Summer Alberts 
A career in law is often considered to be one of prestige, intellectual challenge, and a great deal of opportunity. Law schools and the path to becoming lawyers are well known to most people, but few people have heard of the undergraduate and graduate degrees in legal studies. Often, this type of program is intended for students who intend to work in legal support, government, compliance, or public policy, or as a stepping stone to law school.
A legal studies degree may be of interest to you, but there are many questions to consider: What exactly does it involve? What qualifications do you need? Are there any career paths it can open up? Well, let’s discuss all this in detail. This article explains what a Legal Studies degree is, how to earn one, and the main differences between Legal Studies and Law. It also outlines the admission requirements for undergraduate and graduate programs, including details for international students.
Key Takeaways
Legal Studies vs. Law – A legal studies degree builds knowledge of legal systems but does not qualify you to practice law like a JD does.
Skills Gained – Students develop research, writing, communication, critical thinking, and knowledge of courtroom/legal processes.
Study Path – Start with a bachelor’s, then optionally pursue a master’s or Ph.D.; international students must meet English proficiency requirements.
Coursework & Experience – Programs cover constitutional, criminal, and contract law, plus electives and internships for hands-on learning.
Admission Requirements – Vary by degree level but generally include diplomas, transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, and standardized test scores.
Career Options – Graduates work as paralegals, compliance officers, mediators, probation officers, real estate agents, social workers, or law librarians.
What is a Legal Studies Degree?
Legal studies degrees provide students with an understanding of legal terms, regulations, and processes. Upon completion of the program, students will be capable of assisting others with legal processes involving their knowledge of legal affairs. Upon graduating with a degree in legal studies, students can get an immediate job or prepare for advanced education necessary for the pursuit of a law or judicial career.
The legal studies degree provides students with a wide range of core skills. Among them are:
- Analytical and investigative skills.
- Experience with legal research.
- Ability to listen and communicate actively.
- Ability to write concisely.
- Detailed knowledge of courtroom procedures.
- Ability to conduct advanced research.
- Ability to read and understand legal language.
How to Study for a Legal Studies Degree?
Here’s how you can approach studying a Legal Studies degree step by step:
- Step 1: Start with a four-year bachelor’s degree in legal studies to build a strong foundation.
- Step 2: Continue with a master’s degree for deeper knowledge and specialized legal study.
- Step 3: Meet undergraduate requirements: high school diploma, transcripts, and sometimes SAT/ACT exams.
- Step 4: For further education, pursue a master’s, Ph.D., or professional law degree such as a JD.
Additional Note: International students must prepare for English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS..
Courses, Skills, and Next Steps
Once enrolled, you’ll study subjects such as constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, and legal writing, with electives like family or cyber law. Many programs also include internships at law firms, courts, or nonprofits to gain practical experience. Along the way, you’ll develop skills in research, critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving.
After graduation, you can work in careers such as paralegal, compliance officer, policy analyst, or human resources specialist. Some students use the degree as a pathway to law school, while others continue into fields like public policy or business. In short, studying legal studies involves choosing the right program, building legal knowledge, gaining practical experience, and using it as a strong foundation for your career.
Legal Studies and Law Degree Differences
A law degree is not the same as legal studies, and many students tend to mix the two. There are many key differences between the two terms that you should be aware of.
Legal studies (MLS) is an academic discipline that studies justice as a system. It examines the process of law-making, interpretation and application in society. Learners of legal studies programs are taught constitutional law, criminal justice studies, contracts, ethics, and legal philosophy, but the degree does not make them qualified to practice law.
Most MLS programs include courses like:
- Fundamentals of the US legal system
- Corporate and Regulatory Compliance
- Ethical Principles in Law and Business
- Drafting and Interpreting Contracts
- Dispute Resolution and Negotiation Skills
Law (JD, LLB, or equivalent) is a professional degree, however, it is a degree that is intended to prepare students to be lawyers. These courses equip graduates to pass the bar exam, defend clients in court, and offer legal advice.
How to Decide Which Is the Right Choice?
Although both degrees are designed to prepare you to work in the legal profession, their educational requirements, study courses, and career outcomes are quite different. To help you determine whether a JD or MLS is right for you, ask yourself these questions.
Where Do I Want to Go in My Career?
Law degrees, such as the JD, are intended for those who wish to practice law. After completing the degree program, students can sit for the bar exam and become licensed lawyers.
The legal studies major, however, does not prepare students to take the bar or to practice law formally. Legal degrees are designed to help working professionals improve their ability to meet personal and professional objectives. By taking these courses, students gain a working knowledge of the law that can be immediately used in their careers without having to go through the extensive legal training required to become attorneys.
What Legal Knowledge Do I Need to Succeed?
It is also important to note that because of the different career goals of students in each program, the course of study for MLSs and JDs also differs.
Students studying legal Studies will study both general principles of modern law as well as specialized knowledge specific to their area of work, providing a deeper knowledge of the US legal system.
Students studying for an MLS also gain exposure to legal strategy concepts, which helps them think like lawyers and serve as a legal liaison in organizations. By enrolling in MLS courses, students acquire critical thinking, communication, and negotiation skills that would be taught in a law program, making them capable of communicating critically about legal issues that directly impact their organizations.
