Legal Studies Degrees

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. Pursuing a degree in legal studies can equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system, essential for navigating complex legal issues. This degree may be ideal for those interested in careers in law, public policy or advocacy, as it can help you prepare for a variety of career paths. Additionally, it can empower you to advocate for justice and contribute positively to society.

Explore Legal Studies, Law Enforcement and Social Sciences

When you pursue a legal studies program online or on campus, you will explore the foundational principles of law and examine how legal philosophy informs contemporary governance and decision-making. GCU’s legal studies majors, which are rooted in policy and politics, encompass the following disciplines:

  • Communication
  • Justice studies
  • Philosophy
  • Business
  • Theology

$77,030

Median annual wage for social and community service managers as of May 20231

$71,540

Median annual wage for arbitrators, mediators and conciliators as of May 20232

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

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

Develop Your 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

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Criminal Justice vs. Legal Studies Degrees

Legal studies and justice studies can lead you toward similar degrees and career 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.

Accredited and Respected Programs 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 (HLC) means our degrees, including our social science majors and our degrees in legal studies adhere to high standards in education at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Explore Campus or Online Program Options

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:

Approx. $140 Million

In scholarships for online students in 2023

Approx. $176 Million

In scholarships received by campus students in 2024

Law Enforcement and Legal Studies Programs

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 online and on campus.

Bachelor’s Degrees

A bachelor's degree in law and criminal justice can provide a foundation in legal principles and law enforcement. GCU offers various public safety and criminal justice degrees to align with your career goals.

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

Master’s Degrees

A master's in this field can help enhance leadership skills for roles in law enforcement or public safety. GCU offers specialized programs to help prepare you for positions in the justice system.

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

Certificate Programs

GCU offers certificate programs in areas such as homeland security and emergency management, providing short, focused training to help advance your knowledge of the justice system.

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

Pursue a Career Serving and Transforming Communities

If your career goals involve serving your community, consider starting a legal studies program. Our legal studies emphasis within the bachelor’s in government major is designed to help you prepare for careers in:3,4

  • Government
  • Law
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Individual and family services
  • Nonprofit management and administration
  • Political science

If you are currently working in or aiming to enter law enforcement or a legal field, GCU offers a master’s in criminal justice with specializations in legal studies or law enforcement, helping you equip yourself with the skills for professional growth.

For those looking to continue their education, our Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs can provide the essential skills for leadership in nonprofit and civic organizations. Prepare yourself for a career that can make an impact with our various MPA emphasis programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

GCU answers your most commonly asked questions to help you choose the right legal studies major for you.

The fields of legal studies and paralegal work differ in their focus and career paths. Legal studies programs provide a broad understanding of the legal system, preparing graduates for various roles in law, government or business and can serve as a foundation for those considering law school. In contrast, paralegal programs specifically train individuals to assist lawyers with tasks like research and document preparation.

While our programs don’t offer paralegal credentials, they can help equip you with valuable legal knowledge and skills, allowing for diverse career opportunities within the legal field or pathways to advanced legal education.

Yes, legal studies degrees may help you apply to a graduate program or law school. These programs teach a solid foundation in legal principles, critical thinking and research skills that are essential for advancing your studies into a future graduate program. Additionally, the knowledge gained in a legal studies program can help enhance your understanding of the law and prepare you for the rigors of law school.

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.

Employers generally respect online legal studies programs, particularly those from accredited institutions like GCU. Our program meets the standards of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). With knowledgeable faculty and a curriculum designed for working professionals, our online legal studies degree offers the convenience and flexibility needed for those looking to explore career options in the field.

Most law enforcement programs include psychology courses because law enforcement professionals must understand various behaviors and what drives people to act the way they do. 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, you may consider a bachelor’s in legal studies 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.

Earning a degree in legal studies means gaining a comprehensive understanding of the legal system, its principles and how it impacts society. Programs like our legal studies degree cover various topics, including legal research, ethics and critical thinking to help you prepare to analyze legal issues and understand policy implications.

1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Social and Community Service Managers as of May 2023, retrieved on Oct. 25, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020-2023 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 2023, retrieved on Oct. 25, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020-2023 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 arbitrators, mediators and conciliators, 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 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). Social and Community Service Managers: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Oct. 25, 2024.

4 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Oct. 25, 2024.

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