Top 100 Hispanic-Serving Institutions
(2024, Hispanic Outlook on Education Magazine)
Unlock Your Potential in the Legal Studies Career Field
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Top 25 university in the country in providing Social Mobility, including being ranked #1 in 2023
(U.S. News & World Report)
#2 Best 4-year graduation rates, private, nonprofit, nonresidential
(2023, The Chronicle of Higher Ed.)
Build Career-Focused Skills
- Legal research and analysis
- Legal writing and document preparation
- Critical thinking
- Contract law and drafting
- Civil procedure and litigation
- Criminal law principles
- Client interviewing and investigation
- Legal ethics and professional standards
- Case management and technology
- Policy evaluation
Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With flexible learning formats including on-campus, online, and hybrid classes, experienced faculty of practicing attorneys, and comprehensive student support, Keiser University helps students achieve their personal and professional goals at every stage.
Accredited University
Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring your education meets rigorous academic standards.
Flexible Learning Options
Study online or on-campus at Florida locations. Choose one class at a time, on-campus, online, or hybrid. Evening and weekend options are available for working adults at select campuses.
Financial Services
We guide you through the financial aid process and provide assistance. Grants, scholarships, and financial aid are available for students who qualify to help manage the cost of your education.
Careers You Can Pursue with a Legal Studies Degree
Keiser University students share a common goal: building meaningful careers through practical education. With online and on-campus options, our programs prepare graduates for careers in legal services, corporate compliance, and public administration, providing skills and confidence for success across the legal field.
Career Pathways
Graduates of Keiser University’s legal studies programs gain credentials for a wide spectrum of roles across law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and public service organizations.
- Paralegal or Legal Assistant
- Law Office Manager
- Legal Research Specialist
- Contract Administrator
- Compliance Officer
- Court Clerk or Court Administrator
- Corporate Legal Assistant
- Family Law Case Coordinator
- Real Estate Closing Coordinator
- Litigation Support Specialist
- Legal Document Preparer
- Government Legal Aide
See What Sets Keiser Apart
Since 1977, Keiser University has helped students turn their career ambitions into reality through its well-known Students First philosophy. With small class sizes, a focused one-class-at-a-time schedule, and career-driven programs in nursing, health care, technology, and beyond, students gain a learning experience designed for success.
In this testimonial, Keiser’s graduate shares that she wanted more than just an average job and was determined to pursue a profession she could be proud of. She chose to become a paralegal because the career is respected and offers variety, with each day bringing different responsibilities such as preparing for trial or assisting with real estate closings. She selected Keiser University because she felt the faculty truly wanted her to succeed. Her education helped her build a strong career, and she is now the President of the Paralegal Association of Florida. She expresses pride in both her profession and her decision to attend Keiser University.
Keiser is one of Florida’s largest private, non-profit universities serving nearly 20,000 students at multiple Florida campus locations, online, and international sites. Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees and offers more than 100 degrees.
Students Testimonials
At Keiser University we are here to help you succeed by providing the professional and academic foundation to meet your educational goals and objectives
Legal Studies Programs Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a paralegal degree online at Keiser University?
Yes. Both our Paralegal Studies AA and Legal Studies BA programs offer online program options, giving online students the flexibility to complete coursework at their own pace. The online paralegal program provides the same rigorous curriculum as classroom-based instruction. You can also choose hybrid formats or traditional on-campus classes depending on your schedule and learning preferences.
What's the difference between the Paralegal Studies AA and the Legal Studies BA?
Our Paralegal Studies program (Associate of Arts) provides foundational training in essential skills for entry-level paralegal positions. Students typically complete this program in approximately two years and cover core courses including legal research, criminal law, contract law, and civil procedure.
The Legal Studies BA offers deeper exploration of substantive law, advanced legal writing, and specialized electives. This bachelor’s degree prepares graduates for supervisory roles in law offices or provides preparation for law school. Students can complete this program in approximately four years, or faster with transfer credits. Each course builds upon previous knowledge to help students successfully complete their education.
What careers can I pursue with a degree in legal studies?
