10/20/2026
Understanding the Study of Law and the Skills Used Across the Legal Field
Law affects far more of daily life than what happens inside a courtroom. Contracts, employment, housing, business transactions, criminal cases, civil rights, and government decisions are all shaped by legal rules and institutions. Legal studies examines how those systems work and how laws are researched, interpreted, and applied.
For students asking what legal studies is, the simplest answer is that it is an academic field focused on law and the legal system. Students can study legal concepts, court procedures, legal research and writing, different areas of law, and the relationship between law and society.
A legal studies degree may be relevant to students interested in law firms, government, regulatory compliance, criminal justice, or further education. However, legal studies is different from earning a law degree, and completing the major does not qualify someone to practice law as an attorney.
What Do You Study in a Legal Studies Degree Program?
A legal studies degree introduces students to the language, principles, processes, and institutions behind the American legal system.
Rather than concentrating on one narrow area of law, undergraduate programs can provide a broader view of how the legal system operates. Topics can include criminal law, constitutional law, civil law, business law, legal ethics, civil litigation, governance, and the philosophy of justice.
Coursework may examine how legal professionals research questions, interpret case law, construct arguments, and prepare legal documents.
At American Military University, the Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies is a 120-credit online program. Students can transfer up to 90 eligible credits, and courses start monthly and vary from eight to 16 weeks.
Legal Research, Writing, and Critical Thinking
Legal studies involves more than legal terminology and may also examine how legal information is researched, analyzed, and communicated.
Legal research coursework may address methods for finding and assessing information relevant to a legal question. Legal writing focuses on communicating that research clearly and accurately in formats used within the legal field.
Students may examine legal cases, identify relevant facts, consider different interpretations, and apply legal principles to particular circumstances.
AMU's bachelor's program typically includes learning outcomes centered on legal research, legal writing, critical thinking, legal analysis, and the use of technology when examining legal problems.
Areas of Law You Might Study
The exact curriculum varies between programs, but legal studies students can encounter several branches of law during their degree.
These can include:
- Constitutional law: Examining the U.S. Constitution, government powers, and individual rights.
- Criminal law: Studying crimes, criminal procedures, and how criminal cases move through the legal system.
- Civil law and litigation: Exploring legal disputes between individuals or organizations and the procedures used to address them.
- Business law: Looking at the legal principles that affect companies, contracts, employment, and commercial activity.
- Legal ethics: Examining professional responsibility and ethical questions within legal practice.
Legal studies can also overlap with political science, public policy, criminal justice, history, and business.
Legal Studies at American Military University
American Military University (AMU) offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs in legal studies.
The online bachelor's program covers the American legal system, legal writing, governance, the legal profession, civil and criminal law processes, and the theory and philosophy of justice.
Students also choose a concentration. Possible options include Legal Communications, Legal Data Analytics, Legal Data Security, Legal Entrepreneurism, Legal Ethics, Legal Office Administration, Criminal Law Support, and a general concentration.
Many AMU faculty members have professional backgrounds in law. Their experience includes areas such as criminal law, international law, human rights, military law, and work as practicing attorneys.
It is also important to understand what the program does not provide. Completion of AMU's bachelor's degree does not award professional paralegal certification or another professional legal certification.
Potential Career Paths With a Legal Studies Degree
Legal knowledge is used in several professional settings, so career paths are not limited to one type of employer.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Roles
Legal assistants and paralegals may support attorneys and law firms with research, documentation, case preparation, client communication, and administrative work.
Specific duties and qualification requirements depend on the employer and jurisdiction. Some positions may also require additional credentials or professional certification.
Regulatory Compliance
Compliance professionals may help organizations understand and follow laws, regulations, and internal policies relevant to their operations.
Legal studies coursework may cover regulatory requirements, legal research, and work involving detailed policies and documents. Compliance functions exist in government and private-sector organizations across a variety of industries.
Courts and Government
Legal studies professionals may also explore support roles within courts, government departments, contracting offices, and other public-sector organizations.
A court clerk, for example, may be involved in maintaining records and supporting court processes, although responsibilities vary by position and jurisdiction. The responsibilities and requirements for these positions differ between jurisdictions.
Legal Studies vs Criminal Justice Programs
Legal studies and criminal justice overlap, but they approach the justice system from different perspectives.
Legal studies concentrates broadly on law, legal reasoning, legal institutions, and legal procedures. Criminal justice generally focuses more closely on areas such as law enforcement, corrections, courts, and the operation of the criminal justice system.
Students interested in becoming a law enforcement officer should research the requirements for the particular agency they hope to join. A degree alone does not replace academy training, background requirements, certifications, or other qualifications required by individual agencies.
Is Legal Studies the Same as Law School?
No. This is one of the most important distinctions for prospective students to understand.
Legal studies can be completed at the undergraduate or graduate level and examines law and the legal system as an academic and professional field.
Law school provides graduate-level professional legal education with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Individuals seeking to become licensed attorneys must satisfy the requirements of the jurisdiction in which they intend to practice, which may include educational, examination, character and fitness, and other requirements.
A bachelor's degree in legal studies does not qualify someone to practice law.
Can You Go to Law School With a Legal Studies Degree?
Legal studies is one undergraduate option for students who are considering law school, but it is not the only one.
The major may include coursework in legal research, legal writing, case law, and different branches of law before graduate study.
Students considering a JD should research the admissions requirements of individual law schools carefully. Law school admission and attorney licensing involve separate requirements beyond completing a bachelor's degree.
Skills Relevant to Legal Studies
Legal studies programs may include coursework involving skills used when working with complex legal and regulatory information.
These commonly include:
- Legal research
- Legal writing
- Critical thinking
- Legal analysis
- Written communication
- Evaluating evidence
- Working with legal documents
- Research technology
The relevance of individual skills will depend on the career path a student chooses and whether additional education, training, or certification is required.
Is Legal Studies Right for You?
Legal studies can be worth exploring if you are interested in understanding how laws affect individuals, organizations, government, and society.
Some students are drawn to the subject because they are considering law school. Others are interested in paralegal work, compliance, government, criminal justice, or another field where legal knowledge can be useful.
If you're considering a legal studies degree, think about your interests, educational goals, and the type of work you may want to pursue. Exploring degree programs, reviewing coursework, and researching career requirements can help you determine whether legal studies aligns with your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Coursework of Legal Studies?
Legal studies commonly examines law, legal systems, and legal institutions. Students can study areas such as constitutional law, criminal law, civil litigation, legal research, legal writing, ethics, and the ways laws are interpreted and applied.
What Is a Legal Studies Degree Good For?
A legal studies degree covers topics relevant to roles in law firms, government, regulatory compliance, legal support, and other settings involving legal processes. Some students also complete a bachelor's degree before applying to law school. Individual careers may require additional education, certification, or training.
Is Legal Studies the Same as Law?
Legal studies is the academic study of law and legal systems. It is different from completing a Juris Doctor and meeting the licensing requirements to become an attorney. A legal studies degree alone does not authorize someone to practice law.
How Hard Is a Legal Studies Major?
The difficulty depends on the student and the program. Legal studies commonly involves substantial reading, research, writing, and analysis. Students should expect to examine legal cases, work with detailed information, evaluate arguments, and communicate their reasoning clearly.