Bachelor of Science
Legal Studies Degree
Accelerate your path toward a pre-law degree and a career advocating for justice.
Legal Studies Degree
Practice the critical skills you need in your bachelor's degree in law.
Get started on your path in pre-law or toward a job in the legal system with a bachelor’s in legal studies. The courses are designed to develop your critical thinking and reasoning skills from a legal, ethical, and logical standpoint, all while providing a solid foundation of the law and legal system. Best of all, you’ll be taught by experienced faculty with real world knowledge of their field.
Take one course at a time in an accelerated legal studies degree.
Transfer in with an associate degree (or at least 60 credits from a previous institution), and have the option of earning your legal studies degree as part of an accelerated cohort.* The cohort offers a simplified study experience that involves registering once for courses at the beginning of the program and taking one course at a time with the same group of peers online—having more collaborative experiences and graduating with a stronger network to start your career.
Legal studies provides applied knowledge for your future legal career.
This legal studies program prepares you with not only the critical thinking needed for a career in law, but also the practical knowledge to apply your experience with legal principles, legal writing, research and procedures in real-world applications. Also, if this is the next step on your journey to law school, check out more about Pre-Law on our Pre-professional Programs page and speak to an advisor about your interests.
Take the next step in your legal studies degree. We’re ready to help you get there.
Courses
What You’ll Learn
Graduates of the Bachelor’s in Legal Studies program, whether online or in class, will be prepared to do the following:
- Perform writing, critical-thinking and communication skills essential to the discipline
- Evaluate elements of specific legal disciplines and analyze complex legal concepts
- Demonstrate an ability to relate legal principles to their social structural consequences
- Apply principles of legal ethics to the administration of professional responsibility
Legal Studies Degree Courses
Current students please login to BRUIN and select “Academic Progress” for your curriculum requirements.
Requirements (40 credit hours)
(Click a course name below to view course details).
Foundations for Legal Studies provides students with an overview of the study of law and the skills required to prepare for a career in the legal field. The foundation for this learning is established through examination of the origins and the sources of law and the expression of legal theory. Fundamental skills introduced in this course include the performance of legal research through case law and the development of foundational legal writing through case briefing using the Chicago Style Manual method, preferred in the legal profession. Students will learn to examine and analyze case law which will aid in the development of legal reasoning and problem solving.
This course will provide a foundation and overview of the legal discipline. The focus of the course will be on the development of justice and law, on constitutional concepts and theories and on the political and judicial systems in our country.
This course will provide an examination of the Constitutional underpinnings of criminal and civil law as it applies to the fields of criminal justice, law, investigations and security management. Special focus will be devoted to an overview of the American court system, specific elements of crime, the operation of civil jurisprudence, and a review of the policies and procedures that influence law in America.
This course will address ethical issues in law using the various state codes of professional responsibility. Special emphasis will be given to an examination of the relationship between ethical principles, and moral and normative judgments.
An examination of the origins of the American system of jurisprudence will include a comparative analysis with prominent international legal systems. This course will provide an overview of the structure of the American court system and will define the complex notion of jurisdiction.
This course explores the myriad resources available for legal research and reporting, case-law analysis and the repositories for statutory, administrative, and judicial rule and decision-making. Extensive practical writing applications for legal briefs, memoranda and professional communication will utilize a case-study methodology.
In depth examination of the historic underpinnings of the Constitution and Bill of Rights will focus on the role of the judiciary in the creation of public policy and the expansion of civil liberties. Critical analysis will focus upon developing predictive models for judicial decision-making and the ongoing debate about the role of the judiciary in America. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Legal Studies (LGLS) accelerated degree completion program.
Practical application of the rules of civil and criminal procedure will be examined with a focus on the impact of these rules on the administration of the court system. Special attention is devoted to service of process, disclosure, discovery, search and seizure and confrontation rules as well as an examination of minimum sentencing guidelines and trends in civil and criminal penalties.
This course provides a critical analysis of the application of laws impacting the operation of modern capitalist structures, businesses and social organizations. In depth examinations of the role and restrictions of tort law, products liability, principles of contract and the Uniform Commercial Code will be conducted. Human resource regulation, bankruptcy, securities regulation and priority interest analysis will be applied using case study methodology. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Legal Studies (LGLS) accelerated degree completion program.
This course will provide concrete analysis of the application of law to the administration of property rights, real estate, and risk assessment, tax and investment policy formulation. Special emphasis will be provided for an assessment of the societal impact of probate, estate and gift taxation and regulation, and a review of laws applied to schools, foundations, philanthropy and other social organizations. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Legal Studies (LGLS) accelerated degree completion program.
Kirkpatrick Signature Series Requirements (9 credit hours)
(In addition to the Major Requirements, all Bellevue University students must complete the Kirkpatrick Signature Series)
This course focuses on the political and philosophical traditions of the American republic, especially as embedded in the ideals, values, traditions, founding documents, and institutions of the United States , and considers how these traditions relate to individual citizenship and global society. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
This course focuses on the creative tensions that exist between the forces of tradition and change as the country undergoes social, cultural, and political change. It considers the manner in which change can renew the vitality of a republic. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
This course examines civic engagement in relation to individual freedoms and responsibilities. It fosters engaged citizens, empowered to effect positive change. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
Integrative General Education Credits
Major Requirements Credits
Elective Credits
= 127 Total Credits*
General Education Courses
Take general education courses that do more than fill a requirement. At Bellevue University, these courses build foundational skills that apply to any career—critical thinking, qualitative reasoning, and ethical leadership. And, you can take courses individually or in course clusters, which connect three courses around one theme, building skills as you go.
