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- Legal Studies
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 2021 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
| |
| 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
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| 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.
Filter:
| 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
United States
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.
Certificate
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctoral
| 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 |
How many schools offer online Legal Studies degrees?
- 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 going for a Legal Studies degree, know that there are many possibilities for a traditional degree as well as higher education opportunities. The most prevalent path for those earning a degree in Legal Studies can expect 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 receive is a master's degree which suggests a focus on higher learning. This suggests 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. Finding the right Legal Studies degree for you not only requires the flexibility of your time and schedule but also a look into the schools the offer the degree as well as what options are available to you once you 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
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
![Huston-Tillotson University Logo]()
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal JusticeThe Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice is a four-year interdisciplinary program in the study of crime and the administration of the justice system. The “criminal justice system” study consists of law enforcement, courts, and corrections as a system for the administration of city, county, state, and federal laws and procedures. The program will endow students with the skills necessary for critical knowledge, communication, personal growth, and real-world application opportunities within the Criminal Justice discipline. The curriculum includes a historical overview of the stages of development through which the criminal justice system has evolved and the current state of the system. A broad range of analyses will be offered to meet the academic needs of both professional students who plan future careers in the criminal justice field and those already employed in the criminal justice system. -
Program Descriptions
- AA: Criminal Justice
- BS: Criminal Justice
- BS: Criminal Justice: Business Administration
- BS: Criminal Justice: Criminal Psychology
- BS: Criminal Justice: Forensics
- BS: Criminal Justice: Homeland Security
- BS: Criminal Justice: Public Administration
- BS: Criminal Justice: Youth Corrections
- CERT: Criminal Justice
- CERT: Public Policy
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Command College
- MA Public Policy: Campaigns and Elections
- MA Public Policy: International Affairs
- MA Public Policy: Middle East Affairs
- MA Public Policy: Public Administration
- MA: Human Services: Criminal Justice
- MA: Public Policy
- Master of Busi Admn: Criminal Justice
- MS: Criminal Justice: Public Administration
![Liberty University Logo]()
AA: Criminal JusticeWhether you are beginning your career in education or just getting an introduction to the field, this program will teach you the fundamentals of early childhood educational development and behavior. Approach the discipline of education from a Christian perspective with a degree from Liberty University Online. This degree can lead to professional certification. Liberty University has pre-approved the following credentials for credit: Child Development Associate (CDA) Christian Child Development Education (CCDE), CDEA The Preschool Associate Credential (PAC), ACSI Potential Career Options: Child-care, Preschool Teacher, Teacher’s Aide, Paraprofessional, Pre-licensure Preparation, Christian School Educator, Home School Teacher, Church Early Childhood EducatorBS: Criminal JusticeLiberty University Online’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Crime Scene Investigation program provides a solid foundation of both knowledge and skills to equip you for a career in the criminal investigative field. Through Liberty’s forensic program, you will develop a foundational understanding of law enforcement, the internal workings of the criminal justice system, and its response to different types of crime. While earning your degree, you will develop skills in scientific and analytical practices of forensics and law. Knowledge and experience gained through courses will prepare you to serve effectively as an expert in the field of forensics.BS: Criminal Justice: Business AdministrationLiberty University Online’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Business Administration and Management program prepares you for an effective career in the modern world of business and criminal justice. Through Liberty’s program, you will gain foundational knowledge and skills regarding upholding the law, organizational administration, and financial workings within the criminal justice system. Courses will strengthen your leadership and managerial skills, emphasizing the importance of applying ethics to practices and integrating faith with learning in a professional atmosphere.BS: Criminal Justice: Criminal PsychologyLiberty University Online’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Criminal Psychology program prepares you for an effective career in a growing field. Through Liberty’s program, you will gain foundational knowledge and skills regarding mental health and behavior of criminals, as well as how to effectively assess and counsel individuals within the justice system. Courses will strengthen your investigative and cognitive ability to understand the thoughts and intentions of the criminal mind, emphasizing the importance of applying ethics to practices and integrating