• Note: For certain locations, program enrollment is onsite with online instruction.

  • This program is offered online.

  • Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies

    The Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies degree program offers a solid foundation in legal theory and practice, introducing you to various fields of law and a range of topics covered in-depth at law school. Our online program explores the interrelationships of law and society, legal philosophy and societal institutions, and jurisprudence and legal history. The curriculum is regularly evaluated and updated so your courses are based on current knowledge, research, and case studies in the field. You’ll learn from professors who are legal practitioners with real-world experience in legal services, law, and policy. And enjoy collaborating with your professors and classmates via live seminars, discussions boards, and one-on-one instructor interactions.

    The legal studies degree is not just for the legal field. You may wish to consider this program if you are interested in enhancing or changing your current career status.* Individuals with an associate's degree who wish to advance into a position requiring a higher level of legal knowledge should also consider this program.

    As the largest provider of online legal studies programs in the United States†, we have helped over 6,500 School of Legal Studies graduates achieve their educational goals since 2001. This means that when you earn your degree from Kaplan University, you join one of the most active and diverse alumni communities in the legal field.
     

    Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies Program Highlights

    This Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies program offers a practical curriculum and specialized elective options that allow you to customize your education to a particular focus. Courses offer a well-rounded academic foundation that emphasizes analytical thinking, reading comprehension, and communication skills while helping students develop the practical skills relevant to today’s job market.

    It is designed to teach you:

    • Theory and Principles: Define the basic theories, elements, and principles of law such as justice, natural law, civil rights, and the social contract between a citizen and the government.
    • Research: Find relevant primary and secondary legal sources in electronic and print media and apply them to specific fact scenarios using prescribed analysis and argument.
    • Investigation: Apply investigative techniques to support the development of a legal argument.
    • Communication: Produce communications using theoretical and practical concepts from specialized areas of law.
    • Critical Thinking: Evaluate the role of legal theory and practice in the practice of societal institutions.
    • Real-World Applications: Apply legal principles and research data to the analysis of social, political, and economic issues.
    • Practical Skills: Develop skills in legal research and legal writing.
     

    A Fast Track to a Master’s Degree

    Eligible students in this bachelor's degree program who want to continue on to pursue a master's degree may be interested in the accelerated master's degree option. Students complete graduate-level courses within this undergraduate plan of study. Once accepted to the master’s degree program, students transfer in the graduate courses and matriculate into a shortened degree plan. This accelerated option allows students to complete both their bachelor's degree and master's degree in less time and at a lower cost than completing both programs separately. Accelerated options are offered for the following programs. Qualification for accelerated options is subject to eligibility requirements.*

    What are the Career Opportunities?

    The legal field is projected to grow and you could become part of that growth. Certain segments of the legal field are projected to expand as businesses create in-house legal departments and litigation continues to rise.‡ But, while opportunities are expected to rise, the legal field remains a competitive one. The Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies program is designed to help prepare you for a career in the legal, business, government, health care, banking, real estate or the service industry.

    Careers you could attain with this degree include:

    • Arbitrator
    • Mediator
    • Title examiner
    • Legislative assistant
    • Political office holder
    • Lobbyist
    • Corporate executive
    • Abstractor 
    • Claims examiner
    • Compliance and enforcement inspector
    • Occupational and safety health worker
    • Jury consultant
     

    Advanced Start Degree Option

    If you already have an associate's degree from another accredited institution, our advanced start program may help you earn a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies in as little as two years.§

  • Kaplan University offers multiple start dates, giving you greater flexibility with your education, life, and work schedules.

    Jun 05

    Online Start Date
    Jun 05, 2013

    Jul 03

    Online Start Date
    Jul 03, 2013

    View the Academic Calendar

  • Curriculum: Standard Track

    Core

    100/200 LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE (5  Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    100/200 LEVEL: MATHEMATICS COURSE (5 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    200 LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE (5 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    300/400 LEVEL: ARTS AND HUMANITIES COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    300/400 LEVEL: PHYSICAL SCIENCE COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    300/400 LEVEL: SOCIAL SCIENCE COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 33
    Total Program Credits: 180

    Major

    LS 102: INTRODUCTION TO LAW (5 Credits)

    In this course, students will get an introductory overview of law as it developed historically, the American legal system, and the role and influence of law in society, business, personal behavior, communication, and thought.

