<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>Legal and academic writing, legal research, and analysis of statutes and legislative documents are at the forefront of the studies found in the online Master of Science in Legal Studies program at Purdue Global. Some courses provide you with the opportunity to write legal briefs, memos, and other materials, in addition to conducting research for academic purposes as well as computerized research in the legal field. Other classes might cover the history and philosophical foundations of the American legal system, current trends in law, ethical principles, and the roles of those within the constitutional government. You could also be required to complete an independent research project addressing and solving a problem within the legal field. This master's degree program does not prepare you to sit for the bar examination or to practice law in any state. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>As a prospective student of the MS - Legal Studies program, you might have already earned a bachelor's degree in the same or a similar field. You should possess strong analytical and written communication skills, as those in legal research must have the ability to evaluate relevant data and assist in writing legal documents. Applicants to Purdue Global should have a high school diploma or GED; some programs may have additional requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>You must complete a total of 55 quarter credit hours to satisfy the requirements of this master's degree program. This total reflects 40 credits in the core curriculum and 15 credits in open electives. </p> <p><u>Core Courses</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>LS500</td><td> Legal Methods and Process</td></tr> <tr><td>LS501</td><td> Ethics and the Professional</td></tr> <tr><td>LS502</td><td> Legal Research, Analysis, and Writing</td></tr> <tr><td>LS503</td><td> Jurisprudence and Legal History</td></tr> <tr><td>LS504</td><td> Applied Research in Legal Studies</td></tr> <tr><td>LS526</td><td> Academic and Professional Writing for Graduate Students</td></tr> <tr><td>LS698</td><td> Applied Research</td></tr> <tr><td>LS506<br />LS507<br />LS508<br />LS509</td><td> Understanding Civil Responsibility<br /> <b>OR</b> <br /> Understanding Criminal Responsibility<br /><b>OR</b><br />Family and the Legal System<br /><b>OR</b><br />Contracts as Private Law</td></tr> </table><p><u>Open Elective Requirements</u> </p> <p>Select 15 credits from 500/600-level electives </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate">What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>After you have been awarded the Master of Science in Legal Studies, you could have a variety of career paths to follow, such as those in corporate legal or human resources departments, law offices, courts, law enforcement organizations, government agencies, or consulting firms. Depending on your chosen path, you might ensure corporate compliance with legal regulations, analyze business operations, review contracts, evaluate organizational policies, or conduct research for legal proceedings. </p> <p>Examples of the diverse career titles you might pursue include: </p> <ul><li>Compliance officer </li><li>Contracts manager </li><li>Senior business analyst </li><li>Human resource manager </li></ul><h4 id="section---AdvancedDegrees">Advanced Degrees</h4> <p>The MS in Legal Studies would be considered a terminal degree for those not intending to practice law or teach at the postsecondary level. If you desire to become a lawyer or a law professor, you would need to continue your studies in a doctoral degree program. Among the likely topics addressed in these types of programs are procedures in civil and criminal law; legal analysis; human rights; public law; and business law. </p> <p>These might be the main doctoral degree programs to consider: </p> <ul><li>Ph.D. in Law </li><li>Juris Doctorate </li><li>Doctor of Legal Studies</li></ul>