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Best Colleges with Legal Studies Degrees in the U.S.
If you are seeking a degree in Legal Studies, you'll find there is a large range of degrees that can be earned. A major in Legal Studies is a popular major and can be found at many different colleges and universities, all of which are listed below. Our 2019 ranking of the best colleges that offer Legal Studies degrees is based on the compilation of our data from reliable government sources, student surveys, college graduate interviews, and editorial review. You can find more information about a Legal Studies degree below along with a look at schools that offer online degrees in Legal Studies.
The Best Legal Studies Colleges of 2019
| Rank | School Name | Location | Description | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA |
University of Pennsylvania offers 1 Legal Studies Degree program. It's a large private university in a large city. In 2015, 118 students graduated in the study area of Legal Studies with students earning 118 Master's degrees. | Based on 56 Reviews |
Read more: University of Pennsylvania Reviews
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| 2 | University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA |
University of California-Berkeley offers 2 Legal Studies Degree programs. It's a large public university in a mid sized city. In 2015, 118 students graduated in the study area of Legal Studies with students earning 118 Bachelor's degrees. | Based on 140 Reviews |
Read more: University of California-Berkeley Reviews
| |
| 3 | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL |
Northwestern University offers 4 Legal Studies Degree programs. It's a large private university in a small city. In 2015, 46 students graduated in the study area of Legal Studies with students earning 35 Bachelor's degrees, and 11 Master's degrees. | Based on 40 Reviews |
Read more: Northwestern University Reviews
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| 4 | Harvard University | Cambridge, MA |
Harvard University offers 1 Legal Studies Degree program. It's a large private university in a mid sized city. In 2015, 2 students graduated in the study area of Legal Studies with students earning 2 Master's degrees. | Based on 44 Reviews |
Read more: Harvard University Reviews
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| 5 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI |
University of Wisconsin-Madison offers 3 Legal Studies Degree programs. It's a large public university in a mid sized city. In 2015, 157 students graduated in the study area of Legal Studies with students earning 123 Bachelor's degrees, and 34 Master's degrees. | Based on 96 Reviews |
Read more: University of Wisconsin-Madison Reviews
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| 6 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA |
University of Washington-Seattle Campus offers 2 Legal Studies Degree programs. It's a large public university in a large city. In 2015, 95 students graduated in the study area of Legal Studies with students earning 95 Bachelor's degrees. | Based on 144 Reviews | ||
| 7 | Arizona State University-Tempe | Tempe, AZ |
Arizona State University-Tempe offers 3 Legal Studies Degree programs. It's a large public university in a mid sized city. In 2015, 146 students graduated in the study area of Legal Studies with students earning 117 Bachelor's degrees, 15 Master's degrees, and 14 Doctoral degrees. | Based on 152 Reviews |
Read more: Arizona State University-Tempe Reviews
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| 8 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL |
University of Miami offers 2 Legal Studies Degree programs. It's a large private university in a large suburb. In 2015, 34 students graduated in the study area of Legal Studies with students earning 34 Bachelor's degrees. | Based on 16 Reviews |
Read more: University of Miami Reviews
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| 9 | St John's University-New York | Queens, NY |
St John's University-New York offers 4 Legal Studies Degree programs. It's a large private university in a large city. In 2015, 89 students graduated in the study area of Legal Studies with students earning 89 Bachelor's degrees. | Based on 12 Reviews |
Read more: St John's University-New York Reviews
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| 10 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst, MA |
University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers 2 Legal Studies Degree programs. It's a large public university in a large suburb. In 2015, 114 students graduated in the study area of Legal Studies with students earning 114 Bachelor's degrees. | Based on 72 Reviews |
Read more: University of Massachusetts-Amherst Reviews
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List of Legal Studies Schools in the U.S.