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course.

    LS 305: CONSTITUTIONAL LAW (6 Credits)

    This course provides students with a view of constitutional law's historical development of legal principles as well as the philosophical foundations of American legal principles. Significant trends in constitutional law as well as current issues in development of law and the balance between bureaucracy and democracy in a free society are presented.

    Prerequisites Required:

    PA 101 or LS 102

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course.

    LS 308: LAW AND SOCIETY (6 Credits)

    The student completing this course will learn about the law as a generic entity with pervasive influence in all aspects of social interaction, formation, and change. Theories of design, enforcement, and remediation under the American system, and interacting with different global systems will provide the student the opportunity to gain appreciation of the value, reach, and utility of a well-defined legal system.

    Prerequisites Required: PA 201 or any legal research course, students enrolled in a paralegal studies program: PA 101; students enrolled in a legal studies program: LS 102

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course.

    LS 490: LEGAL PHILOSOPHY (6 Credits)

    This course provides the student with an opportunity to look at a number of historically significant philosophical and legal thinkers and theories. The student will analyze and compare them to the American theoretical and philosophical system. Critical thinking skills and communication competence are built through the individual and collaborative discussion and analysis process. Upon completion of the final project, the student will be able to identify the most historically significant legal philosophers and assess American legal philosophy in historical context. Further, philosophical thinking that contributed directly to the design of our system will be understood in current legal context.

    Prerequisites Required:

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course.

    PA 165: INTRODUCTION TO TORTS (5 Credits)

    This course is an introduction to the broad area of civil wrongs and their appropriate remedies, as well as tort law principles in the traditional areas of intentional torts, negligence, absolute liability, product liability, nuisance, and commonly employed defenses.

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course.

    PA 201: INTRODUCTION TO LEGAL RESEARCH (5 Credits)

    One of the basic tasks performed by the paralegal is legal research—finding the law. Accurate, concise, and up-to-date information can be the difference between winning and losing a lawsuit. Students who complete this course gain specialized skills in the area of legal research.

    Prerequisites Required: Prerequisites: CM 220 and PA 205

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course.

    PA 205: INTRODUCTION TO LEGAL ANALYSIS AND WRITING (5 Credits)

    Some of the tasks performed by a skilled paralegal are to summarize statutes or regulations, analyze the component parts of written opinions of appellate judges through briefing, identify the legal issues in a fact pattern, and apply the reasoning of relevant legal authorities to a fact pattern. Students who successfully complete this course will be able to analyze and synthesize legal authorities and draft correspondence and memoranda commonly used in the practice of law.

    Prerequisites Required:

    PA  201

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course.

    PA 253: LEGAL ETHICS (5 Credits)

    Legal assistants and paralegals must always consider the duty owed to the clients. Are the clients protected against having confidential information revealed? What are the duties and responsibilities regarding the ethical conduct of the paralegal? This course discusses these areas and presents canons, codes of ethics, ethical and procedural practices in a law office, licensing and certification, and more.

    Prerequisites Required: Students enrolled in a paralegal studies program: PA 101; students enrolled in a legal studies program: LS 102

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course.

    100/200-LEVEL: MAJOR ELECTIVE (5 Credits)

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course.

    300/400-LEVEL MAJOR ELECTIVES (24 Credits)

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course.

    LS 498: BSLS CAPSTONE (RESEARCH OPTION) (6 Credits)

    This course is the research capstone option for students in the BSLS degree program. Students will conduct approved research under the supervision of a program chair or full-time faculty person in the School.

    Prerequisites Required: Permission of the Dean

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course.

    PA 230: INTRODUCTION TO LEGAL TECHNOLOGY (5 Credits)

    Technology is pervasive and the modern law office is chock-full of technological appliances, tools, and applications that the paralegal must be able to master. At the core of most software applications are the basics-word processors, spreadsheets, databases, and tools for presentations. Of course, the ubiquitous communication tool, email, is the center of modern electronic communications. This course will explore the most common tools and applications found in law firms and those that every "technology-literate" paralegal must know. Word processing, document-assembly programs, and tools for case management, time and billing, calendaring, electronic communications, and creating presentations are a few of the topics explored in this course. Students will leave this course with a solid foundation of the basics in legal technology.

