Want to study law? Know your options

A legal studies degree teaches students about laws and its connection to economics, politics, and society. Legal study programs provide insights on legal effects of law and legality on economic and political systems. A candidate can pursue legal studies at bachelor’s as well as master’s degree levels.

Bachelor programs such bachelor of arts in legal studies place a strong emphasis on research, writing as well as reasoning skills. It also sheds light on historical and theoretical foundations of the law. It prepares the candidates for entry-level positions in the legal field or in fields where legal knowledge is expected or beneficial.

Topics that are covered in legal studies include constitutional interpretation, legal processes, preparing legal documents, legal analysis, and ethical principles. A prior coursework in judicial process or American government is recommended.

It is also suggested that students take ample writing courses as the field requires a large amount legal writing. Upon the completion of the course, the students will have a basic understanding of the constitutional principles of the U.S legal system, ethical consideration in law, administrative disputes and other fields.

There are internships also available with law firms, government agencies, and judges.

A master’s degree program in legal studies emphasizes more on legal research, analytical thinking, and legal writing, theory, and reasoning and the role of the entire legal system. Students pursuing master’s degree to prepare for fields like paralegal or legal understanding that is needed to work in fields as varied social science, law enforcement, criminal justice, human resources, education, forensics, real estate, and journalism. At this level, it usually focuses on legal process as well as analytical thinking. Some common coursework includes constitutional law, legal professional ethics, legal research, civil actions, legislative processes and business fundamentals.

Graduates of legal studies bachelor’s degree program are well versed with skills in drafting legal documents, interviewing clients and performing legal research. The graduation coursework equips the candidates with knowledge that can help them in legal fields such as law enforcement, criminal justice, forensics, social science, journalism, education and human resources. A bachelor’s can help the person find employment in legal assistance, court administrator, personnel administrator, law enforcement official, lobbyist, paralegal and claims examiner.
The master’s degree can help one find employment in paralegal, trademark law professionalism, dispute resolution professionalism and law office manager.