The legal studies program prepares students with the
knowledge, skills, and ethical principles necessary to research and produce
legal information and documents in law-related environments. The curriculum
addresses the organization, function, and processes of the lawmaking
institutions in the American legal system, as well as the role of the paralegal
in the legal system and the governing rules of legal ethics. It emphasizes
legal analysis, legal writing and drafting, legal research, and computer
competence in the legal environment. The major in legal studies provides a
solid foundation for challenging paralegal work in various legal settings as
well as for further education in a variety of fields.
Intended Program Outcomes
The student who graduates with a major in legal studies
should be able to
- Conduct research using appropriate resources to identify relevant, current legal authority.
- Draft writings that reflect critical thinking and legal reasoning to inform, advocate, or persuade on legal matters.
- Use interpersonal and leadership skills to be a cooperative and self-reliant member of a legal team.
- Apply knowledge of legal systems, concepts, and methodologies to efficiently and ethically support the resolution of legal disputes.
- Gather relevant information and properly complete a wide variety of forms and documents used in private practice and government service.
Degree Requirements
A degree with a major in legal studies requires the
successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 33 credits for
the major; 41 credits in general education requirements; and 46 credits in the
minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 17 credits in the
major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).
The prospect of earning a law degree may seem daunting, but
now that many schools are offering an online law degree, it has become much
easier. Online degree programs are excellent for full-time working
professionals, people with children or anyone who has substantial time
requirements that make going to traditional on-campus classes next to
impossible.
Doing a quick search on the Internet for an online law
degree yields numerous results. So, which one do you choose? Here are some
things to consider when choosing an online degree program:
- Make sure the college or university is accredited before applying.
- Choose the level of study you wish to pursue: Most law programs are at the masters level, and require that students already have a bachelors degree.
- There are many areas of specialization within law such as personal injury law, corporate law and criminal law. Make sure the college or university offers an online program with the area of specialization that interests you.
- Check the availability of professors to make sure they will be able to answer questions and offer assistance on a regular and reliable basis. Also, look into who will be teaching the classes, read the professors’ bios, and search for their names on the Internet to bring up articles. You want to make sure the faculty you are going to be taught by are qualified and experienced in the area of law they are teaching before applying to a program.
- Make sure the online program has both theoretical and practical elements in the curriculum, as both categories are needed to make a successful lawyer. Also, make sure that the online program is the same or very similar to an on-campus program. This helps ensure legitimacy and being worth your time and monetary commitments.
- Online programs can vary in structure flexibility ranging from students being able to complete classes at their own pace within the semester time frame to strict schedules with assignments and tests due on particular days of the week. Make sure the online program you select fits your scheduling needs.
- Look into how much it costs, remembering to add in an estimate for books and supplies. Programs do differ in price, so if one is too much, another may be more manageable. There are also scholarships specifically offered to people interested in pursuing a law degree.
- Take a look at the program’s course schedule to see how big the class sizes are and what the ratio of teachers to students is. If there is one teacher for 100 students (online classes can have more seats because they are not located in a confined space like a classroom or lecture hall), you may not get much individualized attention.
- See if any current or graduated students offer their phone numbers or email addresses for prospective students to contact, and contact them to ask about their experience with the program and other questions you might have.
A bachelor’s degree in law and justice may take the
form of majors in the criminal justice field, law enforcement, or security and
corrections. Students will learn the theoretical and practical information
about the issues surrounding the legal system. A bachelor’s degree in law
and justice will typically provide courses in criminal procedures, criminal
law, legal research, and social justice. Canyon College allows students to earn
a degree in legal studies with options to specialize in the areas of business
law, general law, or criminal litigation. Kaplan University Online also offers
bachelor’s degrees in legal and paralegal studies to provide a focused
education for students to enter these fields.
A bachelor’s degree in law and justice is right for
you if you are looking to begin a career in one of the various aspects of the
legal system. Prospective students should have strong analytical thinking and
communication skills. Many students with this degree will find positions
assisting lawyers in preparing documents and research data. Research the
education requirements for specific law and justice field careers at our law
and justice career center page.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment
for those in the law and justice fields is expected to increase at a more rapid
rate than in other industries. However, there will be high competition
for any available positions. Those will a bachelor’s degree will find more
opportunities than those with limited post-secondary education credits.
The legal studies bachelor's degree enhances students'
analytical thinking, researching skills and writing abilities, all of which can
make them more desirable candidates for the professional world. Online legal
studies degree programs hold students to the same educational standards as
campus-based ones. However, students enrolled in online programs must be
self-motivated and willing to work independently. Students who wish to become
lawyers may begin with a bachelor's degree in legal studies and then move on to
a graduate program in law. In order to enter law school, students must take the
Law School Admission Test. Those who are not interested in becoming a lawyer
but would like to become a paralegal must attain paralegal certification by the
American Bar Association.
