What You Should Know About This Degree
One similar program to a bachelor’s in legal studies is a bachelor’s degree in criminology. While a bachelor’s in legal studies focuses more on the actual law and how it can be interpreted in different situations, a bachelor’s degree in criminology also includes classes on things like psychology and forensics.
Accreditations from bodies such as the HLC and the SACSCOC show that the school’s legal studies program meets their standards of academic rigor and will prepare you for a law career.
A bachelor’s in legal studies sets you up for various careers, and with the legal field expected to enjoy faster than average job growth through 2029, there will likely be many positions that need to be filled by those with the proper credentials.
The certifications and tests for the legal field vary by occupation. For example, you can become a Certified Paralegal through The Paralegal Association, and if you want to go on to a graduate law degree, you will need to pass the LSAT.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in legal studies programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? To be eligible for an online bachelor’s in legal studies program, you need a high school diploma or GED and must submit your transcripts. Some schools may also ask you to submit scores from the SAT or ACT.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most of the degree programs on our list take about 120 credits to complete. If you’re going to school full-time, this is approximately four years or eight semesters.
Once you narrow down your top choices, make sure to look at all of the admissions requirements and deadlines. If you need to submit letters of recommendation or provide official transcripts, it’s a good idea to start several weeks before the admission deadline. If you need help financing your bachelor’s degree, the financial aid office at your chosen school can give you information about scholarship and work-study opportunities as well as grants and student loans.