Online Bachelor’s in Legal Studies
Chart a successful path to a legal career.
The legal studies online major is designed for students who are seeking a bachelor’s degree so that they can pursue law school or other legal careers. Our online curriculum includes courses in public law, business law, comparative and international law, theory and ethics, and public policy. You will also learn legal research methods and writing, and complete a “real world” internship in a court, a private firm, a legal advocacy group, or government. This major is designed with input from our successful graduates. Legal Studies is an interdisciplinary major where we focus on the knowledge and skills necessary for you find professional and personal success. You will also have the opportunity to choose from many elective course options in areas that interest you.
Why UW-Whitewater Online?
- Faculty advising within the program
- 100% online and taught by nationally recognized faculty
- Flexible and convenient for your schedule
Forge Your Path in Law
Choose BA or BS in Legal Studies
Fully Online
No requirements to come to campus
Flexible
Attend school full-time or part-time
Online Bachelor’s in Legal Studies
The Online Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies degree requirements have been designed to prepare you for success as a student in the program and your subsequent career.
Course requirements for the online Legal Studies Requirements can be found in undergraduate academic catalog. While all required courses are offered online, please note that not all electives are offered online.
Core Program Requirements
- Introduction to Legal Studies
- American Government and Politics
- Law and Society
- Legal Studies Research Methods
- Writing in Political Science
- Legal Research and Writing
- The Judicial Process
- Internship in Legal Studies
Area Requirements
- Public Law (6 units)
- Political Institutions (3 units)
- Public Policy and Law (3 units)
- Business Law (3 – 6 units)
- International and Comparative Systems (3 units)
- Theory and Ethics (3 units)
- Breadth (6 – 9 units; no more than six units from the same department)
The Legal Studies major does not require a minor.
There are several application paths an online bachelor's student might take including as transfer, reentry, freshman, or second-degree seeking applicants. You may even be an international applicant.
If you aren’t sure which application path to follow or need help completing the UW-System E-Application, view the Application Tips PDF or complete the Request Information form and a program representative will get in touch with you.
Transfer applicants
Transfer applicants are students that have attended another college or university (including having earned an associate degree) but have never attended UW-Whitewater. You will find detailed application and transfer information at University Admissions.
Reentry applicants
Reentry applicants are students that have previously attended UW-Whitewater. Application information can be found at University Admissions.
Freshman applicants
Freshman applicants are students that have never attended a college or university. If you have never attended a college or university, regardless of age, you would be considered a freshman applicant. You can find application information for freshman applicants at University Admissions.
Second-Degree seeking applicants
Second-Degree seeking applicants are students who have already earned a bachelor's degree and would like to pursue another. If you would like to earn another bachelor’s degree, you can apply to UW-Whitewater’s online bachelor's program as a special student with full credentials. To complete your degree, you would only need to fulfill the College of Letters and Sciences BA or BS requirements and the requirements for the major you choose.
Unofficial Transcript Review
Transfer, Reentry, and Second-Degree Seeking students, can request an unofficial transcript review. An unofficial review will give you an idea of which of your credits might transfer and how those transfer credits might apply to the online bachelor's program. To request a review, complete a request more information form and a program adviser will get in touch with you.
Discover how our comprehensive Legal Studies program equips students with essential knowledge, practical skills, and real-world experience, paving the way for diverse and rewarding career opportunities in the legal field and beyond.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this program, students completing the degree will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of legal systems, the role of courses within institutional settings, historical and contemporary legal trends, and relevant theoretical and ethical issues.
- Effectively collect, analyze, interpret, and evaluate legal materials and caselaw and apply these skills to contemporary legal issues.
- Communicate effectively using appropriate tools and technologies for legal research and writing.
- Successfully complete a minimum three-credit internship in a legal setting (e.g., in a court, law firm, or with a legal advocacy group.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of our Legal Studies bachelor's program are well-equipped to pursue diverse and rewarding careers in the legal field, including roles as paralegals, legal assistants, and positions within government agencies or advocacy groups. For those aspiring to become lawyers or judges, this program provides a strong foundation for further education in law school, while also preparing students for business-oriented roles where legal knowledge is highly valued.
The online bachelor’s program at UW-Whitewater is a superior value at $409 USD per credit for Wisconsin resident and $829.86 USD per credit as a non-resident for the 2024-25 academic year. Visit the Tuition and Fees webpage for complete information.
Course materials
Textbook rental is included in the cost of tuition for many courses through the University Bookstore's Textbook Rental program.
Financial aid
Students completing a degree program may be eligible for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, or employment. All of these make up a “Financial Aid Package” and may be offered singly or in various combinations. Since funds are limited, priority for aid is based on financial need and how promptly applications are filed. To find out, or if you have other financial aid questions, contact the financial aid staff person assigned to you or try uwwfao@uww.edu or 262-472-1130.