Graduates of our paralegal program and bachelor’s degree programs pursue careers as paralegal professionals, legal assistants, contract administrators, compliance specialists, court clerks, and law office managers. Career options expand with experience and additional education. Many graduates work in law firms, government agencies, corporate legal departments, or real estate offices where they prepare legal documents and support practicing attorneys.
Do I need to become certified to work as a paralegal?
Certification requirements vary by state and employer. Florida does not mandate certification. Our paralegal certificate program provides the education and skills employers seek, preparing you for voluntary certification exams if you choose to pursue them. Many law firms hire graduates immediately after completion of their degree program.
Can I transfer credits from another institution?
Yes, Keiser University accepts transfer credits for undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Our admissions team will work with you to review your transcripts and determine your transfer eligibility. Credits transfer based on several factors including accreditation and course equivalency. Learn more about credit transfer requirements and eligibility requirements.
Is financial aid available for online students?
Absolutely. Online students pursuing an online legal degree can access the same financial aid resources as campus-based students, including grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. Learn more about Keiser University’s Financial Services.
Are these programs accredited?
Keiser University holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Learn more about Keiser University accreditation. Although the legal programs do not require programmatic accreditation, the curriculum aligns with industry standards and prepares students for successful careers in the legal profession.
What courses will I take in the Paralegal Studies program?
Core courses in our paralegal studies program include Legal Research and Writing, Criminal Law, Contracts, Civil Litigation, Torts Law, Family Law (Domestic Relations), Wills, Trusts and Estates, and Real Property. You’ll develop skills in legal analysis, legal writing, and legal research while studying the American legal system and litigation process. Each course uses the recent edition of required textbooks to ensure current content. General education requirements ensure you gain critical thinking abilities and strong communication skills valued by employers. Students complete coursework that trains them to prepare legal documents and support law office operations.
How long does it take to complete a legal studies degree?
The Paralegal Studies AA requires two years to successfully complete. The Legal Studies BA is approximately 40 months or four years, though students with transfer credits may finish sooner.
The time to degree completion is an estimate, not intended as a guarantee, and can vary based on many case-by-case factors.
How much does it cost to earn a legal studies degree?
The cost per credit hour at Keiser University is the same for both online and on-campus courses. Total program costs vary based on the number of credit hours required and applicable educational fees. Keiser University offers financial aid, military and veteran benefits, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement for students who qualify. Use the Tuition Calculator to estimate your costs, or speak with an admissions advisor who can walk you through tuition, fees, and available financial assistance options.
What career support does Keiser University offer graduates?
Keiser University is committed to helping students in legal studies and all degree programs build the skills and confidence needed to pursue their professional goals. Through the Department of Student Services, students have access to career advisement, résumé writing assistance, interview preparation coaching, professional development workshops, and an online career center where job opportunities are posted exclusively for KU students and alumni. As you approach graduation, you will work closely with Student Services to prepare for your job search in your chosen field. While Keiser University provides employment placement assistance, it cannot promise or guarantee employment.
Can working professionals complete the program?
Absolutely. Our self-paced program options, evening classes, and online learning formats accommodate busy schedules. Whether you work full-time at law firms or in another field, you can complete coursework at your own time and maintain your current employment. Many of our students work as legal secretaries or in related positions while earning their paralegal certificate to advance their careers. The online paralegal certificate program allows maximum flexibility for working professionals. Students access course materials, submit assignments, and participate in classroom discussions on schedules that fit their lives.
Do you offer information sessions for interested students?
Yes. We host open houses with informative sessions both online and on-campus where prospective students can learn about program requirements, career outcomes, and financial aid options. These information session events provide opportunities to meet faculty, ask questions about the curriculum and individual course content, and get a feel for our supportive learning community. Interested students can contact an admissions counselor to learn about the next open house and access additional resources to help them make informed enrollment decisions.
What makes Keiser's paralegal program different from other schools?
Keiser University’s online paralegal program combines flexibility with rigorous academics. Students gain access to research platforms, learn from practicing professionals who teach in both online and classroom settings, and complete coursework designed around real-world legal scenarios. Our focus on career readiness means every course prepares you to work in law firms or government agencies after graduation. The programs emphasizes practical skills, including how to prepare legal documents, conduct legal research, and support attorneys across multiple practice areas.
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