Law meeting

Bachelor of Arts in
Law and Society

Program summary

Build strong research skills and broaden your understanding of legal principles. This online degree program can help you prepare for a career in a variety of fields that require knowledge of the law and legal processes.

Application deadline

Apply by June 30 to start August 21

Credits and costs

123 Credits $620/$664 per credit

Nationally Recognized

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Our bachelor's degrees are highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Earn Your Bachelor's Degree in Law and Society Online

Many occupations today require at least some legal knowledge and notion of the law. With a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society, you will not only learn about the law, legal principles, and legal systems and processes in the United States, but you can also become skillful in logic, rhetoric, research, and legal writing. These versatile skills can help you develop your legal or law enforcement career in a variety of organizations, including nonprofit organizations, regulatory agencies, small businesses, public offices, or even the military. Law and society majors analyze legal practices and envision social justice.

Why Study Law and Society at Penn State?

Applicable course work — As a law and society student, your 15 credits of core course work will include legal brief–writing and the philosophy of law and legal ethics. Throughout your studies, you can develop skills to critically analyze arguments and detect careless language use and fallacies.

Pre-law support — Law and society students gain access to specialized pre-law advising to help them navigate the path to law school. In addition, students may become eligible to join Phi Delta Phi, an international legal honors society.

100% online for busy adult learners — With asynchronous online learning, you can complete weekly assignments at times that are convenient for you. You can also set your own pace. Take one or two courses per semester while working. Or become a full-time student and complete your degree faster.

Renowned faculty experts  In this program, you will have the opportunity to study with highly regarded faculty from Penn State's College of the Liberal Arts, one of the premier institutions in the world to study and work in the liberal arts disciplines.

Who Should Apply?

The bachelor's degree in law and society might be a good choice if you:

  • plan to attend law school after earning a baccalaureate degree
  • are not a lawyer but work with legal issues in human resources, affirmative action, law enforcement, child and family services, government, education, communication, technology, or health care
  • have an associate degree in areas such as law enforcement, legal studies, or law and society
  • want a baccalaureate degree focused on law, as opposed to related fields such as criminal justice and political science
  • are a law enforcement and corrections officer, community service professional, or member of the armed services and want to enroll in a degree-completion program
  • own your own business and often must handle legal matters such as contracts or permits

Online Education at Penn State

Penn State has a history of 100+ years of distance education and more than 20 years of experience in online learning. We create an online learning environment that offers you the same quality education our residential students experience in a face-to-face setting. Learn more about Penn State World Campus.

Courses

The Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society can help you develop a greater understanding of the law and legal systems of the United States. You'll receive a solid introduction to legal principles and processes from multiple perspectives, and you can build an integrated understanding of the historical, philosophical, political, and social foundations of law.

The prescribed and supporting courses in this program focus on contemporary issues in U.S. law and ethics. Many different course options are available to fulfill the remainder of the 123 credits required for the program, allowing you to customize the degree to meet your specific goals.

The course list includes only courses offered by World Campus. An official degree audit or the recommended academic plan for this program may include additional course options and detailed requirements. All students are expected to complete at least 36 Penn State credits to earn this degree. Please consult an academic adviser for details.

A student enrolled in this major must receive a grade of C or better in all courses required for the major.

Prescribed Courses (18 credits)

The prescribed courses focus on contemporary issues in U.S. law and ethics.

  • 3
    credits

    An historical survey of the American experience from its colonial beginnings through the Civil War and Reconstruction.

  • 3
    credits

    An historical survey of the American experience from the emergence of urban-industrial society in the late nineteenth century to the present.

  • 3
    credits

    Student will work with an adviser to select an online course that will serve as an alternative to LA 100.

  • 3
    credits

    This course examines the American democracy by looking at the dynamic interaction between the founding ideals of the United States government, the institutions established by the Constitution, and the ongoing contest for power within and through those institutions.

  • 3
    credits

    This course explores the historical and contemporary struggles of particular groups within American society to expand their rights.

  • 3
    credits

    Analysis of the roles, procedures, and policies characterizing the American legal system.

    • Prerequisite

      PLSC 1

Additional Courses (3–6 credits)

Take one or both of the following. Students planning to attend law school are encouraged to complete both PHIL 10 and PHIL 12.

  • 3
    credits

    Discussion of the validity, soundness, and fallacies of everyday language use and reasoning; informal logic; and manipulative arguments and propaganda.

  • 3
    credits

    In this course, students will first learn basic vocabulary for argument analysis, standards for evaluating arguments that are expressed in English, and basic methods for testing these arguments along with the shortcomings of said methods.

Supporting Courses and Related Areas (select 12–15 credits)

12 credits must be at the 400-level.

Select 12 credits

  • 3
    credits

    Theories and strategies important for conceptualizing, developing, and managing conflict negotiation, mediation, and third-party intervention.

    • Prerequisite

      CAS 100

    • 3
      credits

      The social origins of law and legal systems; occupational careers; and decision-making of legal officials.

      • Prerequisite

        CRIMJ 100 or CRIMJ 113

    • or:
      3
      credits

      Law and Society studies the social origins of law and legal systems, occupational careers, and decision-making of legal officials.

      • Prerequisite

        CRIM 100 or CRIM 113

  • 3
    credits

    Creative projects, including research and design, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.

