studies. 
• Paralegal studies: Focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to become a paralegal specifically. Often are associate degree level.
• Law, societies and justice or something similar: This interdisciplinary major can prepare students for various legal, criminal justice or social service careers. Students typically take many courses in subjects such as sociology, geography, political science, criminal justice and more.   

These majors may be a better fit for you depending on your specific goals, so it’s important to understand that these are in fact different majors and not just different names for the same thing. If you’re ever unsure about what a school’s major is all about, contact the school directly to learn more.  

Eligibility

In order to enroll in most programs, you need a high school diploma or GED. You may also be asked to submit standardized test scores from the SAT or ACT, a personal essay and letters of recommendation from former teachers or professional supervisors as part of your application. Be sure to check with each individual school to find out exactly what you need to do to apply for their program—online schools sometimes have slightly different process compared to traditional on-campus programs.  

Benefits of an online legal studies degree 

Getting your bachelor’s degree online can be a fantastic option for several different reasons, especially for those that find it challenging to take in-person courses due to an existing job or other personal commitments.

What you’ll learn in a legal studies bachelor’s degree 

Every legal studies bachelor’s degree is going to have its own unique curriculum and learning objectives, but there are many core topics you can generally expect to learn in most programs: 

• Introduction to law
• The legal system and judicial processes
• Legal research and writing
• Legal ethics
• Litigation
• Torts
• Constitutional law

In addition to the required major courses, students must also take a certain number of general education courses in subjects like English composition, communications, mathematics, biological and physical sciences, social sciences and others. The number of general education credits you must complete depends on each specific degree program.  

Legal studies programs also require students to take a certain number of elective courses to supplement their core major requirements. Electives courses often focus on different areas of law, such as:  

• Environmental law
• Family law
• Intellectual property law
• Real estate law
• Sports and entertainment law
• Corporate law
• Employment law

How to choose the right program for you

The legal studies major has become a more common offering at colleges and universities in recent years. With so many programs to choose from it can be hard to know where to start looking, but there are a few crucial factors to consider when getting started.

• Accreditation: Any program you are considering must be accredited by an accrediting agency which is approved by the U.S. Department of Education. This is essential to ensure you receive a quality education, and it’s necessary if you want to qualify for any federal financial aid.  
• Program curriculum: Evaluate a program’s course offerings and whether they align with your specific career goals. In addition, you may want to research whether a program offers any experiential learning opportunities like internships as part of their curriculum. Internships can be a fantastic way to gain real-world experience while you’re still in school, which could give you an edge in the job market after you graduate.  
• Support services: Inquire about student support services the school offers like tutoring, career counseling and technical assistance. Being able to access the right type of help when you need it is essential to setting yourself up for success throughout your online education journey.
• Cost analysis: The cost of your education is an important factor for many when determining where you can reasonably attend school. Keep in mind, however, that the tuition prices listed on a school’s website may not reflect exactly how much you would actually pay. Federal financial aid and any scholarships awarded by the school could bring down the price significantly.  

Career paths for legal studies bachelor’s

Getting a bachelor’s degree in legal studies could pave the way to a variety of legal professions that don’t require a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Many of these positions could lead to more advanced roles later in your career or they can be a lifetime occupation all their own. Even a legal secretary, for example, could maintain their role but move up to larger and more prestigious law firms over time.  

Occupation	Job description	Median annual salary (BLS)
Paralegal	Assist lawyers and law firms with legal research, drafting documents, scheduling meetings with clients or witnesses and helping lawyers during trials.	$61,010
Legal secretary	Perform various clerical and administrative duties for law offices.	$54,140
Compliance officer	Examine and investigate organizations to evaluate compliance with relevant laws and regulations.	$78,420
Arbitrators, mediators and conciliators	Facilitate negotiations between disputing parties to avoid legal action.	$67,710
Title examiners, abstractors and searchers	Search for and examine titles, records, contracts and other legal documents for law firms, real estate companies, insurance companies and other organizations.	$54,980

The education you receive in a legal studies program may also translate well to other social service roles working for nonprofits or various government agencies. 

Beyond a bachelor’s in legal studies

One of the great things about earning your bachelor’s in legal studies is that it can be an excellent undergraduate major to prepare you for further education. Perhaps the most obvious example would be going to law school to earn your JD degree and become a lawyer, though it’s worth noting that a legal studies degree is not required to attend law school. Most law schools do not have a preference for undergraduate majors and accept students from a wide range of disciplines. That said, a lot of what you learn in a legal studies degree is explored in law school, which could give you an advantageous edge.  

Law school isn’t the only next step available to legal studies graduates. Depending on the field you wish to work in, a legal studies degree might eventually lead to a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Social Work (MSW), a master’s degree in criminal justice or something else entirely.

Final say

Earning a bachelor’s in legal studies online could be the bridge you need to start a rewarding career in the legal field. Whether it’s working for a law firm or the legal department of a company, organization or government agency, the possibilities for where your degree could take you are many. Plus, earning your degree online could make your degree more attainable and affordable.  

Getting your bachelor’s degree usually only requires a high school diploma or GED to get started. If you start researching online legal studies programs today, you’ll be one step closer to the next chapter of your career. 

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