Legal Studies

Legal Studies is a criminal justice major that encompasses a wide variety of specialty options and career potential. Legal studies programs range in everything from associates degrees to online masters degrees in criminal justice. It is important that you narrow down your educational options prior to selecting which legal studies program you want to attend and which level of education and financial/time commitment is right for you.

Legal Studies career areas can include work as a legal secretary, mediation counselor, court reporter or a legal nurse consultant. Each of these specialty areas require a different level of education and experience. Legal secretaries, for example, do not require certification (although it is recommended) and often fare better in the work place with a minimum of an online associates degree in criminal justice. Legal nurse consultants will require an RN, as well as experience in the field and a certification. Mediation counselors require a minimum of a masters degree and certification in the field.