faith with learning in a diverse and challenging atmosphere.BS: Criminal Justice: ForensicsLiberty University Online’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Crime Scene Investigation program provides a solid foundation of both knowledge and skills to equip you for a career in the criminal investigative field. Through Liberty’s forensic program, you will develop a foundational understanding of law enforcement, the internal workings of the criminal justice system, and its response to different types of crime. While earning your degree, you will develop skills in scientific and analytical practices of forensics and law. Knowledge and experience gained through courses will prepare you to serve effectively as an expert in the field of forensics.BS: Criminal Justice: Homeland SecurityLiberty University Online’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Homeland Security program provides a solid foundation of the knowledge and skills necessary to serve and protect your community and country. Focus your understanding on an exciting challenge, learning what it takes to serve in areas such as security, transportation disaster response, anti-terrorism, and intelligence. Gain an understanding of the internal workings of the criminal justice system to serve at the local, state, or federal level. While earning your degree, you will develop professional skills in research and development, ensuring the most relevant and comprehensive information to succeed in your career. Knowledge and experience gained through courses will prepare you to serve effectively as an expert in the field.BS: Criminal Justice: Public AdministrationLiberty University Online’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Public Administration program prepares you for an effective career as a public servant in a growing field. Through Liberty’s program, you will gain foundational knowledge and skills regarding the management and structure of the criminal justice system as it relates to controversial issues and the general public. Courses will strengthen your leadership and public management skills as you learn to develop responses and solutions to difficult situations, emphasizing the importance of applying ethics to practices and integrating faith with learning in a professional atmosphere.BS: Criminal Justice: Youth CorrectionsLiberty University Online’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Youth Corrections program provides you with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for a rewarding career working with youth in the local, state, or federal juvenile justice system. Through Liberty’s youth corrections program, you will gain an understanding of the internal workings of the criminal justice system and its response to youth in the criminal system. While earning your degree, you will develop professional skills in correctional procedures, as well as cultural and sociological diversity, ensuring the most relevant and comprehensive information needed to impact the lives of today’s youth. Knowledge and experience gained through courses will prepare you to serve effectively as an expert in the field of youth corrections.CERT: Criminal JusticeThe Certificate in Criminal Justice teaches the skills necessary for a wide variety of careers within the criminal justice system. This program emphasizes oral and written communication skills as well as leadership and management abilities.CERT: Public PolicyThe Certificate in Public Policy develops skills necessary for careers in public administration, government, and politics. This program strengthens critical thinking skills and improves the student`s comprehension of the issues facing today’s society. Course credit earned in this program can be directly applied to a Master of Arts in Public Policy.Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Command CollegeThe Master of Science in Criminal Justice is designed to prepare students for a career in the criminal justice system as a leader and decision-maker. Ethical criminal justice leadership is critical to the integrity, effectiveness and public trust of the criminal justice system nationwide. The goal of the Helms School of Government’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is to train present and future leaders in the field of criminal justice who will bring a solid Christian worldview to the development and execution of criminal justice policy, and the leadership and management of criminal justice organizations. Combining strong master’s level foundational courses, ethics, and leadership education, students will prepare to take on the challenges of the criminal justice system.MA Public Policy: Campaigns and ElectionsLiberty University Online’s Master of Arts in Public Policy — Campaigns and Elections program prepares you for an exciting career in many fields, including campaign outreach, public administration, state and local campaign policy, government, and more. Courses will equip you to serve effectively as an expert in the field of public policy with a specific emphasis on the processes of running a campaign and participating in electoral events. The program emphasizes the importance of applying ethics to business practices and integrates faith with learning in a professional atmosphere. Through the M.A. in Public Policy, you will strengthen your critical thinking skills and stretch your comprehension of electoral processes and campaign strategies.MA Public Policy: International AffairsLiberty University Online’s Master of Arts in Public Policy — International Affairs program prepares you for an exciting career with a global reach. Courses will equip you to serve effectively as an expert in the field of international public policy with a specific emphasis in foreign policy, governmental and non-governmental agencies, strategic intelligence, and more. The program focuses on applying ethics to management practices and integrates faith with learning in a professional atmosphere. Through