Legal Studies Degrees
Explore Legal Studies, Law Enforcement and Social Sciences
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.
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
Median annual wage for social and community service managers as of May 2023(See disclaimer 1)
Median annual wage for arbitrators, mediators and conciliators as of May 2023(See disclaimer 2)
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:
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.
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.
Explore Your Options
22 Matching Degrees
Pursue a Career Serving and Transforming Communities
If your career goals involve serving your community, consider starting a legal studies program.
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.
Our legal studies emphasis within the bachelor’s in government major is designed to help you prepare for careers in:(See disclaimer 3,4)
Government
Law
Education
Healthcare
Individual and family services
Nonprofit management and administration
Political science
MPA Options Related to These Careers
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.
Accredited and Respected Programs From GCU
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.
More GCU Benefits
Explore Campus or Online Program Options
GCU’s Commitment to Affordable Education
Frequently Asked Questions
GCU answers your most commonly asked questions to help you choose the right legal studies major for you.
What are the differences between legal studies and paralegal fields?
Do legal studies degrees help graduates apply to graduate or law school?
What degrees do most lawyers have?
Do employers respect legal studies programs online?
How is psychology used in law enforcement programs and careers?
What degree is best for an FBI career?
What does it mean to earn a degree in legal studies?
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. Earn your legal studies degree to start on your journey to a career in this field.
- 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.
- 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.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). Social and Community Service Managers: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Oct. 25, 2024.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Oct. 25, 2024.