Legal Studies Degree Online

What is Legal Studies?

Students who major in Legal Studies study humanities and the law. They look at the history of law, how it has evolved, and how it has affected individuals and societies. This major is usually theoretical, with lots of critical thinking, independent research, and group discussion. Legal Studies is not the same major as Prelaw, which is designed more specifically to prepare students for law school.

Is Legal Studies a Good Major / Degree for Me?

Do you love to read? Are you a strong communicator? Do you enjoy research? Do you like to write papers? Are you interested in the law, in ethics, in sociology? Do you follow current events? Do you follow politics? Are you passionate about civil rights and social justice? Are you a strong critical thinker? Are you good at working independently as well as in groups? If you’ve answered yes to some of these questions, then a degree in Legal Studies might be for you!

High School Classes Needed for a Legal Studies Degree in College:

• 4 English Credits
• 3 Math Credits
• 3 Science Credits
• At least 3 Social Studies Credits
• At least 2 Foreign Language Credits
• If your high school offers any of the following courses, take advantage!
  • AP U.S. History
  • AP Comparative Government and Politics
  • AP U.S. Government and Politics
  • AP Statistics
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Common Legal Studies Courses in College:

• Anthropology
• Business Law
• Civil Rights Studies
• The Constitution
• Criminal Law
• Economics
• Environmental Law
• Ethics
• Government
• International Law
• Legal History
• Legal Research
• Legal Writing
• Philosophy

Similar Degree Programs You Might Want to Explore:

• Criminal Justice: the study of society and criminal behavior
• International Relations: the study of interactions between organizations and nations
• Journalism: a course of study that prepares students to share the news via a variety of media
• Liberal Arts & Sciences: an introductory study of literature, languages, philosophy, history, mathematics, and sciences
• Paralegal Studies: a course of study that prepares students to work as paralegals
• Peace Studies: the study of war, conflict, peace, and nonviolent conflict resolution
• Political Science: the study of government and politics
• Prelaw: a course of study that prepares students to apply to law school (graduate school)
• Psychology: the study of the human mind and of human behavior
• Sociology: the study of societies and of human social behavior

Legal Studies Careers:

Majoring in Legal Studies will not make you a lawyer, but it can help prepare you for law school. Legal Studies is a liberal arts program of study that provides students with an overview of the law and the social sciences. Individuals who do not go on to law school or other graduate school, can use this degree to help them find employment as teachers, government employees, journalists, law enforcement professionals, and even business people.