the M.A. in Public Policy, you will strengthen your critical thinking skills and stretch your comprehension of international processes and policy.MA Public Policy: Middle East AffairsLiberty University Online’s Master of Arts in Public Policy — Middle East Affairs program prepares you for a professional career with a focus on international interests and Middle Eastern culture. Courses will equip you with specific knowledge regarding the political, cultural, and social history of the Middle East in relation to the field of public policy. The M.A. in Public Policy focuses on integrating ethics and faith with a versatile skill set to prepare you for the professional settings in government and international policy.MA Public Policy: Public AdministrationLiberty University Online’s Master of Arts in Public Policy — Public Administration program prepares you for an exciting career within government and public service. Courses will equip you to serve as an expert in the field of public administration with emphasis on the professional and administrative issues related to policy in government. This program will strengthen your critical thinking skills and broaden your understanding of social issues. The M.A. in Public Policy focuses on integrating ethics and faith with learning in the professional field at both the national and international levels.MA: Human Services: Criminal JusticeThe Master of Arts in Human Services – Criminal Justice program is designed to prepare students for a career in the criminal justice system or administrative-related work. Combining Christian perspective with accredited academics, students will explore contemporary issues and challenges pertinent to the field of criminal justice. This program will help you gain valuable experience as well as establish a firm understanding of management principles, administration, and topics and trends within criminal justice, equipping you with the skills needed to achieve your goals and succeed in your career.MA: Public PolicyLiberty University Online’s Master of Arts in Public Policy — Public Administration program prepares you for an exciting career within government and public service. Courses will equip you to serve as an expert in the field of public administration with emphasis on the professional and administrative issues related to policy in government. This program will strengthen your critical thinking skills and broaden your understanding of social issues. The M.A. in Public Policy focuses on integrating ethics and faith with learning in the professional field at both the national and international levels.Master of Busi Admn: Criminal JusticeLiberty University’s Master of Business Administration in Criminal Justice program will advance your proficiency in business skills relevant to leadership positions in the field of criminal justice both domestically and internationally. You will be equipped to serve successfully as an expert in the modern business world, while sharpening your knowledge of effective research methods, organizational administration, and criminal law. Gain knowledge on how to develop collaborative skills pertinent to current business practices and topics and trends related to the justice system. Courses will emphasize the importance of applying ethics to criminal justice practices and integrating faith with learning in a professional atmosphere. Potential Career Options: Administration, Casework, Corrections, Counseling, Juvenile Justice, Probation and Parole, Social ServicesMS: Criminal Justice: Public AdministrationThe Master of Science in Criminal Justice – Public Administration program is designed to prepare students for a career in the criminal justice system or in the administration of governmental functions. Combining Christian values with accredited academics, students will explore contemporary issues and challenges pertinent to the field of criminal justice. This program will help you gain valuable experience as well as establish a firm understanding of active policing skills, management and administration principles, and topics and trends within criminal justice, equipping you with the skills needed to achieve your goals and succeed in your career. -
Program Descriptions
- BS - Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration
- Master - Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration
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BS - Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement AdministrationThe Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration develops students who have an avid appreciation of the complexities of crime and control. Studies include traditional and innovative ways of making the public safe while ensuring justice and upholding the rule of the law and the civil liberties of all citizens. In addition to gaining basic knowledge of crime, law, and the justice system, students gain an understanding of the ethical issues and relevant theory that apply to criminal justice and law enforcement organizations today. Minnesota residents: The Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration program does not satisfy the Minnesota requirements for licensure as a law enforcement/police officer.Master - Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement AdministrationThe Master's of Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration provides an advanced understanding of theory and best practices of individuals in management positions of criminal justice, fraud management, and law enforcement organizations. The curriculum addresses topics including ethics, decision making, and the impact of crime in society to improve the effectiveness of criminal justice systems. This program serves as a pathway to career advancement and/or for doctoral study. Minnesota residents: The Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration program does not satisfy the Minnesota requirements for licensure as a law enforcement/police officer.
