An online master’s degree in legal studies may provide students with the skills and training needed to apply laws within the legal system. In these upper-level programs, students may learn how to adhere legal principles to help analyze economic issues, study implications of law and legal processes, and apply leadership principles to the legal system. Coursework within these programs may include electives catered toward a specific area of concentration in addition to major-specific courses, such as jurisprudence and legal history, the American legal system, and litigation.

Upon graduation, students may either pursue employment or further their education and enroll in a doctoral program. Master’s-level graduates may find employment opportunities in health care, education, human resources, and legal facilities.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
• Program Length: One to two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment or Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 18% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online master’s-level program in legal studies may include major-specific courses and electives within a specific area of concentration, such as law and public policy, homeland security, and criminal justice. Students enrolled in these upper-level programs may learn the legal meanings, practices, and values pertaining to local, state, and federal procedures and laws. Core legal studies courses may include the following:

• Legal Methods
• Jurisprudence and Legal History
• Legal Research and the Law
• Applied Research
• American Legal System
• Legal Communication
• Litigation

Career Options

Graduates of online master’s degree programs in legal studies may find careers in legal settings, education, health care, education, and human resources. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as paralegals and legal assistants are expected to increase by 18% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Public Safety Program Director
• Information Specialist
• Paralegal and Legal Assistant
• Nurse Administrator
• Police Officer

Continuing Education

Graduates of online master’s-level programs in legal studies may further their education and enroll in a doctoral-level program in legal studies. The legal studies doctoral degree program may provide students with additional training on legal rules, doctrines, and policy arguments. Students enrolled in the juris doctor program may gain analytical and critical thinking skills, and they may study ethical responsibilities and the law.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook