With an increase in the use of computers and the Internet, it is now convenient for many people to further their education or obtain their degree online. Due to busy schedules, many people are unable to take the time to attend traditional classes on a university campus. They may be unable to follow a semester-based system, or they can only work on projects at certain times of the day. Online classes allow students to work toward their degree at their own pace and schedule. Students may take online classes at universities located in other states or even those in other countries. The availability of Internet classes has expanded the educational system to afford degrees to many who do not have time for traditional classes.

Legal Studies

A career in the legal system can be very broad: many different jobs are available that work within the criminal justice and legal systems. For someone who is interested in one of the various careers of these industries, many online programs are available to obtain a degree.

Legal studies incorporates far more than becoming an attorney, although a degree in legal studies can provide a job as a lawyer for those who are interested in that field. Legal studies incorporate the work of attorneys, court reporters, judges, and legal assistants, among many others. The legal system means working with people who are involved in civil, family, or criminal cases. These cases are researched and may or may not include some form of discipline or ruling. Some cases are never taken to court and are settled. Others follow through a court system and are tried before a judge and jury. There are many different types of legal cases that occur, and just as many people are involved in the development and work of the legal system.

A person that is interested in pursuing a degree in legal studies should begin by taking classes that provide a basic foundation for what information they will be using. Background courses in English, history and social sciences are necessary to provide a fundamental base for continuing in legal studies. There are various types of online programs that will provide degrees in legal studies, depending on the level of education and the ultimate career goal.

Online Programs for Legal Studies

There are various opportunities available for those who are interested in obtaining a degree in legal studies through online programs.

Post University, AS in Legal Studies

Walden University, BS in Political Science & Public Administration - Law and Legal Studies

South University, BS in Legal Studies

Kaplan University, MS in Legal Science

Keiser University, BA in Legal Studies

There are many degrees available for those who wish to work in the legal system. An online degree in legal studies can be obtained while continuing to work at a full time job or while handling a busy schedule. The legal system provides many different jobs that are interesting and will help others as they proceed through the court process. A degree in legal studies provides a student with an interesting and challenging career.

Legal Careers and Job Outlook

Court reporters are those who have been trained in the transcription of words that are being said through court cases. Court reporters appear at any proceeding and record all of the words and conversations that take place, usually by typing or stenography. All of these words are put into a record for the case, to be used if anything needs to be checked later. Court reporters receive training in legal terminology and word usage. They must be able to type and use their machines proficiently. They may provide captioning for those who are deaf or hard of hearing to be able to read words on a screen. Training to become a court reporter takes anywhere from one to three years at the college level, depending on the type of equipment needed and the job performed. There are various online programs available to become a court reporter. The average salary for court reporters is $48,000 per year.

Legal assistants are people who work with attorneys to assist them in building cases. Also called paralegals, legal assistants do much of the work behind the scenes. They may do research about past investigations to build a case that a lawyer is working in. They draw up reports and contracts for cases and situations that require agreement. Some legal assistants do office and paperwork to free some time for the attorney they are working for in order to focus on their case. Legal assistants are invaluable assets for many attorneys, providing much work and services in order to save them time. A person who is interested in becoming a legal assistant can obtain an Associate’s Degree through an accredited program. These programs are usually offered at community colleges, and many are available online. For someone with a Bachelor’s Degree in a different field, a Paralegal Certificate can also be obtained with a shorter course of education. Legal assistants average $36,000 to $60,000 per year for salary.

Lawyers work with people to represent and assist them during court proceedings or any activity where a potential breach in the law occurs. Lawyers, also called attorneys, provide counsel for people to assist them in making decisions during cases. They also represent them and are their advocate to ensure they receive the best outcome. Lawyers build cases according to the facts they have on hand, as well as historical data, and present these facts before a judge or jury who is hearing their client. Lawyers also advise those involved with potential legal issues as to what their rights are. Lawyers work in various industries, such as healthcare issues, insurance and taxes, and criminal cases, among many others. A lawyer has obtained a professional Juris Doctorate Degree after attending law school and taking the Bar examination. There are various online programs available that provide a Juris Doctorate Degree and to prepare students for the Bar examination. Lawyers must also maintain a license to continue practice. The average salary of a lawyer is $75,000 to $165,000 per year, depending on the area of practice.

A judge is a person who has a law degree and has practiced as a lawyer. Judges oversee cases, listen to testimony, and make decisions about discipline for guilty parties. Judges are familiar with the court system and the history of many cases, and they use this information when making rulings. Judges have worked in the criminal justice system and must usually be elected to their position. They can serve for a term of a specific period of time and must be re-elected to continue in their post. A judge must have a law degree of a Juris Doctorate. There is usually not any further education to become a judge, but many have served time as lawyers for several years before becoming elected. The average salary of a judge is $150,000 per year.

The job outlook for legal studies is very promising. As the judicial system continues to evolve, there is a need for lawyers and those who work within to court system to bring cases through. A degree in legal studies can provide a promising career.