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.

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.

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.

Prerequisites for Major Courses

• Legal Research and Writing I is a prerequisite for Legal Research and Writing II
• Civil Litigation is a prerequisite for Advanced Civil Litigation
• Torts is a prerequisite for Advanced Torts
• Legal Research and Writing I, Contracts and Civil Litigation are prerequisites for Legal Drafting (E)

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.

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 university’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.

Federal financial aid (Pell Grants, Stafford Loans), Florida state aid, and institutional scholarships available.

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

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.

Can I get a legal studies degree online at Keiser University?

Yes. Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies is offered online, with the option to study on-campus or in a hybrid format if preferred. Students receive the same quality instruction, support, and resources across all delivery methods.

What's the difference between legal studies and paralegal studies?

Legal studies programs typically provide broader legal education covering multiple areas of law, business applications, and preparation for law school. Paralegal studies programs focus specifically on training paralegals to work directly under attorney supervision. Keiser’s legal studies program offers both traditional legal studies and a Law Office Management concentration for students interested in paralegal and administrative roles.

Do I need to go to law school after completing this bachelor's degree in legal studies?

No. Many legal studies graduates work successfully in legal assistant, paralegal, compliance officer, and law office management positions without attending law school. The degree in legal studies does provide strong preparation for those who choose to pursue graduate programs in law or related fields.

What legal careers can I pursue with a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies?

Graduates pursue careers as legal assistants, paralegals, compliance officers, contract administrators, legal secretaries, court clerks, and law office managers. The degree also prepares students for roles in corporate legal departments, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Can I transfer credits from another institution?

Yes, Keiser University accepts transfer credits for undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Our admissions team will work with you to review your transcripts and determine your transfer eligibility. Credits transfer based on several factors including accreditation and course equivalency. Learn more about credit transfer requirements and eligibility requirements.

What's the difference between the traditional program and the Law Office Management concentration?

The traditional Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies focuses on legal coursework and allows for elective courses across disciplines. The Law Office Management concentration substitutes business courses for select legal courses, it combines legal studies with business courses to prepare you to manage the day-to-day operations of a law firm, training you for paralegal and law office manager positions.

Is this program approved by the American Bar Association?

The American Bar Association does not approve undergraduate legal studies programs. Keiser’s Legal Studies program provides comprehensive legal education that prepares students for legal careers. Graduates can pursue certification from the American Bar Association separately if desired for their future career goals.

How long does it take to complete the bachelor degree in legal studies?

The program typically takes approximately 40 months to complete for full-time students. Time to degree completion stands as an estimate, not intended as a guarantee, and can vary based on many case by case factors.

What courses are required in the legal studies program?

Lower division courses include Legal Research & Writing I, Criminal Law, Contracts, Wills Trusts & Estates, Civil Litigation, Torts, Real Property, and Family Law. Upper division courses cover Legal Research & Writing II, Legal Drafting, Criminal Procedure, Business Organizations, Ethics, Evidence, Advanced Civil Litigation, Constitutional Law, and more. Students also complete general education requirements in areas like critical thinking and professional writing.

Can I complete an internship as part of my legal studies degree?

Yes. Legal Studies Internship I and Legal Studies Internship II stand available as elective courses at participating ground campuses. These internships provide practical experience in law firms, government agencies, or corporate legal departments.

How much does it cost to earn this degree?

Tuition at Keiser University varies by degree program. Keiser University offers financial aid, military and veteran benefits, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement to those who qualify. For more information about the degree cost, please contact an admissions advisor. Get more information about Keiser University’s tuition and costs.

Will this degree help me get into law school?

Yes. The Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies provides excellent preparation for law school by building legal research skills, legal writing abilities, and understanding of legal principles and legal theory.

Keiser University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. While the legal studies program does not require programmatic accreditation, the curriculum follows best practices in legal education and prepares students for success in legal careers and graduate programs.