- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater
Master of Legal Studies Online - MS in Legal Studies Degree
Advance Your Career with PennWest University's Online Legal Studies Master's Program
The online Master of Science in Legal Studies program at PennWest University creates exceptional opportunities for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in law, government, and public policy. Our comprehensive legal studies degree online prepares graduates for diverse legal studies careers without the commitment of law school.
Are you interested in how law impacts government, public policy, and business? Our master's in legal studies online program provides deep insight into court systems, law enforcement, military operations, and national security. This online legal studies degree helps you gain a greater understanding of legal principles and their role in modern professional environments.
Students develop critical-thinking, problem-solving, communication, and informational literacy skills while exploring legal theories, ethics, reasoning, and principles within public policy contexts. This thought-provoking coursework, taught by legal scholars and subject-matter experts, prepares you for rewarding careers with legal studies degree opportunities across multiple industries.
You'll master essential skills including interpreting case studies and statutory materials, evaluating legal arguments and remedies, and conducting comprehensive legal research. Our online master of legal studies program emphasizes practical application of legal knowledge in real-world scenarios.
PennWest's Legal Studies program partners with the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA) to award three graduate credits for completion of all three leadership courses required for the Trilogy Award. These credits apply toward your MS in Legal Studies completion, adding valuable law enforcement expertise to your legal studies degree.
Why Choose PennWest's Online Master's in Legal Studies Degree?
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Career Advancement Without Law School: Gain the specialized legal expertise needed for leadership roles in public policy, national security, and human resources—no JD required.
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100% Online Flexibility: Complete your coursework entirely online with an asynchronous format designed to fit the schedule of a busy working professional.
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Unique FBI-LEEDA Partnership: Apply three graduate credits from the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association's Trilogy Award directly toward your degree.
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Specialized, Career-Focused Curriculum: Customize your legal studies degree by choosing electives in high-demand areas like International Law, Environmental Law, and Terrorism and Political Violence.
This program is for you if...
- You want to advance your career in law, government, or public policy without becoming a lawyer.
- You're interested in understanding the intersection of law, ethics, and public policy.
- You seek to enhance your critical thinking and legal analysis skills.
- You aspire to work in sectors such as law enforcement, military, business, or social work.
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Global Online
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30 Credits for MS
Legal Studies Degree Curriculum
Our comprehensive online legal studies degree covers essential core topics including law and public policy, civil liberties and constitutional law, legal research methods, civil litigation processes, and administrative agencies. The 30-credit program includes 18 core credits and 12 elective credits.
Core courses in your master's degree in legal studies include Law and Public Policy, Law and Civil Liberties, Legal Methods, Civil Litigation, Administrative Agencies, and Business Law. Elective specializations allow focus in ethics, environmental law, family law, forensics, national security law, international law, and terrorism policy.
This masters in legal studies program emphasizes critical thinking, legal reasoning, and ethical considerations essential for legal studies careers in diverse professional environments.
Degrees, Certificates
Meet Our Faculty
Our faculty are not just instructors; they are mentors, researchers, and industry professionals committed to providing an education grounded in real-world experiences and academic excellence. From engaging classroom discussions to hands-on experiential learning, our educators are here to support and inspire you every step of the way.
Admission Requirements
Conditional Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA below 3.0 will be reviewed for a decision after the following additional documentation has been received:
- Resume with an overview of professional work experience and contact information for three professional references
- 500-word essay supporting the application
Concentrations
There are no concentrations for this program.
Online Learning Experience - How You'll Learn
This master of legal studies program is offered 100% online, providing flexibility for working professionals. Our online legal studies format allows you to balance career advancement with current professional responsibilities.
Legal Studies Jobs and Career Opportunities
Graduates with a legal studies degree online are prepared for diverse legal studies careers requiring expertise in legal principles and public policy analysis. Your online master of legal studies opens doors to careers with legal studies degree requirements in: Government agencies and public administration, law enforcement and criminal justice, military and national security sectors, corporate compliance and human resources, paralegal and court system roles, and social work and advocacy organizations. With your MS in Legal Studies, you'll possess advanced legal knowledge and analytical skills essential for informed decision-making in complex professional environments. This masters of legal studies qualification enhances your ability to navigate legal frameworks across multiple industries, positioning you for leadership roles in legal studies jobs that require sophisticated understanding of law and public policy.
Career Paths
- Legal Analyst
- Compliance Officer
- Policy Advisor
- Paralegal Manager
- Court Administrator
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Military Legal Specialist
- Human Resources Manager
Kyle Hurysz ‘21
Born with cerebral palsy, a condition that has limited his range of motion through abnormally tightened muscle structures, Kyle Hurysz (’21) overcame his physical obstacles to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in economics, a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a focus in legal studies and minors in mathematics, applied mathematics and data analytics.
How We'll Help You Succeed
At Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest), we prioritize your success and well-being from the moment you join our community. Our comprehensive student support system is designed to meet you where you are, offering personalized guidance, academic assistance, and emotional support to ensure you can fully focus on your studies and personal growth. Whether you're a first-generation college student, returning for further education, or navigating career changes, our dedicated faculty and staff provide the encouragement and resources you need to overcome challenges and thrive. With a wide range of services from tutoring and career counseling to mental health resources, PennWest stands by your side, empowering you to achieve your academic goals and prepare for a successful future. Join us at PennWest, where you're not just a student; you're part of a supportive family committed to helping you find your place in the world.
12%
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs in legal fields will grow approximately 12% from now to 2030, faster than average of all occupations.
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Affordable Programs
Tuition & FeesDiscover quality education that fits your budget with our affordable programs at PennWest.
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Success Coaching
Success at PennWestAchieve your academic goals with personalized guidance from our dedicated student success coaches.
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Post-Graduation Support
Life After PennWestWe're here for you even after graduation, providing support and resources to help you succeed in your career.