In contrast, law programs offer a much broader understanding of the law than industry-specific topics. The JD program includes civil law, business law, and criminal law courses, along with trial practice and criminal procedure classes that go far beyond what is expected of non-attorneys.
Related: Are Legal Services Different from Legal Studies?
Do Requirements for Law and Legal Studies Programs Differ?
A legal studies degree (associate, bachelor’s, or master’s) is focused on understanding the legal system, not on training to practice law. To get admission, the requirements usually include:
Undergraduate Level (Associate/Bachelor’s):
- High school diploma or GED
- Transcripts of the necessary GPA.
- Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT -although most schools are test-optional)
- Application essay or personal statement.
- In the case of international students: English proficiency test (TOEFL/IELTS)
As an example, the University of Central Florida (UCF) has both a Bachelor of Arts and a Legal Studies bachelor degree online. The usual requirements of Standard UCF undergraduate admissions include a high school diploma or GED, transcripts, and perhaps an essay or personal statement, and, in the case of international students, TOEFL/IELTS scores. This highlights how legal studies is an academic discipline.
Graduate Level (Master’s in Legal Studies, MLS):
- Bachelor of any major (social sciences, political science, or business are typical)
- Resume and letters of recommendation.
- Career goal statement.
- GRE scores (required or optional)
As an example, the UCLA MLS program has applicants provide a statement of purpose (not exceeding 500 words), a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation (three letters are optional).
Law Degree Requirements
A law degree (JD, LLB, or equivalent) prepares you to practice as a lawyer. Key requirements include:
- JD (U.S.): Completed bachelor’s degree (any subject)
- Admission Tests: LSAT or GRE (if accepted)
- Application Materials: Letters of recommendation, personal statement, strong GPA
- International Students: English proficiency test and credential evaluation
Related: The Best Colleges for Criminal Law Degrees
What Can You Do With a Legal Studies Degree?
Upon completion of a legal studies degree at the University, legal studies majors have many career options available to them. There are a variety of careers available to graduates:
Paralegal
Paralegals work under the supervision of attorneys and assist them with a range of duties. The work of paralegals is invaluable to attorneys, who rely on them to maintain files, conduct research, and draft papers. Paralegals work in a wide variety of law firms and offices. The public often believes that paralegals work exclusively in civil litigation firms, but paralegals are also employed by family law, criminal law, real estate law, and corporate law firms.
Average Yearly Salary: $61,010 (May 2024) according to BLS
Probation Officer
Those who have a legal studies degree might pursue jobs in probation, parole, or other corrections fields. Generally speaking, probation officers work for the federal courts. Probation officers supervise people who have been released from prison to make sure they follow their release orders.
Average Yearly Salary: $64,520 (May 2024) according to BLS
Real estate agent
The role of an agent in the real estate industry is to facilitate the purchase and sale of real estate, whether it is residential or commercial. Although a legal studies degree is not necessary to become a realtor, it prepares real estate agents for negotiating and executing contracts, zoning laws, and other specialized issues. A degree is particularly useful for those who wish to pursue a specialization such as short sales or certain types of commercial property.
Average Yearly Salary: $58,960 (May 2024) according to BLS
Social Worker
It is common for graduates of legal studies to become social workers. It is the responsibility of a social worker to protect the interests of a wide range of individuals and to work in a variety of settings. A social worker may work for a government agency on a state or local level, or they may work for a hospital, charity, mental health clinic, non-profit organization, or rehabilitation center. Those who are trained in human behavior must also be proficient in navigating a complex legal system. These individuals have the responsibility to protect children from abuse and neglect, for instance. To be effective in this role, social workers must have a thorough understanding of the laws relating to abuse of children, the court systems, and any legal regulations governing this field.
Average Yearly Salary: $57,530 (May 2024) according to BLS
Mediator
Mediators, also called conciliators or arbitrators, assist opposing parties in reaching a mutually beneficial legal decision. The mediator reviews each party’s arguments, researches related cases and their outcomes, listens to each side explain their issues, and develops an appropriate solution. Through their assistance, clients can reduce legal costs and court time, allowing them to arrive at a solution more quickly and without an extended trial.
Average Yearly Salary: $67,710 (2024) according to BLS
Law Librarian
Some law graduates decide to pursue a career as a law librarian after completing their legal studies program. There are law libraries in law schools and law firms as well as courthouses, government agencies, and other legal institutions that provide legal research assistance to attorneys. Attorneys and other professionals in the legal field benefit greatly from the services provided by law librarians, who often have advanced degrees in library science.
Average Yearly Salary: $64,320 (May 2024) according to BLS.
Final Thoughts
Getting a legal studies degree begins with understanding what the program offers, choosing the right academic degree, and meeting admission requirements. While it is different from a professional law degree, legal studies provide valuable skills in research, analysis, writing, and critical thinking.
Graduates may work in law-related areas, including compliance, policy, or paralegal or may use the degree as preparation for law school. A degree in legal studies is a flexible and rewarding choice, whether you want to impact policy, assist legal professionals, or just learn more about the role of laws in society.
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