    Prerequisites Required: Students enrolled in a paralegal studies program: PA 101; students enrolled in a legal studies program: LS 102

    IT 133: SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS (5 Credits)

    This course teaches students to use application software. Topics include an introduction to the Windows operating system and to Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Students also learn how to apply soft ware applications within a profession.

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course.

    LS 100: EIGHT SKILLS OF THE EFFECTIVE LEGAL STUDIES STUDENT (5 Credits)

    This course is an important component of the new student experience in the School of Legal Studies' legal studies program at Kaplan University. It is designed to ensure legal studies students' successful social and academic transition into and pursuit of academic excellence within the Kaplan University community and provide a foundation for success within the profession. Students will be introduced to eight key skills (reading, writing, research, planning, thinking, organizing, interviewing, and communicating) through dynamic and engaging interactions and presentations by practicing professionals. "Real-life" examples and interactions with practicing professionals will provide students with a sense of the culture and nuances of the field. The goal of this course is for students to become academically, personally, and socially successful within and beyond this intellectual community.

    CS 121: PATHWAYS TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS (ONSITE ONLY) (5 Credits)

    Designed to facilitate personal and professional success, this course introduces students to the purposes and processes of university education. An emphasis is placed on study, communication, and thinking skills that support academic achievement. Students also examine the relationship between learning and motivation. (Onsite only)

    Total Major Credits: 88
    Total Program Credits: 180

    *Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course.

    Electives

    OPEN ELECTIVES (59 Credits)

    Total Electives Credits: 59
    Total Program Credits: 180

    Prior Degree

    Total Prior Degree Credits (90 Credits)

    Total Prior Degree Credits: 90
    Total Program Credits: 90

    *Comparability is determined by a course-by-course examination of the prior associate's or bachelor's degree against the core requirements of a Kaplan University associate’s degree.

    Prerequisites

    LS 102: INTRODUCTION TO LAW (5 Credits)

    In this course, students will get an introductory overview of law as it developed historically, the American legal system, and the role and influence of law in society, business, personal behavior, communication, and thought.

    Total Prerequisites Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 90

    *Onsite students will take IT 133: Software Applications.

    PA 201: INTRODUCTION TO LEGAL RESEARCH (5 Credits)

    One of the basic tasks performed by the paralegal is legal research—finding the law. Accurate, concise, and up-to-date information can be the difference between winning and losing a lawsuit. Students who complete this course gain specialized skills in the area of legal research.

    Prerequisites Required: Prerequisites: CM 220 and PA 205

    Total Prerequisites Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 90

    *Onsite students will take IT 133: Software Applications.

    PA 230: INTRODUCTION TO LEGAL TECHNOLOGY (5 Credits)

    Technology is pervasive and the modern law office is chock-full of technological appliances, tools, and applications that the paralegal must be able to master. At the core of most software applications are the basics-word processors, spreadsheets, databases, and tools for presentations. Of course, the ubiquitous communication tool, email, is the center of modern electronic communications. This course will explore the most common tools and applications found in law firms and those that every "technology-literate" paralegal must know. Word processing, document-assembly programs, and tools for case management, time and billing, calendaring, electronic communications, and creating presentations are a few of the topics explored in this course. Students will leave this course with a solid foundation of the basics in legal technology.

    Prerequisites Required: Students enrolled in a paralegal studies program: PA 101; students enrolled in a legal studies program: LS 102

    IT 133: SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS (5 Credits)

    This course teaches students to use application software. Topics include an introduction to the Windows operating system and to Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Students also learn how to apply soft ware applications within a profession.

    Total Prerequisites Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 90

    *Onsite students will take IT 133: Software Applications.

    Core

    300/400 LEVEL: ARTS AND HUMANITIES COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 18
    Total Program Credits: 90

    300/400 LEVEL: PHYSICAL SCIENCE COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 18
    Total Program Credits: 90

    300/400 LEVEL: SOCIAL SCIENCE COURSE (6 Credits)

    Total Core Credits: 18
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Major

    LS 305: CONSTITUTIONAL LAW (6 Credits)

    This course provides students with a view of constitutional law's historical development of legal principles as well as the philosophical foundations of American legal principles. Significant trends in constitutional law as well as current issues in development of law and the balance between bureaucracy and democracy in a free society are presented.

