Legal Studies Major Programs

Explore Legal Studies, Law Enforcement and Social Science Majors

The foundation of any modern society is the creation and enforcement of laws and governance to serve and protect the individuals, families and communities who live within it. At Grand Canyon University, our legal studies majors, which are rooted in policy and politics, encompass the following disciplines:

  • Communication
  • Justice studies
  • Philosophy
  • Business
  • Theology

When you pursue a campus or online program, you will research the foundations of the law and how concepts in legal philosophy apply to today’s governance and legal decisions.

Legal studies and justice studies can lead you toward similar degrees and careers paths, but there are important differences between the two fields. To research which degree program is best for your professional goals, explore the legal and justice studies majors below and visit GCU's criminal justice page — from there you can examine all your options for these programs at GCU.

$74,240

Median annual wage for social and community service managers as of May 20221

$64,030

Median annual wage for arbitrators, mediators and conciliators’ as of May 20222

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Serve and Transform Communities

If your career goals include serving your community, you can take the first step by completing a legal studies program. Our legal studies emphasis within the bachelor’s in government major is designed for those looking to pursue a career in areas such as government, law, education or healthcare.

For those who are currently working in or want to transfer into law enforcement or a legal profession, GCU offers a master’s in criminal justice with focuses in legal studies or law enforcement. With graduate-level credentials and the required work experience, you can build the skills needed to position yourself for possible advancement into supervisory and management roles.

Male legal studies student talking with police officer at GCU career fair

Earn your legal studies degree to start on your journey to a career in this field.

Legal Studies Majors Build Foundations for Becoming a Lawyer

One of the many paths for legal studies or social science majors is to attend law school. Graduates of the bachelor’s in government, legal studies emphasis receive foundational knowledge and skills that are necessary for law school and becoming a lawyer. A few of the core competencies you will be taught are:

  • Critical reasoning
  • Effective communication
  • Diplomacy
  • Servant leadership
  • Political research methods

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Develop an Understanding of Legal Principles

As a legal studies major, you have the opportunity to develop a solid working knowledge of legal issues and the law, even if you don’t plan to become a lawyer. Completing a degree with an emphasis in legal studies teaches a multifaceted skill set that can allow you to evaluate situations and process information quickly so you can be more effective in your role.

Legal studies can be beneficial if your job involves working with:

  • Contracts
  • Compliance and regulations issues
  • Disputes
  • Other legal matters
Female legal studies degree graduate smiling next to car as Public Safety Officer

Accredited and Respected Legal Studies Majors From GCU

Female legal studies major smiling and holding Lopes Up hand sign in GCU classroom

GCU’s institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission means our social science majors and legal studies programs adhere to high standards in education at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Legal Studies and Law Enforcement Programs Online or On Campus

GCU offers the bachelor’s in government with legal studies emphasis both online and on campus. All degree programs are taught by experienced faculty in their respective fields.

All graduate degrees — including the master’s programs with legal studies and law enforcement emphases — are offered online so you can pursue your desired career with added flexibility and convenience.

GCU’s Commitment to Affordable Education

GCU counseling students smiling and holding Lopes Up hand sign

Financing your education is an investment in your future. GCU understands this and is committed to providing high-achieving students with access to an affordable private, Christian education. Get started on your campus or online legal studies program with these convenient cost-estimating tools and resources:

Legal Studies Majors and Law Enforcement Programs at GCU

GCU offers legal studies and law enforcement programs at the bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral levels. Build skills and competencies in these legal studies programs.

 

Bachelor’s in Legal Studies Majors

Male bachelor's in legal studies major shaking hands with military veteran at GCU event

Master’s in Legal Studies Programs

Male master's in legal studies major working on laptop in GCU library

Legal Studies Majors and Law Enforcement Program FAQs

GCU answers your common questions to help you choose the right legal studies major for you.

Although law schools do not require specific degrees for admission, it is common for law school applicants to have either completed a legal studies program or one of the social science majors, including political science, criminal justice, economics, history or psychology. These degrees teach the theories, principles and skills necessary to prepare for the LSAT and for a potential career as a lawyer.

When you pursue an online master’s in legal studies program from GCU, you can feel confident that you are participating in a program that meets the rigorous accreditation standards of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). GCU has been institutionally accredited by the HLC since 1968, and our on-campus and online degrees are taught by knowledgeable faculty. GCU’s online legal studies majors offer convenience and flexibility and are designed for working professionals looking to change or potentially advance their careers.

Most law enforcement programs include courses in psychology because law enforcement professionals have to understand various behaviors and what drives people to act the way they do. In order to perform their job well, they should have skills in crisis intervention, criminal profiling, psychopathology, forensic science and ethical decision-making.

If you have a desire to protect our country as an FBI agent, a wise degree choice would be either a bachelor’s in legal studies major or a master’s in criminal justice. Both undergraduate and graduate degrees provide a thorough examination in the principles of criminal law and community protection.

Law enforcement programs, particularly at the graduate level, focus on values, morality and ethics. Some of the courses in GCU’s law enforcement programs include criminal analysis and case management, strategic analysis and organizational planning, crime prevention and public relations, as well as the study of law and public policy.

Legal studies degree graduate smiling outside with police officers and car in background

1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Social and Community Service Managers as of May 2022, retrieved on Oct. 20, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020-2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as social and community service managers, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country, or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.

2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Arbitrators, Mediators and Conciliators as of May 2022, retrieved on March 8, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020-2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as social and community service managers, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country, or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.

3 Grey, S. (2023, Dec. 12). The Top 13 Pre-Law Majors: What’s the Best Major for Law School Admission? Forbes Advisor. Retrieved Jan. 23, 2024.

Grand Canyon University’s online and evening programs offer the flexibility you need to get ahead, providing a quality education to help you in today’s complex world.