American Military University
The Ultimate Advantage is an Educated Mind
Home | Login
Degree ProgramsTuition & Financial AssistanceAdmissionsStudent ExperienceWhy AMUFAQsContact Us

AMU Logo

American Military University Online Degrees

Apply Now

Hans Mumm (M.A., Strategic Intelligence)

Call 1.877.755.2787

 Graduate Catalog | Undergraduate Catalog | Certificates | Student Learning

Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies

 Return to APUS Catalog | Bachelor's

The Legal Studies program is designed for students interested in the study of law and legal issues or for those interested in a social sciences-oriented degree that emphasizes governance, civil and criminal processes, legal systems, and the theory and philosophy of justice.

Degree Program Objectives
In addition to the institutional and general education level learning objectives, the Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies also seeks the following specific learning outcomes of its graduates.  Graduates in this degree program will be able to:

  • Define law and evaluate its purposes in society; gain insight into the social science and humanities perspectives of legal phenomena, as well as to law's central role in social, political and economic systems.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of legal principles; demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of law over time.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the U.S. judicial process, comparing and contrasting this system with other nations’ systems.
  • Identify the key issues and concepts in the United States Constitutional framework.
  • Understand criminal law foundations, practice, and cases; understand why society criminalizes certain behaviors; understand sentencing; understand the rights of the accused.
  • Understand civil law foundations, practice, and cases; understand the principles and elements of negligence and torts; demonstrate an understanding of how torts are prevented, avoided, mitigated, or redressed.
  • Use case methodology to gain understanding of legal concepts and issues.
  • Research, develop, and defend legal positions through professional written communications.
  • Analyze the processes, ethics, and procedures of the modern legal practice.
Degree Program Requirements
Required Course - 3 semester hours

General Education Requirements (38 semester hours)
English Composition - 6 semester hours

Social Sciences - 6 semester hours

Science - 8 semester hours including the required 1 hour labs

Mathematics - 3 semester hours

History - 6 semester hours

Humanities - 3 semester hours

Literature - 3 semester hours

All literature courses require successful completion of EN101 / ENGL101 - Proficiency in Writing or EN102 / ENGL102 - Effectiveness in Writing


Political Science - 3 semester hours
Core Courses (21 semester hours)
  • CJ250 / LSTD204 - Introduction to the Courts
  • CJ398 / LSTD205 - Legal Research and Writing
  • CJ345 / LSTD207 - Civil Practice and Procedure
  • CJ330 / LSTD301 - Constitutional Law
  • CJ331 / LSTD302 - Criminal Law
  • CJ309 / LSTD305 - Judicial Process
  • CJ305 / LSTD400 - Criminal Legal Process
Major Courses (18 semester Hours)

Students enrolled in the Legal Studies program must take six (6) courses (18 semester hours) from the list below.

  • GM244 / LSTD201 - Litigation
  • GM247 / LSTD202 - Real Estate Law
  • GM249 / LSTD203 - Criminal Law and Procedure for the Paralegal / LSTD202 - Real Estate Law
  • GM246 / LSTD206 - Law Office Management
  • GM245 / LSTD208 - General Practice
  • GM382 / LSTD209 - Sports Law, Risk, and Regulation
  • MM309 / LSTD304 - Military Law
  • SS303 / LSTD306 - International Law
  • CJ306 / CMRJ306 - Criminal Investigation
  • CJ317 / CMRJ317 - Probation and Parole
  • GM317 / BUSN311 - Law and Ethics in the Business Environment
  • GM461 / EVSP411 - Environmental Policy, Regularion, and Law
  • SS460 / POLS410 - Public Policy
Capstone Course (3 semester hours)
  • CJ497 / LSTD497 - Senior Seminar in Legal Studies
    Prerequisite: Senior Standing and completion of all core and major courses prior to enrollment.
Electives (39 semester hours)
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill core or major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Total = 122 semester hours

 Return to APUS Catalog | Bachelor's

AMU is a member institution of the American Public University System (APUS), which is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association and nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission, Distance Education and Training Council.
© 2009 American Military University | 111 W. Congress Street, Charles Town, WV 25414 | Toll Free: 1-877-755-2787
News | Alumni | Investor Relations | Campus Store | Privacy Policy | Employment | Contact Us | APUS Home