B.A in Legal Studies

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Program Facts

College: College of Liberal & Fine Arts

Major: Legal Studies

Offered Minors: Legal Studies

Degree Level: Bachelor's

Delivery Format:
  • On-Campus
  • Hybrid
Campuses & Locations:

Credit Hours: 120 Hours

Duration: 4 Years

Tuition & Fees

Estimated costs available via the calculator.

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Accreditation

Woman reading a book between rows of shelves filled with legal volumes in a library.

Overview

A Legal Studies major is a great choice if you're curious about how laws work, why they matter, and how they affect our daily lives. You'll learn about things like criminal justice, civil rights, court decisions, and how rules are made and applied. It’s kind of like getting a behind-the-scenes look at the legal system and understanding how it connects to history, politics, and real-world issues. This major is perfect for students who want to go to law school or who are thinking about careers in government, the legal profession, or even law enforcement. You’ll build strong skills in reading, writing, thinking critically, and making persuasive arguments—tools that are useful in tons of careers, not just in law.

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Program Benefits

  • Attorney-trained faculty provide real-world skills and experiences
  • Law school application guidance and advice
  • Internship opportunities in law firms, legal departments, and state offices

Courses

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Offered Concentrations

  • Paralegal
  • Pre-Law

Video Overview

Learning Outcomes

  • Competently prepare documents necessary for representation of clients in a legal matter, including correspondence, litigation, transactional, and advisory materials.
  • Effectively conduct legal and factual research utilizing appropriate resources for locating and communicating findings.
  • Competently utilize discipline-specific technology, including, but not limited to case management, time management and billing, legal research, and trial presentation
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Career Outcomes

  • Paralegal or Legal Assistant
  • Compliance Officer
  • Legislative Aide or Policy Analyst
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is Legal Studies the same as pre-law?

    Legal Studies is often considered a good pre-law option, but it's a standalone major that explores law from many angles—social, political, historical, and ethical. It’s not limited to preparing students for law school.

  • Do I have to go to law school after earning this degree?

    No. While many Legal Studies majors do go on to law school, the degree also opens doors to careers in government, business, nonprofits, compliance, and law enforcement.

  • What kind of skills will I gain?

    You’ll develop strong critical thinking, writing, legal research, public speaking, and problem-solving skills—great for many professions, not just legal careers.

  • Will I learn how to practice law?

    You won’t be trained to practice law—that requires a law degree and passing the bar exam—but you will learn how the legal system works and how to analyze laws and legal arguments.

  • Is this a good major if I want to make a difference or help people?

    Absolutely. Legal Studies helps students understand social justice issues, civil rights, and legal advocacy, making it a great foundation for meaningful work in public service or nonprofit fields.

Resources

Program Flyer

Download Program Flyer (PDF)

Advising Guide

View the Advising Guide (PDF)

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