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.

Prerequisites

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)

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.

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 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.

Accreditation Status

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.

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.

Admission includes Keiser University's general requirements plus any program-specific requirements listed below, followed by the university’s application process.

Transfer credit. Credit for courses completed at another institution is subject to approval by Keiser University’s Dean of Academic Affairs, and those courses must be similar in content and duration to the courses in this program. Keiser University requires that a student complete at least the final 25% of a program through the University; active duty, reservist and National Guard service members may complete that 25% at any point in the program. Official transcripts must reach Keiser University by the end of the student’s first semester, and Keiser University makes no blanket promise to accept credits from any other institution.

Keiser University students take one class at a time. Keiser University term lengths are 4-week, 8-week and 16-week.

Keiser University publishes this program as approximately 40 months and 120 credit hours.

Keiser University lists this program as available on campus, Online, and Hybrid.

Tuition is charged per 16-week semester according to the credit hours scheduled.

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 Tuition and Fee Disclosure, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

Required fees

• Application fee — $55.00, one time on enrollment
• Registration fee — $145.00, one time on enrollment
• Education fee — $550.00 per semester, for programmatic participation and facilities resources

Other fees are charged per occurrence: withdrawal $100.00, re-entry $150.00, transcript $5.00, student ID replacement $15.00, returned check $35.00, late payment $10.00 and library late fee $10.00. Clinical, licensure, professional skill development and technical fees vary by program.

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.

The curriculum combines general education with lower- and upper-division legal coursework, covering legal research and writing, criminal and civil litigation, contracts, torts, real property, family law, ethics, and specialized electives, culminating in a capstone or internship experience.

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.

How to Apply

1. Submit your online application.
2. Speak with an admissions advisor.
3. Provide transcripts or transfer credits.
4. Enroll and choose your start date.

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.