Elective Courses
Our broad selection of electives allows you to select courses related to your major or expand your perspective in other areas of interest.
University Accreditation
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).
Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students with financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.
This program is considered a non-licensure degree/certificate program and is not intended for those seeking licensure or the practice of licensed profession. This program may be relevant to multiple occupations that do not require licensure and was not designed to meet educational requirements for any specific professional license or certification.
*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.
Get credit for what you’ve earned.
Accelerate your path to earning a degree.
Thanks to our generous credit transfer policy, you can avoid retaking the classes you’ve already completed, and chip away at the credit requirements you need to complete your degree.
- Already have an associate degree? You could accelerate your bachelor's degree completion. Transfer your full associate degree or even your A.A.S.*
- You may be able to get credit for your military experience and training.
Finish Faster
*Acceptance of transfer credits is always subject to official transfer credit evaluation by Bellevue University.
We work with the experience you bring to the table for your legal studies degree.
Format
100% Online learning that works for your life and your goals.
Our flexible online courses are designed to bring quality learning into a format that fits your schedule, without sacrificing meaningful faculty feedback and collaboration with peers across the country. Stay on track with the help of your Student Coach — with you from day one to graduation.
Graduate with a built-in network.
Take one class at a time and get to know a consistent group of peers as you earn your online legal studies degree. The accelerated cohort path will allow you to share expertise from your varied backgrounds and gain knowledge that makes you a better professional.
See how pursuing your legal studies degree at Bellevue University makes going back to school possible for you.
Tuition & Financial Aid
It’s more affordable than you think.
Earning a degree is an investment in yourself, and we want to help you make sure it’s a wise one with a generous credit transfer policy and competitive tuition rates.
2024 / 2025 Academic Year
$449 Online Cost Per Credit $250 Military Preferred Cost Per Credit
(Additional fees may apply to individual courses within your major requirements)
Only pay for the credits you need.
Talk to us about our generous credit transfer policy so you can make more of the credits you’ve already earned count toward your degree.
Get help with financial aid.
Our counselors will guide you to find a financial aid plan that works for you. Explore all the ways to help pay for your degree.
Military Preferred (Active Duty and Spouses Only)
Degree-seeking active-duty members of the U.S. Military, National Guard, Reserve, and Coast Guard, and their spouses, with proof of status, are eligible for a special tuition rate of $250 per credit hour for all undergraduate, certificate, and certificate of completion programs as they work towards their degree. Not able to be combined with other special rates, Guild or Campus@Work funding.
You can afford to make your law career goals a reality. We’ll help make it happen.
Admissions
Removing barriers to the education you deserve.
College is challenging, but getting in shouldn’t be. We have simplified our requirements for admission and we do not require entrance exam scores like the ACT or SAT—so you can get on track to achieving your goals. Here’s how it will go:
Prior to beginning the cohort-based online Legal Studies Degree, you must possess an associate degree or 60 semester hours completed with a grade of "C-" or higher from an accredited institution of higher learning. If you do not meet this requirement, speak with admissions about how you can build your credits directly with Bellevue University.
To be admitted to Bellevue University, provide proof of high school completion. We accept the following forms of documentation:
- Official high school transcript
- GED certificate
- Homeschool letter of completion
- Certificate demonstrating that the student has passed a state authorized examination recognized by the state in which it is awarded — equivalent to a high school diploma.
- Self-certification on application.
You’ll just need to complete the application and submit the following:
- Official high school transcripts or proof of high school completion
- If applicable, official transcripts from any college or university you previously attended
- A one-time $50 application fee
- Note:
- International students must provide a few extra documents. See international student bachelor admissions details.
- Students applying for a cohort-based major must possess an associate degree or 60 semester hours completed with a grade of "C-" or higher from an accredited institution of higher learning. If you do not meet this requirement, you can build your credits directly with Bellevue University.
Short on time? You can start the application and save your progress as you go. Start your application >
You'll just need to create an account and complete a pre-application to Bellevue University through Guild. Once you receive confirmation that your pre-application to Bellevue University has been approved, you'll need to complete the required steps to get fully accepted and registered. These include:
- Submitting transcripts from past institutions
- Completing the FAFSA, per your employer's benefit requirement
If you’re transferring from another institution of higher education, you must submit an official transcript from each accredited institution you previously attended. Here are a few details to note:
- A transcript can be emailed securely to [email protected] or by mail. It is required to be sent directly from the issuing institution to Bellevue University's Office of the Registrar to be considered an official document. Please check with previous institution for available sending options.
- Applicants who submit an official transcript which reflects a two-year degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution are not required to show proof of high school completion.
- Transcripts must be submitted even if credits were not earned at the previous institution or if transfer credit is not granted.
Ready to get started?
Reach out to admissions.
- Get your questions answered about the Legal Studies Degree
- Understand your financial aid and scholarship options
- Map out a schedule that fits with your priorities