| School Logo | School Name | Average tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA |
5/5
|
12 : 1 | 24,876 |
|
University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA |
3/5
|
21 : 1 | 38,189 |
|
Northwestern University Evanston, IL |
5/5
|
10 : 1 | 21,655 |
|
Harvard University Cambridge, MA |
5/5
|
14 : 1 | 29,652 |
|
University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI |
3/5
|
12 : 1 | 42,716 |
|
University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA |
3/5
|
12 : 1 | 45,408 |
|
Arizona State University-Tempe Tempe, AZ |
3/5
|
27 : 1 | 51,984 |
|
University of Miami Coral Gables, FL |
5/5
|
11 : 1 | 16,825 |
|
|
St John's University-New York Queens, NY |
5/5
|
24 : 1 | 20,877 |
|
|
University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA |
3/5
|
21 : 1 | 29,269 |
|
University of California-Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA |
3/5
|
27 : 1 | 17,868 |
|
Amherst College Amherst, MA |
5/5
|
8 : 1 | 1,795 |
|
American University Washington, DC |
5/5
|
14 : 1 | 13,198 |
|
University of Georgia Athens, GA |
3/5
|
18 : 1 | 36,130 |
|
University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA |
3/5
|
24 : 1 | 23,497 |
|
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA |
4/5
|
7 : 1 | 28,649 |
|
United States Military Academy West Point, NY | 21 : 1 | 4,348 | |
|
Claremont McKenna College Claremont, CA |
5/5
|
8 : 1 | 1,349 |
|
Chapman University Orange, CA |
5/5
|
14 : 1 | 8,305 |
|
University of Denver Denver, CO |
5/5
|
14 : 1 | 11,797 |
|
United States Air Force Academy USAFA, CO | 25 : 1 | 4,111 | |
|
Saint Louis University Saint Louis, MO |
5/5
|
11 : 1 | 17,047 |
|
Temple University Philadelphia, PA |
4/5
|
15 : 1 | 38,007 |
|
University of La Verne La Verne, CA |
5/5
|
21 : 1 | 8,334 |
|
University of New Haven West Haven, CT |
5/5
|
18 : 1 | 6,786 |
Find Local Colleges Offering Legal Studies Degrees
Getting a Legal Studies Degree Online
Schools offering online Legal Studies degrees
Online Legal Studies degrees are available at a variety of different schools with as many as 221 degrees earned at the most popular school. Read more below about all schools that have offered online Legal Studies degrees. If you are interested learning more about getting a degree online, check out our page dedicated to online degree information.
| School Name | Certificate | Associate's | Bachelor's | Master's | Doctoral |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaplan University-Davenport Campus | 0 | 0 | 118 | 103 | 0 |
| Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale | 0 | 0 | 96 | 0 | 0 |
| American Public University System | 0 | 0 | 95 | 29 | 0 |
| University of Maryland-University College | 0 | 0 | 88 | 0 | 0 |
| National Paralegal College | 0 | 0 | 84 | 0 | 0 |
- 3 Associate's
- 24 Bachelor's
- 14 Master's
What degrees do people get in Legal Studies?
| Degree Level | Program Length | Colleges | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate's | 2-year Length | 18 Colleges | 65 Graduates |
| Bachelor's | 4-year Length | 105 Colleges | 2,051 Graduates |
| Certificates | < 1 year Length | 18 Colleges | 88 Graduates |
| Doctoral | 1-2 year Length | 3 Colleges | 14 Graduates |
| Master's | 1+ years Length | 25 Colleges | 367 Graduates |
Legal Studies Degree Overview
When it comes to choosing a Legal Studies degree, there are many options for a traditional degree as well as higher education options. The most common path for those earning a degree in Legal Studies can figure a standard two to four years to earn a degree. The most common Legal Studies degree earned was a bachelor's degree and it also has the widest range of school possibilities as well. The second most popular Legal Studies degree that people obtain is a master's degree which indicates a focus on higher learning. This expresses that the degree requires dedication to schooling and you may want to seek more than a four year time commitment. Although a doctoral degree is offered at some schools, getting an advanced degree is not very common. When it comes to finding the right degree for you, find what would be a good match to your goals and flexibility as well as looking into what school options are available in order for you to earn your degree.
