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Online Bachelor's Degree: Legal Studies

Legal Studies
Bachelor of Science
DEGREE AT A GLANCE
  • 120 credits
  • Transfer up to 90 credits
  • All courses available online
  • Select hybrid courses available
TUITION RATES
  • $324 per credit (in-state)
  • $499 per credit (out-of-state)
  • $250 per credit (military)
  • Other fees may apply
Next Session Starts
January 8

Build essential skills in legal theory and analysis with an online bachelor’s degree in legal studies from University of Maryland Global Campus. Master the basics of contemporary civil, criminal, and administrative law as you build career-relevant skills in writing, critical thinking, and legal research. Study under the direction of our experienced faculty members, who bring their real-world experiences with them to the classroom. Earn your degree on your own time, thanks to our convenient online courses. Plus, our generous transfer credit policy may ensure that you save time and money throughout your educational journey. Why wait? Apply today.

Develop Skills in Legal Analysis, Legal Research, & Ethical Principles 

UMGC’s online legal studies program is built with the needs of working professionals in mind. This 120-credit degree program may help you build a comprehensive background in legal theory, legal systems and institutions, and contemporary legal practices. By completing coursework, students may learn how to apply case law, navigate through the litigation process, and research and write reports. This program is designed to help you gain the knowledge required to become successful in a variety of law-related environments or legal workplaces. The program is also designed to help you be fully prepared to continue your studies by enrolling in law school. 

Here are a few benefits of this online legal studies program: 

  • We offer competitive tuition rates for Maryland residents, as well as discounts for military servicemembers and their spouses and dependents. 
  • Eligible legal studies majors who maintain positive GPA requirements can be invited to join Lambda Epsilon Chi, an honor society that recognizes scholastic achievement among students in the major. 
  • We offer rolling admissions and course start dates in the spring, summer, and fall terms. 

See Courses & Program Info

View a complete list of program courses, program-specific and undergraduate degree-level requirements, and more.

Search Course Catalog

These requirements are for students who enroll in the 2024–2025 academic year. For prior year requirements, visit our catalog archive.

Read the Catalog

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

In addition to the specific course requirements outlined on each bachelor’s degree webpage, UMGC maintains certain requirements for all bachelor’s degrees.

See Degree Requirements

Master New Skills in Legal Studies

Employers are on the lookout for professionals who have the writing, research, and critical thinking skills needed to drive results. This program can help teach you those universal skillsets, as well as specific, career-relevant skills in legal research, negotiation, risk analysis, proofreading, legal discovery, and critical thinking.

Our program directors refresh and update the curriculum regularly, with a focus on helping students achieve the following:

Explore Social Justice
Determine how the application of the American civil and criminal justice systems can further social justice.
Utilize Legal Resources
Research appropriate standard and internet-based legal resources to identify relevant, current, and presiding legal authority.
Develop Legal Documents
Develop legal documents that incorporate critical thinking and legal reasoning to inform, evaluate, and advocate with respect to specific legal issues.
Analyze Information
Analyze the relevant legal concepts, authorities, regulations, and ethical codes required to support the resolution of legal disputes.

Unlock Your Career Potential

This program is an ideal fit for working professionals who are looking to build new skillsets and advance in their legal careers or prepare for law school. Graduates of this program may be prepared for roles in professional settings, including law firms, marketing firms, and government organizations. Potential job titles include paralegal, legal assistant, law clerk, and legal secretary.

Please note: Higher advancement in law careers may require further education, such as law school. 

Amandine Y., Manhattan, KS

91K
Annual Openings
About 91,000 openings for jobs in legal occupations are projected each year over the next decade.
No. 1
Social Services Job
According to U.S. News & World Report, lawyer is the top-ranked social service job in the United States.
60%+
Jobs Requiring Degree
More than 60 percent of all jobs in the legal field require at least a bachelor’s degree.

Practice Real-World Skills in Your Legal Studies Courses 

Throughout your curriculum, your instructors will assign hands-on coursework that may help you prioritize real-world skills and experience. In past courses, students have been able to complete the following course projects: 

  • Draft a mock client information letter that explains the applicable laws involved in a theoretical slip-and-fall case and determines whether a lawsuit would be successful in recovering compensation for your client. 
  • Prepare a case report that identifies the potential crimes a client may have committed and analyze the most likely arguments that the prosecution could bring up in response. 
  • Create a brochure that describes the two primary components of the American legal system: civil and criminal law. 

Explore UMGC Legal Studies Insights

Gain insight from our faculty and staff and delve deeper into a range of topics.

What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s in Legal Studies?
What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s in Legal Studies?

Learn more about the opportunities that a bachelor’s in legal studies can prepare you for.
6 Steps to More Effective Writing
6 Steps to More Effective Writing

Follow these steps to help organize your process and improve your writing skills.
 

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