School of Legal Studies 

Imagine having a professional career you are proud of and look forward to each day. Choosing the right academic program is the first step toward achieving that goal. Furthering your education could also increase your earning potential—rewarding you with higher paychecks throughout your future career.

 

Kaplan University's online programs allow you to earn a degree or professional certificate in legal studies, paralegal studies, political science, public administration, or policy online, so you do not have to give up your current job while you prepare for your future career.* Turn your interest in the law or government into the career you desire. Use the program comparison chart below to explore your options and determine which Kaplan University program is right for you.

 

For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Master

Credits

Who

Master of Public Administration

Get more information on this program Apply online to this program

55

2 years (full-time)

If you are a practicing or aspiring administrator in a public sector, nonprofit, or private organization who would like to develop the skills and techniques needed to pursue leadership positions in public administration, this program may be for you.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

Director/President of a Nonprofit Organization
Medical/Health Service Manager
Policy Analyst
City Manager
County Administrator
Assistant Director of Human Services

Master of Science in Environmental Policy

Get more information on this program Apply online to this program

55 credits

2 years (full-time)

If you are interested in pursuing positions that require knowledge and management of environmental policies and regulations, consider this program. The curriculum focuses on the legal, social, business, economic, and political aspects of the green industry.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

    Environmental efficiency specialist
    Sustainable purchasing manager
    Environmental specialist
    Renewable energy grant writer

Master of Science in Legal Studies

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55

2 years (full-time)

If you want to become a legal expert without the pressure of law school or the bar exam, this program is for you. The program can also prepare you for any career that requires a strong understanding of the law and its interaction with societal institutions.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

Employment in:

Corporations—risk management/compliance
Health care—HMO/insurance regulatory
Non-profits—associations/membership groups
Education—government/training/teaching
Any administrative position requiring knowledge of the law

Bachelor

Credits

Who

Advanced Start Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy and Management

Get more information on this program Apply online to this program

90

As little as 2 years (full-time)

If you have earned an associate's or bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college and are interested in environmental issues and policy management, then consider this program. The curriculum highlights the application of concepts and methods to issues at the local, national, and global level.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

Corporate environmental specialist
Environmental policy analyst
Environmental policy advisor
Energy advisor
Program manager
Policy and planning consultant
Waste management specialist

Advanced Start Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies

Get more information on this program Apply online to this program

90*

As little as 2 years (full-time)

If you have earned an associate's or bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college, and you plan to attend law school, this is the program for you. The program can also prepare you for career advancement in business, criminal justice, counseling, health care, or technical industries.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

    Employment in:

    Private law firms
    Government agencies
    Corporations

Advanced Start Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies

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90*

As little as 2 years (full-time)

If you currently hold an associate's or bachelor's degree and want to advance or change to a paralegal studies career with a bachelor's degree, this program is for you.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

Employment in:

Private law firms
Corporate law departments
Local/state/federal agencies

Advanced Start Bachelor of Science in Political Science

Get more information on this program Apply online to this program

90

As little as 2 years (full-time)

If you have earned an associate's or bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college and are interested in making a difference in government, consider this program. Now is the time to build a career with the help of the Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Kaplan University.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

    Law
    Public and government service
    National security
    Education

Advanced Start Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and Policy

Get more information on this program Apply online to this program

90

As little as 2 years (full-time)

If you have earned an associate's or bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college and are interested in studying government and the formation and implementation of public policy, consider this program. The program will address issues and challenges confronting society locally, nationally, and globally.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

Coordinator of government relations
Risk manager
Contract administrator
Legislative assistant
Program administrator
Health policy analyst

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy and Management

Get more information on this program Apply online to this program

180

4 Years (full-time)

If you are interested in environmental issues and policy and the interrelationship between the environment and public and private sectors, society, and economics, this program may be for you. The curriculum highlights the application of concepts and methods to issues at the local, national, and global level. If you want to further your studies and pursue a graduate-level degree, this program also offers an accelerated master’s degree option.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

    Corporate environmental specialist
    Environmental policy analyst
    Environmental policy advisor
    Energy advisor
    Program manager
    Policy and planning consultant
    Waste management specialist

Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies

Get more information on this program Apply online to this program

180

4 Years(full-time)

If you plan to attend law school and seek employment as an attorney in a private law firm or government agency, this is the program for you. The program can also prepare you for career advancement in business, criminal justice, counseling, health care, or technical industries. If you want to further your studies and pursue a graduate-level degree, this program also offers an accelerated master’s degree option.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

Employment in:

Private law firms
Government agencies
Corporations

Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies

Get more information on this program Apply online to this program

180

4 years or less (full-time)

This degree program is designed for students who want to start or advance a career as a paralegal. You will gain research and analytical skills along with technical competencies in specialized areas of law. If you want to further your studies and pursue a graduate-level degree, this program also offers an accelerated master’s degree option.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

    Employment in:

    Private law firms
    Corporate law departments
    Local/state/federal agencies

Bachelor of Science in Political Science

Get more information on this program Apply online to this program

180

4 Years (full-time)

If you are interested in making a difference in government, now is the time to build a career with the help of the Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Kaplan University. If you want to further your studies and pursue a graduate-level degree, this program also offers an accelerated master’s degree option.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

Law
Public and government service
National security
Education

Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and Policy

Get more information on this program Apply online to this program

180

4 Years (full-time)

If you are interested in studying the structure and processes of the government and the formation and implementation of public policy, consider this program. The program will address issues and challenges confronting society locally, nationally, and globally. If you want to further your studies and pursue a graduate-level degree, this program also offers an accelerated master’s degree option.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

    Police officer
    Law enforcement jobs
    Coordinator of government relations
    Risk manager
    Contract administrator
    Legislative assistant
    Program administrator
    Health policy analyst

Associates

Credits

Who

Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies

Get more information on this program Apply online to this program

90

As little as 12 months and up to 2 years (full-time)

If you are interested in becoming a paralegal or would like to use paralegal training to launch a career in the legal profession, this program is for you.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

Criminal law paralegal
Real estate paralegal
Litigation paralegal

Associate of Applied Science in Public Administration

Emphasis Areas:

General

Get more information on this program Apply online to this program

90

As little as 12 months and up to 2 years (full-time)

If you are interested in studying the structure and processes of the government and the formation and implementation of public policy, consider this program.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

    Administrative assistant
    Legislative assistant
    Research and policy associate
    City council assistant

Professional

Credits

Who

Legal Secretary Certificate

Get more information on this program Apply online to this program

36

4 quarters or 1 year

If you are interested in becoming a legal secretary, this program provides the necessary foundation of knowledge and skills you’ll need. You can transfer credits earned in fulfillment of this certificate to other Kaplan University degree programs.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

Legal Secretary
Executive Assistant
Corporate Administrative Assistant

Pathway to Paralegal Postbaccalaureate Certificate

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41

4 quarters or one year

If you wish to add paralegal certification to your bachelor’s degree and pursue a career as a paralegal for private law firms or government agencies, this program is for you. You can transfer the credits earned to other Kaplan University degree programs.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

    Employment in:

    Private law firms
    Government agencies
  
*Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job or employed at all. Download our University Catalog to explore program details.