    Prerequisites Required:

    PA 101 or LS 102

    Total Major Credits: 48
    Total Program Credits: 90

    LS 308: LAW AND SOCIETY (6 Credits)

    The student completing this course will learn about the law as a generic entity with pervasive influence in all aspects of social interaction, formation, and change. Theories of design, enforcement, and remediation under the American system, and interacting with different global systems will provide the student the opportunity to gain appreciation of the value, reach, and utility of a well-defined legal system.

    Prerequisites Required: PA 201 or any legal research course, students enrolled in a paralegal studies program: PA 101; students enrolled in a legal studies program: LS 102

    Total Major Credits: 48
    Total Program Credits: 90

    LS 490: LEGAL PHILOSOPHY (6 Credits)

    This course provides the student with an opportunity to look at a number of historically significant philosophical and legal thinkers and theories. The student will analyze and compare them to the American theoretical and philosophical system. Critical thinking skills and communication competence are built through the individual and collaborative discussion and analysis process. Upon completion of the final project, the student will be able to identify the most historically significant legal philosophers and assess American legal philosophy in historical context. Further, philosophical thinking that contributed directly to the design of our system will be understood in current legal context.

    Prerequisites Required:

    Total Major Credits: 48
    Total Program Credits: 90

    300/400 LEVEL: MAJOR ELECTIVES (24 Credits)

    Total Major Credits: 48
    Total Program Credits: 90

    LS 498: BSLS CAPSTONE (RESEARCH OPTION) (6 Credits)

    This course is the research capstone option for students in the BSLS degree program. Students will conduct approved research under the supervision of a program chair or full-time faculty person in the School.

    Prerequisites Required: Permission of the Dean

    Total Major Credits: 48
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Electives

    OPEN ELECTIVES (24 Credits)

    Total Electives Credits: 24
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Tuition & Fees: Standard Track

    The 25% tuition reduction applies only to international students living outside of the United States. This discount does not apply to military students. Please check with your advisor to see if you are eligible. 

    The 25% tuition reduction applies only to international students living outside of the United States. This discount does not apply to military students. Please check with your advisor to see if you are eligible. 

    Standard Track Online &
    Learning Center     		Campus
    Cost Per Credit
    Number of Credits / Terms  
    Total Tuition Cost

    Tuition and Fees

    Some programs have additional associated fees that are not included in the price of tuition. Click here or check with an Admissions Advisor for more information. 

    Learn More about Kaplan University Tuition and Fees  

    Notice to Learning Center Students

    Kaplan University Learning Center students will only complete a portion of this program on site. You will need to complete at least 50% of the program requirements online, or through transfer credit awarded via prior learning assessment. If you have any questions about these requirements, please speak with an admissions advisor.

    Scholarships and Grants

    Learn more about grants and Kaplan University Scholarships and that may help reduce the cost of your education.

    Kaplan University tuition reductions (including active-duty, spouse, and veterans military tuition rates; scholarships; grants; vouchers; and alumni and alliance reductions) cannot be combined. 

    Tuition Rates for Military Students and Spouses

    Kaplan University has significantly reduced many of our tuition rates and fees for active-duty servicemembers, their spouses, and veterans. Click here for more information.
     

  • Some states have additional curricular requirements. Check the University Catalog or speak with an Admissions Advisor.

  • * Kaplan University cannot guarantee employment or career advancement.

    † Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS ), 2009-2010, Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees Conferred, Law and Legal Studies, on the Internet at http://nces.ed.gov/IPEDS. (Accessed November, 2012). Based on total number of degrees granted by Kaplan University compared to other Title IV degree-granting institutions.

    ‡ U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Legal/Paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm#tab-6. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.

    § Associate’s and bachelor’s degrees and credits considered to be remedial, occupational, or specialized may not be accepted for transfer. Average completion time based on a full-time schedule. Programs will take longer for part-time students to complete. Refer to the University Catalog for our Transfer of Credit policy.

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