Best Online Undergraduate Degree in Legal Studies 2024

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $250-$296
Out-of-State | $554-$600

Credits to Graduate: 124

Northeastern State University's BS in legal studies is one of 24 online bachelor's programs at the school. The BS provides foundational training for careers in civil and criminal justice, public administration, and business. You can also use the degree to prepare for law school.

You can take general education courses or take advantage of NSU's generous credit transfer policy. The major covers topics such as criminal law, evidence, legal analysis, and electronic legal research and writing.

A capstone project teaches law office operations and ethics. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate and school transcripts.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $250-$449
Out-of-State | $250-$449

Credits to Graduate: 127

BU's BS in legal studies maintains an accelerated online cohort for students with 60 transferable credits or an associate degree. You can also complete this 127-credit degree online as a first-year student.

The major teaches practical knowledge such as the theory and practice of law; legal research, analysis, and writing; and judicial and administrative practices. Enrollees learn about the U.S. legal system and the judicial process. 

Military personnel, National Guard Reserve, and their spouses receive a steep tuition discount. Admission for first-year students requires a high school diploma or GED certificate and a minimum 'C' grade on transfer credits.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $490
Out-of-State | $490

Credits to Graduate: 120

Dominican University's online bachelor of professional studies (BPS) features a customizable major in legal studies. You can choose up to two areas of emphasis, including criminal justice, labor relations, disability advocacy, and public administration. 

A notable sustainability studies emphasis explores environmental law and how to build sustainable organizations. Students can also choose to accelerate the completion of a master's with the BPS/MA in conflict resolution option, which applies up to nine credits to both degrees.

You finish the BPS faster by transferring up to 90 credits and completing eight-week terms. First-year students must apply with a high school diploma or GED certificate; transfer students must have a minimum 'C-' grade point average.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $22,936 per year
Out-of-State | $22,936 per year

Credits to Graduate: 120

The BA in legal studies at Keiser University includes a law office management concentration. You'll learn civil and criminal procedure, how to analyze substantive law, and how to draft legal documents. You'll also receive preparation for careers as a paralegal or law office manager with coursework like management law and employee relations.

The online degree also teaches general office skills such as professional writing and management information systems. Students get hands-on experience during a legal studies internship. 

Online students receive access to academic counselors and technical support. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate for first-year applicants; transfer students must have a minimum 'C' grade.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $280 per quarter credit
Out-of-State | $371 per quarter credit

Credits to Graduate: 180 quarter credits

Purdue Global's BS in legal support and services is designed with working professionals in mind. You can complete the degree in 2-4 years, depending on if you have transferable credits or prior learning experience. 

The program covers key topics such as business law, law and society, and advanced legal research and writing. You can pursue the paralegal concentration or apply those elective credits to other subjects of interest. 

Enrollees use their knowledge to solve real-world issues in a capstone project. Purdue University Global offers an option to complete the BS and a master's degree — in programs such as criminal justice or homeland security and emergency management — in less time. Admission requires all college transcripts.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $250-$324
Out-of-State | $250-$499

Credits to Graduate: 120

Students in UMGC's bachelor's in legal studies learn how to put theory into practice with a career-focused curriculum. The 120-credit degree provides training in legal writing, contract law, legal research techniques, and criminal law and procedures. 

The capstone project requires a portfolio focused on professional practices in the legal field. 

Students can transfer up to 90 credits into this program, delivered by a school recognized for supporting the needs of working adults. 

UMGC is also military-friendly and offers a steep tuition discount to military personnel. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED for first-year applicants; transfer students need a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $295
Out-of-State | $353

Credits to Graduate: 124-127

SUNY Canton's BS in legal studies is one of the school's signature online programs. The program uses theoretical knowledge and hands-on training to prepare you for the workplace or law school. 

Key topics include business law, criminal practice, Constitutional law, and civil litigation. You can build hands-on expertise by producing law documents, examining case studies, and completing an internship option. 

SUNY Canton's 3+3 program allows aspiring lawyers to complete both the BS and a law degree at the University at Buffalo School of Law in just six years instead of seven. Qualifying residents can attend New York State's public colleges for free. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate and prerequisite coursework.