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Your Guide to a Certificate in Legal Studies: Pathways, Careers, and Benefits

Published on: Jan 2, 2025

WRITTEN BY

Susan Buckner, J.D.
Ryan Duffy

REVIEWED BY

Ryan P. Duffy, Esq.

Why Consider a Certificate in Legal Studies?

A Certificate in Legal Studies gives students in-depth knowledge of the legal system without the time or expense of a two- or four-year degree. A Certificate in Legal Studies prepares you for a legal career. It can also help you decide if you want to advance your education in paralegal studies, law, or legal support.

Students can obtain a Certificate in Legal Studies in several practice areas, including paralegal studies, social work, regulatory compliance, and more. A professional certification can give you an edge in the job market, showing potential employers you are committed to enhancing your knowledge of the legal field.

We’ll review what a Certificate in Legal Studies is and where you can go for more information about this powerful asset in your resume.

What is a Certificate in Legal Studies?

A Certificate in Legal Studies is a short-term course focusing on a single legal area. Certificate programs are designed to be completed in a single term, or less than a year, such as California State University’s 24-unit, eight-course certificate.

Certificate programs differ from degree programs in their brevity and concentration on a single aspect of legal knowledge. A two- or four-year degree gives students a much greater breadth of knowledge but can take much longer to complete. For instance, a bachelor’s degree requires two years of general education classes.

Certificate programs are designed for individuals already working in the legal field, those who want to increase their knowledge base without an academic degree, or people considering a career change looking to test the waters.

A Legal Studies Certificate focuses on foundational law and the study of legal theory. It differs from paralegal certificates which focus more on practical applications such as legal writing,  legal research, and document preparation. Paralegal studies programs are intended for the paralegal profession, which is a separate career track. Legal studies can encompass business management, social work, and regulatory law.

Types of Legal Studies Certificates and Specializations

Different colleges, universities, and law schools have different certificates and specializations available for legal studies. The University of Central Florida has seven undergraduate Legal Studies Certificates that students can choose from; the California State University system has various certificates available at each of its many universities throughout the state. Some popular certificates available through most schools include:

  • Paralegal Certificate:

    This certificate gives students knowledge in paralegal skills like legal research, writing, legal documents and discovery, and case management.

  • Regulatory Compliance:

    Finance, healthcare, and insurance all need legal assistance for regulatory compliance. A regulatory compliance certificate gives students a career boost, whether they’re looking for a job or a promotion. Some schools, like American University, have courses that prepare students to take the Compliance Certification Board exams.

  • Business Law Certificates:

    These include specializations in cybersecurity, financial planning, real estate, and policy analysis. Whatever your career goals are, legal knowledge is a benefit to you and your company.

  • Criminal Law and Procedure:

    Foundational criminal law, evidence, court processes, and law enforcement basics. As more law enforcement agencies look for educated personnel, a certificate can give existing officers and agents a leg up on promotions.

Popular Courses in a Legal Studies Certificate Program

Legal Studies Certificate programs are designed to be completed in a few months or under a year. Rather than a wide range of legal courses, your program will focus on the discipline or practice area your certificate is in.

For example, the Legal Studies Certificate from Cal State University requires:

One “Foundation” course, such as:

  • Constitutional Law
  • US Constitution Origins and Development
  • Constitutional Law: Powers
  • Constitutional Law: Rights

Then students must select seven other law-related courses from three different departments. Courses may include:

  • Law and Business Transactions
  • Legal and Regulatory Environment of Business
  • Latinas/os, Law, and Public Policy
  • Issues in Freedom of Communication
  • Criminal Courts and Judicial Processes
  • Legal Aspects of Corrections

In other schools, such as the University of Central Florida, your courses might include technology and law classes (for the Technology and the Law Certificate), or real estate law and urban planning (for the Urban Real Estate Certificate).

Students will assemble their course plan in conjunction with a career planner at the college. If you’re already working in your field, consider discussing your educational goals with HR and see what classes might help you in your current role.

Benefits of Earning a Certificate in Legal Studies

Getting your Legal Studies Certificate is a bonus for your resume and your existing position in your company or law firm. Carving time out to get your Legal Studies Certificate shows your commitment to your field and obtaining more legal knowledge.

If you’re just starting out, a Legal Studies Certificate can also give you insight into the legal field. A certificate is a good way to study the legal profession without the time and expense of law school. A certificate in business law or regulatory compliance gives you an employment edge, but also gives you an insider look at the law.

A Certificate in Legal Studies can be a good way to make a lateral move within your own company. It can give you a new direction away from your current role and another angle into different departments. For instance, if you’re currently working in finance, a certificate in compliance could put you on track for the financial compliance role.

Online Certificate Programs in Legal Studies

Online courses and programs are designed for working professionals. If you don’t have time to leave your job and don’t want to take PTO or vacation days to get your certificate, online programs with asynchronous courses are ideal. These classes let you log in and complete coursework on your own time. Professors have regular office hours to meet with students as they are available.

Hybrid classes offer the best of both worlds. Students have the flexibility of both online classes and in-person class time that some students need to thrive. If you’re able to attend in-person classes or want an internship that gives you hands-on experience, a hybrid certificate is the best plan for your certificate program.

Career Paths with a Certificate in Legal Studies

What can you do with a Legal Studies Certificate? According to Indeed, areas you might want to consider include:

  • Compliance Officer:

    The national average salary is $71,631 per year. Compliance officers work with an organization to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.

  • Court Reporter:

    The national average salary is $51,242 per year. Court Reporters provide documentation of court and deposition proceedings — they may work in civil or criminal courtrooms.

  • Jury Consultant:

    The national average salary is $55,033 per year. These individuals work with a legal team to assist in selecting a jury. They must understand human behavior and legal issues.

  • Law Enforcement Officer:

    The national average salary is $40,556 per year. These individuals may become police officers, sheriff's deputies, FBI agents, and other agency staff. Departments increasingly want educated officers for ranking positions.

  • Law Librarian:

    The national average salary is $56,415 per year. These professionals assist patrons in locating texts and information. They also educate patrons on technology and library systems. Universities, courts, and corporate legal offices need these professionals.

  • Legal Assistant:

    The national average salary is $51,572 per year. These individuals may fulfill paralegal roles, working in legal offices, law offices, corporations, non-profits, and government agencies.

  • Legal Secretary:

    The national average salary is $52,841 per year. Attorney’s assistants and paralegal professionals often handle calendaring and other management work.

Admission Requirements for Legal Studies Certificate Programs

Every college or university has its own admissions requirements. Prospective students should contact the admissions offices directly for an admissions packet. For undergraduate certificates, students must meet minimum undergraduate requirements. Typically, you’ll need a high school diploma with a “C” average or better. For online legal studies programs, your high school diploma may be enough. You’ll need official copies of your transcripts.

Graduate certificates will require a two- or four-year degree, or equivalent academic experience. Students should contact the school if they believe they have sufficient knowledge for a graduate certificate.

All schools have financial aid available for undergraduate and graduate certificate programs. The best course of action is to contact the schools directly for more information.

How to Choose the Right Legal Studies Certificate Program

When you’re considering a legal studies program of any kind, there are a few things to think about before making a decision:

  • College Accreditation:

    Not all colleges, including online colleges, are accredited. You may get the same education at an unaccredited school, but unaccredited units will not transfer to accredited colleges. Check with the U.S. Department of Education to see whether your school is accredited by an accreditation agency.

  • ABA Accreditation:

    The American Bar Association (ABA) has strict requirements for law schools and affiliated paralegal and legal studies courses. An ABA accreditation is considered a “gold standard” for legal certifications. If you intend to use your certificate in a legal field, an ABA accreditation is essential.

