Why Pursue an Online Master's Degree in Legal Studies?

Masters in Legal Studies OnlineAre you intrigued by the inner workings of the courtroom? Interested in learning more about the nation's legal system and how you may be able to influence it? Pursuing a Masters in Legal Studies Online may be the best course of action, as it may help prepare you for a vast range of career paths in the field of law.

If you've already received a bachelor's degree in this subject and want to further develop your knowledge as it pertains to the law, working toward your online master's degree in legal studies could help. In this educational pursuit, you may have the chance to work alongside some of the greatest legal minds in the country, expanding your academic horizons and helping to prepare yourself for a career in the law profession.

A glimpse into Possibilities after Earning a Masters in Legal Studies Online

Studying law and legal studies may help prepare you for a variety of career paths, including as lawyers, judges and those in criminal justice. Courses cover topics ranging from business to psychology as you learn about the inner workings of the legal system and how to handle yourself while interacting with those who have done wrong by the law. Depending on your desired course of study, classes could be tailored to fit your educational path.

A Masters in Legal Studies Online may further develop your problem solving and decision making skills, as courses require strict attention to detail and a desire to find solutions to tough situations. In addition, those along this path may have to face a great deal of rigorous coursework, including intensive reading and writing activities geared toward exposing students to as much legal literature as possible. This degree, the masters in legal studies online, may be especially beneficial for students who want to further establish themselves in the law field.

Possible salaries for a career in legal studies

A specialized degree in law and legal studies may be key for unlocking many career paths in a range of industries, whether you want to pursue a career  for a corporation, individual practice or nonprofit. Consider the following occupations, with data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2012.

  • Lawyers: 2012 Median annual salary of $113,530 (10 percent projected growth through 2022)[i]
  • Judges and hearing officers: 2012 Median annual salary of $102,980 (1 percent projected growth through 2022)[ii]
  • Postsecondary teacher: 2012 Median annual salary of $68,970 (19 percent projected growth through 2022)[iii]

Additional skills required for a career in legal studies

An online master's degree in legal studies may be rigorous, so students should be prepared to study in a competitive and intensive academic environment. Learners may have to conduct classwork outside of conventional school hours, meaning they must be willing to dedicate a great deal of free time toward their law studies. Additionally, you must have a strong desire to work in the legal realm, as legislation and governmental policies are constantly shifting and require a knowledgeable body of individuals to continue to uphold them. 


[i] bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm | [ii] bls.gov/ooh/legal/judges-and-hearing-officers.htm | [iii] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm