Legal Studies

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Studies trains students for careers in law and law related fields, including business, government, and criminal justice. The program also prepares students to pursue a law degree. Students learn the necessary information and skills for successful integration into a law office atmosphere. They explore how law impacts most professional fields.
 
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Studies with a Law Office Management concentration trains students for both traditional paralegal positions and law office manager positions. As law office managers, graduates help oversee day to day operations and management of a law firm. Students take the majority of their courses from the Legal Studies curriculum and other courses from the Business and Accounting departments, covering topics such as accounting principles and employee relations.

Mission Statement

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts degree program in Legal Studies prepares program graduates to assist attorneys practicing in a broad array of legal fields. Through our community partnerships, graduates ethically and professionally make meaningful contributions to the legal field as professional paralegals or may pursue law school admission.

Program Goals

The program aims to prepare students with the following:

1. Educational Excellence: Deliver an advanced curriculum that integrates the practical application of legal principles required for entry-level positions within the legal profession, career advancement, or law school admission
2. Analytical /Critical Thinking Skills: Advance critical thinking skills necessary for entry-level positions within the legal profession, career advancement, or law school admission.
3. Professional Competence: Foster a learning environment that advances professionalism, ethical behavior, and effective communication for entry-level positions within the legal profession, career advancement, or law school admission.
4. Career Readiness: Prepare graduates for entry-level positions within the legal profession or career advancement by offering exposure to advanced industry-standard practices and technologies.

Program Highlights

Small class sizes allow for personalized attention from experienced faculty. Students gain hands-on experience through real world legal research projects and case studies. The program offers elective courses in specialized areas like immigration law, intellectual property, and business law. Internship opportunities provide practical experience at law firms and legal organizations at participating ground campuses. The Law Office Management concentration offers a unique path combining legal knowledge with business administration skills. The program is offered on-campus, online, and hybrid format.

Gain Job Ready Skills for a Legal Studies Career

• Legal research using primary and secondary sources
• Legal writing and document preparation
• Critical thinking and legal reasoning
• Contract law analysis and interpretation
• Civil litigation procedures and case management
• Criminal law and criminal justice fundamentals
• Legal ethics and professional responsibility
• Law office technology and case management systems
• Client interviewing and legal investigation
• Alternative dispute resolution techniques
• Business law and organizational structures
• Constitutional law and legal principles
• Legal document drafting and review

Keiser University offers career focused degree programs designed to support working professionals, traditional students, and career changers. With on campus, online, and hybrid learning options, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all levels.

Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and assures availability of classroom space. Applications for winter, spring or fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.

For students enrolling at Keiser University, credit for courses or degrees completed at another institution is subject to approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs. These courses or degrees must be similar in content and duration to those offered in the program for which an applicant has applied. The Dean of Academic Affairs makes the final decision of accepted transfer credits from the received transcript. However, only courses listed on official transcripts receive permanent official transfer credit. (To grant such credit, Keiser University must receive official transcripts--- those mailed directly to Keiser University by the previous institution---by the end of a student’s first semester.) Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete the final 25% of a program through the University. Active duty, reservists, and National Guard service members who are students can complete at a minimum 25% of a program at any time through the University and graduate. Transfer students are informed in writing of any credits accepted as transferable. Preliminary notification is presented, in most cases, prior to enrollment but in no case later than the end of a transfer student's first semester. Students are responsible for having official transcripts sent to Keiser University from their former institution(s). It may be necessary for students to forfeit some previously earned credit in the transfer process since college philosophies, objectives and programs may vary and change from year to year. Therefore, Keiser University makes no blanket statement or promise of acceptance of credits from any other institution.

Keiser University accepts transfer credits applicable to an applicant's program of study from other institutions recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE). Keiser University accepts transfer of associate degrees that, upon evaluation, include the appropriate major course distribution without time limitations.

Transfer credits are granted only for courses in which a grade of "C" or higher was earned (2.0 on a 4.0 scale).

To receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Studies, students must complete 120 credit hours as described below. The length of this program is approximately 40 months (this will vary if a student transfers in credits).

* Time to degree completion and the number of transfer credits are estimates, not intended as a guarantee, and can vary based on many case-by-case factors.

Keiser University charges tuition per 16-week semester according to the number of credit hours scheduled, not per program. The rates below are the university’s published Flagship (Residential) campus Tuition and Fee Disclosure, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

Required fees

• Tuition deposit — $150.00, refundable before May 1 for fall and November 1 for spring
• Housing deposit — $250.00, refundable before July 1 for fall and December 1 for spring
• Education fee — $976.00 per semester, for programmatic participation and facilities resources
• Technology fee — $309.00 per semester
• Health insurance — $2,169.00 per academic year, or $1,370.00 for spring and summer only

Other fees are charged per occurrence: withdrawal $100.00, orientation $100.00, re-entry $150.00, car permit $50.00 ($15.00 for an additional permit), returned check $40.00, dorm key replacement $30.00, library late fee $10.00, student ID replacement $30.00, late payment $25.00 and transcript $10.00. Program supplies and kits vary by program; textbooks are estimated at up to $2,000.00 per semester.

Financial aid

Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.

Estimated Student Costs

Required and Optional Fees for Programs: Fees are costs set by the university in addition to tuition (and room and board, if applicable). These fees may be required for your program or optional depending on the courses you take, and they support the costs associated with completing an approved program of study. Fees are defined in the school’s catalog or supplement and listed on the school’s billing statement or invoice. Fees that are optional will not be paid using GI Bill® benefits and will be the responsibility of the student choosing these additional options. For additional guidance, please see your Program Director or Admissions Counselor.

Graduates of Keiser University’s legal studies degree program stand ready to pursue diverse career opportunities within the legal field. This bachelor’s degree prepares students for roles in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and the judicial system. The legal studies program supports aspiring legal professionals by building their ability to conduct legal research, analyze legal issues, prepare legal documents, and apply legal principles across multiple practice areas.

Career Pathways in Legal Studies

• Legal assistant Paralegal
• Law office administrator
• Compliance officer
• Contract administrator
• Legal secretary
• Court clerk
• Corporate legal coordinator

• Government legal support specialist
• Law firm operations manager
• Legal research specialist
• Real estate legal assistant
• Litigation support specialist
• Immigration legal assistant
• Law school preparation

Placement Rate

Keiser University publishes the following in its 2025 Undergraduate Placement Rates report for BA Legal Studies.

Keiser University’s notes on this report: “Does not include international campuses.” “Report as of April 2026, 16.43% has been verified through 3rd party.”

Although Keiser University provides employment placement assistance, it cannot promise or guarantee employment.

Keiser University’s legal studies bachelor degree program stands designed for students ready to launch careers in the legal profession through undergraduate study. With flexible online and on campus options, our program aligns with your career goals in law firms, corporate legal teams, or government agencies. Whether you’re preparing for law school, seeking paralegal certification, or pursuing law office management, Keiser provides the legal education and practical skills needed to make an impact in the legal field.