Online Legal Studies Bachelor Degree Programs

An online legal studies bachelor degree gives students the skills and knowledge base to join entry-level positions within the legal field, such as legal assistant, paralegal or law clerk.

A legal studies bachelor degree also serves as a great foundation for further legal education for those who want to become lawyers, judges or enjoy other legal professions. A legal studies program is similar to paralegal studies, but with a more general focus appropriate for a wide range of careers.

Earning a Legal or Paralegal Studies Online Degree Program

Some learners and busy professionals may choose to pursue online degree in legal study programs. Online programs from accredited distance education colleges provide students with the flexibility of pursuing legal or paralegal online degrees education at their own pace and on their own schedule. Some online colleges also offer accelerated programs, enabling learners to complete their education faster.

Colleges offering Online Legal & Paralegal Studies Programs

Kaplan University

Bachelor's Online Legal Studies Programs

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy and Management
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor of Science in Political Science
Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and Policy

Western International University

Online Legal Studies Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's)

Bachelor's in Legal Studies
Bachelor's in Business with a Legal Studies Minor

Post University

Legal Studies Online Undergraduate Degree

B.S. in Legal Studies

Virginia College

Bachelor in Paralegal Studies Online

BS in Paralegal Studies

Strayer University

Bachelor in Legal Studies Degree Online Program

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Legal Studies

Keiser University eCampus Online

Undergraduate Legal Studies Degree Online

Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies

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Who Should Earn a Bachelor in Legal Studies Degree?

Are you interested in law and legal matters? Do you like to debate? An online legal studies degree student should be a detail-oriented critical thinker. Legal careers also require excellent communication skills, and a willingness to research topics extensively to determine precedent and understand law to build a case.

Legal careers require patient, methodical thinkers, and problem-solving skills are key to unlocking and winning a case. Legal students must have excellent writing skills, and good interpersonal skills which can be helpful when communicating with clients. A legal studies education can also lead to non-legal career paths, as this program provides a good general education and sharpens the critical thinking and communication skills required in many professions.

Education & Curriculum for a Legal Studies Degree Program

A bachelor in online legal studies degree provides learners with a comprehensive, broad-based general education. The general coursework in a paralegal / legal studies degree program includes coursework in: psychology, sociology, rhetoric, writing and research. These courses are designed to provide students with an understanding of people, and the ability to effectively research and communicate legal issues.

A legal studies program also includes coursework specific to law, like: common law, finance, contracts, taxation, business law or intellectual property law. Legal studies encompass many areas of law, including product liability, e-commerce, environmental law, sports law, criminal law and bankruptcy. Students may be able to select coursework specific to the type of law they want to pursue for a more detailed focus and understanding of those types of law.

Salary & Career Options for Paralegal / Legal Studies Graduates

A legal studies bachelor degree prepares students for entry-level legal careers. Legal studies graduates may become legal assistants, law clerks, paralegals or administrative assistants in law firms. In these careers, individuals with a legal studies degree assist with case preparation, including researching and drafting legal documents, and maintaining the case file. A legal studies professional may gather information from the client, request medical records, compile documents and assist with deadline tracking and scheduling.

A legal studies degree forms a good foundation for a Juris Doctorate degree, thus some legal studies graduates go on to further education to become lawyers or judges. Students who earn a legal studies degree can work in law firms, assisting lawyers, while earning the J.D. and working toward an advanced legal career. After serving as lawyers, graduates may eventually become judges.

Alternately, legal studies graduates may choose to work in other professions. They may become lobbyists or work in politics to help shape and change federal laws. A legal studies degree also forms a good foundation for other careers, with its emphasis on critical thinking and communication skills.

Analysts predict an increasing need for legal assistants and paralegals, particularly in the areas of intellectual property, health care, ecological law and elder issues.

The median income for legal professionals varies depending on the field. State and local government legal professionals can expect a median income of $36,000. Paralegals and legal assistants report a median income of $40,000, although that number can vary significantly depending on region and experience. The median income for Federal government employees with a legal degree is $60,000, making it the highest median salary for legal professionals.