Online Legal Studies Degree: The Benefits and Opportunities

The American Bar Association (ABA) lists several dozen accredited law schools and universities where students can earn a legal studies degree online. An online legal education is becoming the ideal way for working professionals to obtain a college degree, advance their careers, and still continue earning a living.

There are many benefits of online learning programs for students who must work while taking classes. Asynchronous learning options mean that students can log in for class when they have time, rather than being locked into a set schedule. Being able to stay home while attending school reduces out-of-state tuition and cost of living expenses. We’ll review more of the benefits of the flexible legal studies programs available online today.

What is an Online Legal Studies Degree?

Obtaining a legal studies degree online is much the same as one earned in person. It’s intended for working professionals — those looking for a career change or a lateral transfer in their existing role along with individuals who need legal knowledge for their job but don’t plan to become an attorney.

Legal studies degrees teach basic legal concepts, such as legal writing and research, legal policy, ethics, and professional responsibility. You will also get a foundational knowledge of legal concepts like:

• Constitutional Law
• Contracts
• Litigation
• Civil Law

Popular Online Legal Studies Programs

Some online legal studies programs are offered at universities like Arizona State University, and others are attached to law schools such as USC’s Gould School of Law’s undergraduate program. Some schools offer a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), and some offer a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in legal studies. According to USC’s Gould School, there is not as much of a difference between a B.A. and a B.S. in law as there may be in other disciplines.

When deciding between a B.A. and a B.S. in legal studies, students should give more weight to the courses offered than to the nature of the degree.

University of Southern California:

The USC Gould School of Law has an online Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies program that starts students off on a career in the legal field. In addition to the general education requirements, students learn the fundamentals of the U.S. legal system, an introduction to the legal profession, and basic concepts of American law. Students must choose one of four study tracks to focus their degree, Regulatory Law, Public Law, Private Law, and General Legal Studies. Financial aid is available and an internship assistance program offers students help in finding places to hone their legal skills.

Liberty University:

This prestigious school features a fully online Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies. Students can choose between a general track and an e-discovery specialization focusing on electronic data management and evidence collection. Both degree tracks can be taken full-time or part-time to increase the student’s flexibility options. In addition, Liberty University offers networking opportunities with other Liberty graduates nationwide. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Students should contact the admissions office for more information.

Arizona State University:

This school has online undergraduate degrees in a number of legal disciplines for students seeking to broaden their career options. Applicants at ASU can choose from Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees in majors like:

• Criminology and Criminal Justice

• Justice Studies

• Public Service and Public Policy

• Justice Studies

• Social Justice and Human Rights

Tuition depends on the program and degree track. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Interested students should contact ASU’s admissions office for complete details.

Common Courses in Online Legal Studies Programs

Depending on whether you take a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree, your course load may differ slightly. In schools where you must declare a major track, such as Gould School of Law, you’ll focus on a particular set of electives. However, you can expect to take at least two years of general education classes like English, biology, and U.S. history.

The core curriculum of a legal studies program will include:

• Legal Research and Writing
• Fundamentals of U.S. Law
• Constitutional Law
• Contract Law

Once you complete the core curriculum, you can specialize in your chosen major or specialization. Depending on your career goals, you may look at areas like:

• Healthcare Compliance
• Environmental Law
• Immigration Law

If you’re already working in your chosen field, you should consider asking HR what courses would benefit your employability. Once you’ve been accepted to a legal studies program, connect with the career counselor to craft the degree that will best enhance your career goals.

Admission Requirements for Online Legal Studies Degrees

Each school has its own requirements and prerequisites to apply. Students should contact the school before starting any applications. For instance, the Gould School of Law at USC has a high rate of applicants and screens them carefully. Many of their students plan to continue to law school.

However, you can expect some common requirements for all legal studies admissions.

• Official high school transcripts:

Official transcripts must be mailed or emailed from your high school.

• Official college transcripts, if any:

Some schools may accept college credits instead of high school transcripts, depending on the courses and your GPA.

• For some colleges, homeschooled students must demonstrate competency in secondary school curriculum through the Common Application Secondary School Report. Schools may also wish to see SAT/ACT scores.

• International students may need to provide a TOEFL or alternate test of English assessment.