Average cost of college for a Legal Studies degree
Average Tuition and Fees for a 2 year Degree
| Average Tuition and Fees | School Control | Student Residence |
|---|---|---|
| $2,553 | Public | In-State |
| $18,366 | Private | In-State |
| $6,488 | Public | Out-of-State |
| $18,366 | Private | Out-of-State |
Average Tuition and Fees for a 4 year Degree
| Average Tuition and Fees | School Control | Student Residence |
|---|---|---|
| $9,898 | Public | In-State |
| $24,282 | Private | In-State |
| $21,808 | Public | Out-of-State |
| $24,282 | Private | Out-of-State |
Search Legal Studies Program Courses
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Program Descriptions
- Criminal Justice (BS)
- Criminal Justice (MS)
![South University Online Logo]()
Criminal Justice (BS)A Bachelor of Science degree builds on your basic knowledge of this field of study with courses that focus on the causes of crime and critical insights into the functions of the criminal justice system. Course topics include the response by police, courts, and corrections to crime and violence, ethical concerns, theoretical and applied criminal justice, causes of crime, and the process of adjudicating criminal cases. This degree serves as the springboard for an entry-level position in the field.Criminal Justice (MS)Our Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is open to both individuals employed in the criminal justice system, as well as those in other careers, both public and private, who wish to acquire further education in criminal justice. Prerequisites are limited so that qualified students with bachelor’s degrees in related fields such as criminology, psychology, business or public administration, anthropology, political science, sociology or related social sciences may enroll along with students who have undergraduate degrees in criminal justice. Upon completion of the program, you can choose to enter doctoral programs in related fields or to seek a leadership position within law enforcement, correctional, local and state government, or legal institutions. -
Program Descriptions
- A.S. - Criminal Justice
![Southern Technical College/SWFC Logo]()
A.S. - Criminal JusticeHelp make the world a safer place and prepare for a variety of criminal justice careers in both the public and private sector. In the Criminal Justice degree program at Southern Technical College, you can gain a foundation in corrections, law enforcement, terrorism, private security and investigation. Upon completing the program, you can pursue positions with local or state law enforcement agencies, the federal government, insurance companies, correctional facilities or private security services. -
Program Descriptions
- B.A. in Government with an Emphasis in State and Local Public Policy
- B.S. in Justice Studies
- B.S. in Public Safety and Emergency Management
- M.S. in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement
- M.S. in Leadership: Disaster Preparedness & Executive Fire Leadership
- Master of Public Administration with an Emphasis in Government and Policy
![Grand Canyon University Logo]()
B.A. in Government with an Emphasis in State and Local Public PolicyAs the 21st century drives us forward, a push toward greater transparency and effective governance reflects upon the standing of distinguished policy makers and administrators in the legislative branches. The age of information and the innovative, open forums of communication – blogs, social media and the internet as a whole – demand a comprehensive understanding of the political forces in this arena. The bachelor's degree in government for state and local public policy envisions strong political leadership, which improves and makes a difference in the lives of people in their communities. The program, which serves as an alternative to a political science degree, explores the scope of governance and democracy through patterns of political behavior.B.S. in Justice StudiesGrand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies prepares students to enter careers in law enforcement, governmental and private agencies, research, social work, political science, and a variety of other fields. Graduates will be able to describe the components of the justice system from a systems perspective, including function, organization, issues, practices, and interrelationship of law enforcement agencies, the courts, and the corrections system.B.S. in Public Safety and Emergency ManagementGrand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Public Safety and Emergency Management program is a bachelor’s degree completion program that provides a theoretical and applied approach to the professional education of students, while ensuring relevance to the homeland security and public safety industries. The program emphasizes the fundamentals of emergency management while providing an interdisciplinary course of study in the skills and practices of emergency planning and management. Candidates for the degree include those working in or desirous of working in one of several fields, including emergency management, fire protection, emergency medical response, law enforcement, environmental health and safety, and other related fields. The program highlights the application of research methodology; the utilization of communication skills at the personal, professional, and public level; and the development of professional skills and knowledge in the fields of public safety and emergency management.M.S. in Criminal Justice: Law EnforcementThe Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Law Enforcement is designed for students seeking to expand their understanding of the law, social order and justice. This program is particularly suited for law enforcement personnel who wish to advance in their field, as well as corrections, probation, and parole officers; law clerks; and other decision makers who address questions of public policy, social research and administration of justice in the public sphere.M.S. in Leadership: Disaster Preparedness & Executive Fire LeadershipGrand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Leadership with an Emphasis in Disaster Preparedness and Executive Fire Leadership provides students with the skills to develop professionally and gain self-confidence in their own leadership styles. The program offers an opportunity for graduates of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program (NFA-EEOP) to complete a graduate degree. Students learn to integrate a conceptual foundation for an executive leadership role that emphasizes the immediate application of ethical and practical leadership skills as well as disaster preparation and crisis management. Environmental issues directly related to leadership skills development and content required of leaders in the area of emergency public safety and disaster preparedness will also be addressed.Master of Public Administration with an Emphasis in Government and PolicyThe Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Government and Policy prepares students for careers in the public sector. The program is targeted at individuals working or desirous of finding employment in all levels of government. The core coursework gives students the opportunity to apply administrative skills in the areas of economics, leadership, human capital development, and governance within the public sector environment. Emphasis courses will challenge students to identify and provide solutions for the unique issues facing public sector organizations in the areas of financial management, inter-agency cooperation, policy and law. -
Program Descriptions
- Master of Management, Criminal Justice Management Emphasis
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Master of Management, Criminal Justice Management EmphasisThe Master of Management degree is designed to increase your knowledge and skills as a manager, especially by focusing on the “big picture” issues involved with management, such as finance, marketing, or organizational structure. You will develop a well-rounded portfolio of management knowledge, skills and abilities along with a holistic view of the organization. Students who select the generalist MBA without an emphasis area will work with their Graduate Advisor to select 13.5 hours of elective credit that best match their professional interests
