200,000+
Alumni from our Global Campuses
Learn How to Understand and Navigate the Legal System
The Bachelor's of Arts in Legal Studies at Webster provides students with foundational legal knowledge and skills for law-related careers or graduate work. The Department of Legal Studies engages students in critical thinking, analysis, practical applications and technology used in the legal arena. Professors mentor students personally, helping them succeed academically and professionally. With this guidance, legal studies majors develop clear career paths before graduation.
Special Requirements to maintain American Bar Association (ABA) approval:
Students must take at least nine semester hours of required Legal Specialty courses through synchronous instruction.
Choose Webster for Your Legal Studies Degree
Learn from Working Professionals
Learn from faculty who are practicing attorneys and judges mentor and enable you to take the most current legal knowledge and apply it at work, and understand the complex relationships among institutions in the United States and international governance. Faculty represent every legal background; students learn from judges with the Missouri Court of Appeals and St. Louis Circuit Court, from U.S. attorneys and municipal attorneys, from criminal prosecutors and public defenders, from intellectual property lawyers and corporate attorneys.
Gain Connections in the Legal Field
As working judges and attorneys, Webster professors are well-versed in the latest trends and expectations in legal professions and tapped into the tight-knit network of internships and job opportunities in the St. Louis legal community.
Study Abroad
Webster's global network provides unique study abroad opportunities, such as the popular summer study programs in Leiden, the Netherlands, which put students near the seat of international law at The Hague.
Testimonial
“From day one, the Legal Studies Department offered unwavering support, helping me navigate LSAT preparation, law school applications and the transition to law school itself.”
Caitlyn Vanover
BS in Legal Studies, ’18
Accreditation
Webster University is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. The Legal Studies paralegal programs at Webster University are approved by the American Bar Association.
The programs are also a member in good standing with the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE).
Webster University is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. The Legal Studies paralegal programs at Webster University are approved by the American Bar Association. The program is also a member in good standing with the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE).
Note: A legal assistant or paralegal is a person qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. The terms “legal assistant" and “paralegal” are used interchangeably for the purposes of the guidelines. Paralegals are prohibited from practicing law. St. Louis-area paralegal programs have been approved by the American Bar Association.
Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies
Find out more about the overall curriculum, electives, learning outcomes and more for the Legal Studies major.
What Can You Do With Your Legal Studies Degree?
A Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from Webster University prepares students for diverse career paths in the legal field and beyond. Graduates pursue careers as paralegals, legal assistants, court clerks and compliance officers, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting 10% job growth for legal occupations through 2032. According to the BLS, legal assistants and paralegals earn a median annual salary of $61,010 as of 2024, while law librarians average $68,983 as of 2025.
The program provides a strong foundation for both immediate career entry and advanced education, including law school and other graduate programs. Students develop essential skills in legal research, critical thinking and professional writing, competencies valued by law firms, government agencies and corporate legal departments. Graduates can pursue career opportunities such as:
- Law Librarian
- Legal Assistant
- Mediator
- Court Reporter
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Paralegal
- Real Estate Agent
- Private Investigator
Webster University is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. The Legal Studies paralegal programs at Webster University are approved by the American Bar Association. The program is also a member in good standing with the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE).
NOTE: A legal assistant or paralegal is a person qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. The terms “legal assistant" and “paralegal” are used interchangeably for the purposes of the guidelines. Paralegals are prohibited from practicing law. St. Louis-area paralegal programs have been approved by the American Bar Association.
Related Degrees
- Criminology and Criminal Justice (BA)
- Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies (BA)
- Undergraduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies (available in Live Virtual synchronous format)
Get Started on Your Legal Studies Degree
Take the next step toward earning your Legal Studies degree. We are here to help you get started.
Explore
Learn more about our academic programs and our main campus and locations.
Engage
Connect with our admissions counselors and academic advisors.
Apply
Apply to Webster and take the next steps for financial aid and scholarships.
Contact the Admissions Office to Find Out More
If you have more questions about the program, your application or other enrollment-related inquiries, contact our Admissions Office.
Call 314-246-7800 or 800-753-6765 or send an email to admit@webster.edu.