What is an online bachelor’s degree in legal studies?

This legal studies degree is a 120-credit undergraduate program that covers substantive, in-depth topics like criminal law, legal systems, legal theory, torts, and more. The program can help students prepare to work in a wide range of industries, corporations, non-profits, and private and government organizations. Potential job titles include paralegal, legal assistant, law clerk, and legal secretary. This program is also aligned with pre-law standards to help students prepare for law school after earning their four-year undergraduate degree.

How long does it take to get an online bachelor’s degree in legal studies?

This legal studies degree offers courses year-round. The time it will take you to complete your degree will depend on several factors, including your goals, how many transfer credits you have, your course load each semester, and whether you are able to benefit from one or more of our fast paths to credit, including credit for prior learning and credit for military education and training.

How much does an online bachelor’s degree in legal studies cost?

Tuition rates for the online bachelor’s degree in legal studies from UMGC are very competitive and appear at the top of this page. We offer a low in-state rate for Maryland residents and a reduced tuition rate for military service members and their spouses and dependent children. We also offer scholarships for those who qualify, an interest-free monthly payment plan, and no-cost digital materials in place of most textbooks to help make online bachelor's degrees even more affordable.

What background do I need to get an online bachelor’s degree in legal studies?

You do not need any background or experience in legal studies to apply for and graduate with an online bachelor’s degree in legal studies. As long as you meet our undergraduate admission requirements, you can enroll in this program.

Are any certifications available for those with an online bachelor’s degree in legal studies?

You do not need any certifications to enroll in or complete this program.

What UMGC student organizations are available to legal studies students?

Lambda Epsilon Chi (Legal Studies) Lambda Epsilon Chi recognizes scholarship and leadership in students pursuing legal studies. It is available to undergraduate students. Membership is open to legal studies majors by invitation only. To qualify, you must demonstrate superior academic performance as evidenced by an overall GPA of at least 3.25, as well as a GPA of at least 3.5 in your legal studies classes at UMGC. For more information, please email lex@umgc.edu.

Online Bachelor's Degree: Legal Studies

DEGREE AT A GLANCE

120 credits
Transfer up to 90 credits
All courses available online
Select hybrid courses available

TUITION RATES

$330 per credit (in-state)
$499 per credit (out-of-state)
$250 per credit (military)
Other fees may apply

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Build essential skills in legal theory and analysis with an online bachelor’s degree in legal studies from University of Maryland Global Campus. Master the basics of contemporary civil, criminal, and administrative law as you build career-relevant skills in writing, critical thinking, and legal research. Study under the direction of our experienced faculty members, who bring their real-world experiences with them to the classroom. Earn your degree on your own time, thanks to our convenient online courses. Plus, our generous transfer credit policy may ensure that you save time and money throughout your educational journey. Why wait? Apply today.

Develop Skills in Legal Analysis, Legal Research, & Ethical Principles

UMGC’s online legal studies program is built with the needs of working professionals in mind. This 120-credit degree program may help you build a comprehensive background in legal theory, legal systems and institutions, and contemporary legal practices. By completing coursework, students may learn how to apply case law, navigate through the litigation process, and research and write reports. This program is designed to help you gain the knowledge required to become successful in a variety of law-related environments or legal workplaces. The program is also designed to help you be fully prepared to continue your studies by enrolling in law school.

Here are a few benefits of this online legal studies program:

We offer competitive tuition rates for Maryland residents, as well as discounts for military servicemembers and their spouses and dependents.
Eligible legal studies majors who maintain positive GPA requirements can be invited to join Lambda Epsilon Chi, an honor society that recognizes scholastic achievement among students in the major.
We offer rolling admissions and course start dates in the spring, summer, and fall terms.

Search Course Catalog

These requirements are for students who enroll in the 2025–2026 academic year. For prior year requirements, visit our catalog archive.

Read the Catalog

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

In addition to the specific course requirements outlined on each bachelor’s degree webpage, UMGC maintains certain requirements for all bachelor’s degrees.

See Degree Requirements

Master New Skills in Legal Studies

Employers are on the lookout for professionals who have the writing, research, and critical thinking skills needed to drive results. This program can help teach you those universal skillsets, as well as specific, career-relevant skills in legal research, negotiation, risk analysis, proofreading, legal discovery, and critical thinking.

Our program directors refresh and update the curriculum regularly, with a focus on helping students achieve the following:

Explore Social Justice

Determine how the application of the American civil and criminal justice systems can further social justice.

Utilize Legal Resources

Research appropriate standard and internet-based legal resources to identify relevant, current, and presiding legal authority.

Develop Legal Documents

Develop legal documents that incorporate critical thinking and legal reasoning to inform, evaluate, and advocate with respect to specific legal issues.

Analyze Information

Analyze the relevant legal concepts, authorities, regulations, and ethical codes required to support the resolution of legal disputes.

Unlock Your Career Potential

This program is an ideal fit for working professionals who are looking to build new skillsets and advance in their legal careers or prepare for law school. Graduates of this program may be prepared for roles in professional settings, including law firms, marketing firms, and government organizations. Potential job titles include paralegal, legal assistant, law clerk, and legal secretary.

Please note: Higher advancement in law careers may require further education, such as law school.

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Practice Real-World Skills in Your Legal Studies Courses

Throughout your curriculum, your instructors will assign hands-on coursework that may help you prioritize real-world skills and experience. In past courses, students have been able to complete the following course projects:

Draft a mock client information letter that explains the applicable laws involved in a theoretical slip-and-fall case and determines whether a lawsuit would be successful in recovering compensation for your client.
Prepare a case report that identifies the potential crimes a client may have committed and analyze the most likely arguments that the prosecution could bring up in response.
Create a brochure that describes the two primary components of the American legal system: civil and criminal law.

Explore UMGC Legal Studies Insights

Gain insight from our faculty and staff and delve deeper into a range of topics.

What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s in Legal Studies?

Learn more about the opportunities that a bachelor’s in legal studies can prepare you for.

6 Steps to More Effective Writing

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Online Bachelor's Degree: Legal Studies

Legal Studies

DEGREE AT A GLANCE

TUITION RATES

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Develop Skills in Legal Analysis, Legal Research, & Ethical Principles