Are you passionate about the legal system and making a positive impact on society? Learn how you can earn a legal studies or criminal justice degree with our WASC Senior College and University Commission accredited programs.
Choosing Your Law & Justice Degree Path
When choosing a major within the field of law, it's important to consider your interests and career goals. If you're passionate about advocating for justice and defending the rights of others, a degree in criminal justice may be the right fit for you. On the other hand, if you have a strong business acumen and enjoy problem-solving, a degree in business law could lead to a successful career in corporate law or entrepreneurship. Regardless of the law major or concentration you choose, a career in legal studies offers lucrative job opportunities.
WASC Senior College and University Commission
University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Programs Offered
100% Online
Criminal Justice & Legal
Criminal Justice, BA
Understand the justice system from a variety of viewpoints, from policing to advocating for victims to forensics. Our criminal justice degree is created and taught by criminal justice and legal experts.
Oct 20, 2025
100% Online
Criminal Justice & Legal
Legal Studies (Business Law), BA
This online degree program is well-suited for students seeking a wide variety of business law-related careers, including those in employment law, intellectual property, and business transactions.
Oct 20, 2025
100% Online
Criminal Justice & Legal
Legal Studies (Paralegal Profession), BA
Paralegals play a key role—from legal research to drafting documents and supporting courtroom preparation. This fully online degree prepares you for national certification exams and a career as a paralegal, including in California.
Oct 20, 2025
100% Online
2 Concentrations
Criminal Justice & Legal
Legal Studies, BA
Gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a variety of careers that require an understanding of legal concepts. Our 100 percent online curriculum addresses the application of writing, research, analysis, ethics, and communication in a legal setting.
Oct 20, 2025
What it’s like going to UMass Global?
Instructor-Led, Session-Based
This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.
Personalized Support Services
UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.
Employer-Aligned Curriculum
At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.
Instructor-Led, Session-Based
This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.
Personalized Support Services
UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.
Employer-Aligned Curriculum
At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.
What Jobs Can You Get with a Criminal Justice Degree?
With a criminal justice degree, you can pursue a variety of rewarding careers in the field of law enforcement and criminal justice. Some common job options include becoming a police officer, probation officer, or correctional officer. Additionally, you may choose to work as a forensic scientist, crime scene investigator, or legal assistant. The skills and knowledge gained from a criminal justice degree can open doors to a wide range of opportunities within the law field.
What to Expect as An Undergraduate Legal Studies Major
As a legal studies major, you can expect a comprehensive and well-rounded curriculum that seamlessly blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills. For instance, students will delve into constitutional law, exploring the intricacies of the legal framework that governs our society. Courses in legal research and writing help develop the skills needed to effectively navigate large amounts of legal information and communicate findings in a clear and concise manner.
Legal studies degree programs also place a strong emphasis on ethics in the legal profession, recognizing the importance of upholding moral principles and integrity in the pursuit of justice. By examining real-life case studies and engaging in thought-provoking discussions, you will cultivate a strong ethical foundation that will guide your actions as a legal professional.
To learn more, explore our 3 bachelor's in legal studies offerings:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a legal studies degree can be worth it for individuals interested in pursuing a career in law or related fields. A legal studies degree offers a foundational understanding of the law, legal systems, and principles, equipping individuals with valuable knowledge applicable across various professions.
For those aiming for legal careers not requiring bar admission, such as legal assistants, compliance officers, or paralegals, a legal studies degree can be immensely beneficial, providing specialized knowledge and skills without the full commitment of law school. However, for those aspiring to practice law as attorneys or judges, a legal studies degree alone may not be sufficient, as it typically doesn't fulfill the necessary requirements for bar admission.
A business law attorney specializes in providing legal advice and representation to businesses and corporations. They handle a wide range of legal matters related to business operations, contracts, intellectual property, employment law, and more. Business law attorneys help their clients navigate complex legal issues, ensure compliance with regulations, and protect their interests in negotiations, disputes, and litigation. They play a crucial role in helping businesses make informed decisions and operate within the boundaries of the law.
To become a paralegal, you will need to complete a formal education program in paralegal studies. This can be a certificate program, an associate's degree, or a bachelor's degree in legal studies with a paralegal concentration. Some employers may also require paralegals hold a certification through a professional organization, such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). Gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions can also be beneficial for aspiring paralegals.
A legal studies degree focuses on the study of law and legal systems, including topics such as contracts, torts, and constitutional law. On the other hand, a criminal justice degree focuses more specifically on the study of the criminal justice system, including topics such as law enforcement, corrections, and criminal behavior. While both degrees provide a foundation in the legal field, they have different areas of emphasis and can lead to different career paths.
The length of a criminal justice degree can vary depending on the program and the level of education pursued. Typically, an associate's degree in criminal justice can be completed in two years, while a bachelor's degree can take around four years. Additionally, individuals may choose to pursue advanced degrees in criminal justice, such as a master's or doctoral degree, which can take an additional two to six years to complete.
Pursue Justice from Courtrooms to Change-Making
If you have a passion for justice and unraveling the truth, begin your journey in legal studies or criminal justice. Have questions about enrollment, degree programs, or financial aid? A UMass Global enrollment coach can help.