  • Course Flexibility:

    If you’re a working professional, you need classes that fit your schedule. Online courses are quite popular today, but some colleges may have hybrid or in-person requirements. Confirm whether your chosen school is one of them.

  • Costs:

    Online courses are usually the same cost per unit as all other classes. Your savings come from a lack of commute time and flexible hours. You also may not need to take time away from work to finish your courses.

Contact the admissions office for financial and accreditation information. Be careful about FAFSA applications for a certificate program. Private loans, scholarships, and grants should be your first line of funding.

FAQs About a Certificate in Legal Studies

  • Can a Legal Studies Certificate lead to a paralegal career?

    A paralegal is “a person, qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer…, who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.” (ABA definition)

    A Legal Studies Certificate is not necessary for a paralegal career, but it can improve your employability for a paralegal career and show employers your dedication to your legal craft.

  • Is a Certificate in Legal Studies enough for a legal career?

    It depends on what your legal career is. You cannot be an attorney or call yourself a paralegal, however, a Certificate in Legal Studies is a good start for becoming a legal secretary, legal assistant, or law enforcement officer. 

  • What is the difference between a certificate and a Certification in Legal Studies?

    A certificate is an academic award given to a student by an educational institution after completing a course of instruction in legal studies. A certificate shows a student has successfully finished the requirements of the course and gained the knowledge in the class.

    Acertification is an acknowledgment from a professional organization, such as theNational Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) that the individual has taken an exam given by the organization and is a member in good standing. Certifications provide some measure of accountability for members because the organizations often require regular tests or continuing education to retain membership.

  • Can you specialize in a Legal Studies Certificate program?

    A Legal Studies Certificate program is a specialization. It seldom lasts more than a single term of school. There is no time or need to specialize further than your Legal Studies Certificate.

  • Is a Legal Studies Certificate a stepping stone to law school?

    No. A Legal Studies Certificate may spark your interest in law school, but a certificate is not adequate to enter law school. All accredited law schools require at least a bachelor’s degree for admission.

Conclusion: Is a Certificate in Legal Studies Right for You?

If you’re thinking about starting a legal career or advancing in a job you’ve already started, a Certificate in Legal Studies may be a good way to begin. Take some time to think about what you want to achieve, how much time you can spend on your education, and what you want to accomplish with your Legal Studies Certificate.

Explore your options, call the admissions offices of the schools mentioned here, and do your own online research. You need a school that gives you the courses you want at a price you can afford. Do your due diligence before starting out on your new legal education.

About the Authors

Written by:

Susan Buckner, J.D.

Susan Buckner has a J.D. from Whittier Law School. She’s a contributing author to FindLaw.com with over 350 published articles. Susan has been a legal writer and content provider for five years. She works with numerous online legal content agencies.

Susan worked with Whittier’s Family and Children’s Law Clinic as a junior editor with the Family and Children’s Law Journal from 2009-2011. After law school, she volunteered as a mediator with the Orange County Superior Court, with a 77% settlement rate.

Susan worked as a paralegal for solo attorneys in California and Florida. Her legal experience ranges from contract law to personal injury law, with a specialization in family and disability law. She has written on every legal topic, from contracts to intellectual property. She is also a published fiction and nonfiction author.

Susan lives and works in Southern California.

Susan Buckner, J.D.

Contributor

Education: Whittier Law School, JD

Knowledge: Contract Law

Reviewed by:

Ryan P. Duffy, Esq.

Ryan P. Duffy is an attorney licensed to practice law in New Jersey, North Carolina, and South Carolina. His practice focuses primarily on Estate Planning, Personal Injury, and Business law. 

Law Licensures

  • New Jersey

  • Pennsylvania (inactive)

  • South Carolina

  • North Carolina

Ryan Duffy

Ryan P. Duffy, Esq.

Editorial Lead

Education: Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, J.D.

Knowledge: Estate Planning

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