Online Bachelor’s in Legal Studies

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. 

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.

You can also determine potential transfer credit by using Transferology. Transferology is a fast and free way to determine how credits may transfer from one institution to another.

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.

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 certificate with 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.