Career Paths with a Legal Studies Degree

If you’re already working in the legal field, you may be able to advance in your existing job or lateral to another department thanks to your new degree. Other options for legal studies degrees are almost endless. According to Indeed, some common careers for legal studies graduates include:

• Paralegal:

Paralegals are certified legal professionals who often handle legal research and writing for the attorney. These professionals may write briefs and legal memos, gather discovery, and assemble case files for their attorneys.

• Compliance Officer:

Financial, healthcare, and corporate businesses must follow complex government regulations to avoid legal issues. A compliance officer must understand the legal aspects of their industry, the paperwork involved, and what penalties their company faces for lack of compliance.

• Policy Analyst:

Policy analysts work in all levels of government, nonprofit, and even private business. They analyze the laws and their agency mission statements to assess how their activities impact the community. Policy analysts must understand all aspects of state and federal law and business relations.

• Law Office Manager:

Law office managers must coordinate all activities of a busy law office, including secretaries, legal assistants, attorneys, and clients. Even if they don’t handle any legal matters themselves, the manager must know what is happening when other office personnel ask questions and have matters that need to be addressed.

Once you have a bachelor’s degree, you may consider continuing to a graduate or post-graduate degree. Law schools demand a bachelor’s degree for admittance. Bachelor’s legal studies programs attached to law schools are often ABA-accredited, a must for students planning to take the state bar exam.

A bachelor’s degree in any field is a stepping stone to a master’s degree. You may consider getting a Master’s in Legal Studies at your college or combining your legal studies degree with a criminal justice or social worker degree to further your career.

Legal Studies Degrees Online vs. On-Campus

Why should students choose an online degree program versus an in-person legal studies degree? Online programs have some distinct advantages:

• Asynchronous classes mean you can log into classes when it’s convenient for you. You’re not locked into set class times.

• You can keep your current job and stay in your location. You don’t need to move or try to juggle hours and days off, trying to fit work into your school schedule.

• Although online degrees often have the same per-unit cost as in-person degrees, you’ll save money by not needing to commute or relocate to a new town to get your degree.

There are naturally pros and cons to anything. Along with the advantages of online legal studies degree programs, there are also disadvantages to online courses:

• Some students don’t learn well in a remote setting. If you’re one of those students, you should think carefully before getting an online degree.

• Online classwork requires a reliable high-speed internet connection. If you know your technology is unreliable, you may need to consider a hybrid class, or an in-person class instead.

Students should discuss the benefits of the program with the admissions office or career counselors at schools before applying.

Tuition and Financial Aid for Online Legal Studies Programs

In most cases, online degrees cost the same per credit as in-person colleges. For instance, the undergraduate degree at Liberty University is $390 per credit-unit full-time, and $455 part-time. For Gould School of Law, one year costs about $83,000. Your costs depend on where you attend, and how many units you take per year.

Because you’re pursuing a four-year degree, courses include general education classes. You can reduce costs by taking these courses at a community college. Be sure when you do that you take transferable classes, or you may find yourself repeating courses.

Financial aid for legal studies programs is available at all colleges and law schools. The cost of an online law degree or legal studies degree may be expensive, so consider your options carefully. Most applications include an automatic FAFSA application. Students should think carefully before applying for a federal loan. Other options include scholarships, employer tuition reimbursements, and state and federal grants.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Legal Studies Degrees

• Is an online legal studies degree respected by employers?

Your bachelor’s degree is just as much a four-year degree as any other degree received from an accredited university. Some schools do not put “online” on your diploma. Your concern should be that the school you attend is accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or other associations.

• Can I transfer my credits to a J.D. program?

Juris Doctorate (J.D.) programs do not transfer credits. What they require is a four-year degree. If you decide to pursue a law degree, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college. If your online degree was obtained from an accredited school, you can apply to a law school.

• What technical requirements should I expect?

Any standard computer and internet connection should be able to handle an online degree. However, your connection must be reliable, and you should be able to handle Zoom or Skype calls. Courses may have live meetings with professors or other classmates. If you live in an area with intermittent connectivity, consider installing a dedicated line while you’re taking classes.

Schools may want you to download course software for tests or to upload coursework. Be sure your system has encryption capability.

Conclusion: Is an Online Legal Studies Degree Right for You?

If you’re thinking about pursuing a legal studies program, consider an online education in law. Start your review by considering your career goals and options, your financial situation, and how much time you have to devote to legal studies each day.

Browse the colleges mentioned here along with other online law school programs and request information from their admissions offices. The more you explore, the more you’ll learn to help make a decision about your future in legal studies.