A pre-law degree program prepares students to
work in politics, the legislature or private law firms. With additional
study, a student can obtain a Juris Doctor degree and work as a
licensed attorney. Law schools do not have universal requirements for
admission. A liberal arts degree with a legal focus is the best way for
students to prepare themselves for a career as an attorney or another
law-related position.
Online Associate's in Pre-law Studies Overview
Pre-Law associate's degree programs teach students critical thinking
skills and introduce students to the organization of the American legal
system. Online degrees include an Associate of Arts in Pre-Law Studies
or an Associate of Science in
Legal Studies. History and
political science are related programs.
Online pre-law associate's degree programs are 2-year programs
consisting of approximately 60 course credit hours. While students must
complete liberal arts and legal courses, the majority of coursework is
dedicated to general education studies. These programs are delivered
online or by e-mail and do not require any in-person work. Students may
need to have access to a Web-cam, headset and DVD player as well.
List of Common Pre-Law Courses
Pre-law students must complete liberal arts courses in math, history,
English and science as well as political and legal courses. Many
classes, such as history, government and political science, fit within
both categories. Students in these programs learn how to analyze
historical and current legal issues and about the theory behind the
structures of different legal systems. Most programs offer a comparative
law course that investigates the success and failure of modern legal
structures utilized worldwide.
Introduction to Law Course
This course discusses the role of law in society, with particular
attention paid to the setup of a criminal justice system. Criminal law
and procedure, judicial codes and sentencing laws are discussed.
Attention is paid to the theories behind the need for a legal system.
American Government Course
This course provides students with a basic understanding of the
organization and operation of the American legal system. The function
and interactions of the three branches of government are investigated.
Some programs include local government structures into this course.
Legal Research Course
Students in this course learn the basics of legal research, including
the methods to investigate codes, laws and rules for the most
up-to-date information. This course may also include instruction on
writing basic legal documents.
Graduates of an associate's degree pre-law program can work as a
legal assistant in a law or government office. Legal assistants
investigate records and research laws and codes for their employers, but
do not perform the same job function as a paralegal. According to the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008, legal assistants earned
$46,000 annually (
www.bls.gov). Salary for legal assistants
increases if employed by a larger firm, a high-ranking government agency
and with the amount of experience.
While there are no continuing education requirements to work as a
legal assistant, graduates may wish to continue their studies and earn a
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Bachelor of Arts in Law and
Society or a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies. These programs would
require an additional two years of study and are offered online.
Online Bachelor's in Pre-Law Studies Overview
Bachelor's degree pre-law programs provide students with an extensive
education of the American legal system, including all three branches of
the government. Students also investigate foreign legal systems and
learn how to research and write basic legal documents. Online degrees
include a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society, a Bachelor of Arts in
Pre-Law Studies, a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Political
Science or Legal Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Government.
Pre-law bachelor's degree programs are 4-year programs, and the
curriculum in these programs includes both general education and law
classes. A student transferring credits from an associate's degree
program would only need to complete two years of study. These programs
are offered completely online, with course materials delivered over the
Web or by e-mail. Students may be able to communicate with instructors
and classmates through chat rooms, message boards and instant messenger.
List of Common Pre-Law Courses
The majority of coursework in a pre-law bachelor's degree program
focuses on the liberal arts curriculum. One third of the entire program
is dedicated to legal studies. Students in these programs learn the
foundations and concepts of American and international governments,
legal writing skills and how to analyze current political issues.
American Constitutional Law Course
This course teaches students about the formation and theories behind
the U.S. Constitution. Topics also covered include how the Constitution
affects racial and sexual status, the workings of the Supreme Court and
federalism.
Comparative Politics Course
Students in this course compare democratic government organizations
in America and Western Europe. Additionally, students investigate the
rise, operation and demise of socialist and communist regimes over the
last century.
American Judicial System Course
This course covers the structure, separation of duties and general
workings of the U.S. legal system. The Constitution's governance over
the number and jurisdiction of courts, the level of responsibility of
various courts and the history of the court system are examined.
Graduates of a bachelor's degree pre-law degree program can work as
lobbyists for a government entity, public interest group or private
company. Lobbyists are sometimes called public relations experts because
they work to obtain legislation favorable to their employer's
interests. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008,
lobbyists earned a median annual salary of $51,000 (
www.bls.gov).
A graduate may also continue his or her education and attend law
school to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.). To practice law, a student must
earn a J.D. and pass a state bar examination. Law school requires an
additional three years of study. There are very few accredited online
J.D. programs.
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