Online Master’s in Legal Studies

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Legal Studies

Gain insights into law and its role in modern life

The online Master of Science in Legal Studies program creates opportunity for working professionals and other students with an interest in law and public policy.

Are you interested in the law and how it impacts government, public policy, and business? Maybe you’re intrigued by the workings of the court system, law enforcement, the military, and national security? PennWest’s online master’s in legal studies will help you gain insight into these and other areas as you gain a greater understanding of the law and its role in modern life.

As a student you will gain critical-thinking, problem-solving, communication and informational literacy skills as you explore legal theories, ethics, reasoning and principles, all within the context of public policy. This thought-provoking coursework, taught by legal scholars and other subject-matter experts, prepares you for a wide range of rewarding careers.

Among other things, you’ll learn how to interpret and analyze case studies and statutory materials, weigh and evaluate legal arguments and legal remedies, and conduct legal research on diverse topics in the law.

PennWest’s Legal Studies program partners with the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association to award three graduate credits for completion of all three leadership courses required for the Trilogy Award. These credits can be applied toward the completion of the M.S. in Legal Studies.

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100% Online

Complete the program in one year of full-time or two years of part-time study.

In Demand

This program combines humanities, business, political science, criminal justice and other disciplines that make it a highly valued degree.

Expert Faculty

Prepare to be challenged by experienced professors who have expert knowledge and practical experience in their fields.

Fast Facts

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.

Credits:

30

Format:

100% online

Contact:

Graduate Admissions
gradadmissions@pennwest.edu
724-938-4187

Start Terms:

Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

What Can I Do with a Master’s in Legal Studies?

With this degree, you may go on to advance your career in law enforcement, criminal justice, business, government and other related fields where a specialized knowledge of the law is beneficial. It may also make you more valuable as a paralegal or inspire you to continue your education in law school.

Graduate Outcomes

  1. Students will demonstrate problem-solving and/or critical-thinking skills in accordance with the principles of legal reasoning and legal analysis.
  2. Students will correctly identify the ethical considerations inherent in legal and public policy decision-making.
  3. Students will effectively write about the law and its implications from various public policy perspectives.
  4. Students will comprehensively evaluate the legal resources used in addressing legal and public policy problems.

Admissions Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater

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

The Power of PennWest

PennWest’s three campuses, California, Clarion and Edinboro universities, have been delivering award-winning online programs for more than 20 years. You’ll graduate with a degree from Pennsylvania Western University, completely supported by the expertise and community of learners on our brick-and-mortar campuses.

Flexible. Affordable.
Designed to Meet Your needs.
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