    • Prerequisite

      60 undergraduate credits and permission of program

  • 3
    credits

    Development of Anglo-American law regulating collective bargaining, with emphasis on American labor-management relations under Wagner, Taft-Hartley, and other acts.

    • Prerequisite

      3 credits in labor and industrial relations or political science

  • 3
    credits

    A study of selected problems in the history of work in the United States, especially since 1877.

    • Prerequisite

      Completed 60 credits & permission from the program

  • 3
    credits

    The origins of judicial review, landmark decisions of the Supreme Court, and their impact on the American form of government.

    • Prerequisite

      PLSC 1

Select 0–3 credits

  • 3
    credits

    A survey of the literature on the role of rhetoric in law, including trial advocacy, appellate argument, and judicial reasoning.

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to law in society with a focus on criminal law, judicial code, laws of sentencing and corrections, ciminal procedure.

  • 3
    credits

    Overview of the criminal justice system, including legal foundations, processing and correction of offenders, extent and types of crime, victims.

  • 3
    credits

    Examination of basic legal principles underlying the employment relationship, and their social, political, and economic bases.

  • 3
    credits

    Emphasizes the development of research methods for locating and using judicial, executive, and legislative branch information sources in research.

  • 3
    credits

    Historical and contemporary philosophies of law; concepts of responsibility, property, rights, and justice; and ethical issues in legal practice.

Elective Courses (select 30–33 credits)

Elective courses should be chosen in consultation with an adviser. Among the degree requirements, students should incorporate at least:

  • 3 credits in U.S. cultures
  • 3 credits in international (IL) cultures
  • 3 credits in writing-across-the-curriculum courses

General Education Requirements

Some General Education requirements may be satisfied by courses required for the major. Students should work with an adviser to select courses.

  • Arts (GA): 6 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 6 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 9 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
    A student must receive a grade of C or better in GWS courses.
  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
    A student must receive a grade of C or better in GQ courses.
  • Integrative Studies: 6 credits
    This requirement only applies to students starting in summer 2018 or later. Learn more about the Integrative Studies options and consult your academic adviser when choosing courses to fulfill these requirements. Integrative Studies credits may be completed within the thirty Knowledge Domain credits and must be completed with either Inter-domain or Linked courses, not a combination of both.

Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements

Some Bachelor of Arts requirements may be satisfied by courses required for the major, General Education courses, or electives. Students should work with an adviser to select courses.

  • Foreign Language: 0–12 credits
    Student must attain 12th credit level of proficiency in one foreign language.
  • B.A. Fields: 9 credits
    Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arts, Foreign Languages, Natural Sciences, Quantification (cannot be taken in the area of the student's primary major; foreign language credits in this category must be in a second foreign language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the first language)
  • Other Cultures: 0–3 credits
    Select 3 credits from approved list. Students may count courses in this category in order to meet other major, minor, elective, or General Education requirements, except for the General Education US/IL requirement.​

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

Costs and Financial Aid

Undergraduate Tuition

Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2022–23 Academic Year Rates

How many credits do you plan to take per semester? If you have 59 or fewer credits If you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer $620 per credit $664 per credit
12 or more $7,527 per semester $8,125 per semester

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

How to Apply

Deadlines and Important Dates

Your degree application, including receipt of all transcripts, must be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.

  • Fall DeadlineApply by June 30 to start August 21
  • Spring DeadlineApply by October 31 to start January 8
  • Summer DeadlineApply by March 15, 2024, to start May 13, 2024

New students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA by March 1. Please visit the Office of Student Aid website for more information about applying for financial aid and recommended deadlines.

Admissions Help

Thank you for your interest in applying to this program. Contact an admissions counselor to discuss your educational goals, financial aid options, and application deadlines.

Admission Requirements

To apply for this program, you must be a high school graduate or have completed your GED. 

What You Need

Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need the following items to complete your application:

High school transcripts or GED transcript — First-year applicants are required to submit Self-Reported Academic Records (SRAR). Official high school transcripts will only be required at the time a student accepts an offer of admission to Penn State.

Official college or university transcripts, if you attended another institution, and/or official military transcripts (if applicable) — All college or university transcripts are required regardless of the length of time that has passed, the grades earned, or the accreditation of the institutions attended. Acceptance of transfer credit toward your degree is subject to final approval by the academic department. For detailed information, see the Transfer Students page.

Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Please send your transcripts by mail or electronically through Parchment, eScrip-Safe, or the National Student Clearinghouse directly to Penn State from the college/university where course work was attempted.

Submit official documents by mail to:

Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park, PA 16802

English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Language Proficiency section on the Undergraduate Admissions International Requirements page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

Start Your Application

Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions. 

If this is your first time applying to Penn State, you'll need to complete the following steps:

  1. Review the application instructions before beginning.
  2. Complete the online application and submit all official documents.
  3. Pay the application fee.

Checking Your Status

You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form and choosing "MyPennState — Check Application Status." Your decision letter (confirming your acceptance or denial) will be mailed four to six weeks after receipt of all application materials. An admissions counselor will contact you if additional information is required.

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements for this degree program.

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State bachelor's degree?

Apply by June 30 to start August 21. How to Apply

Start or Advance Your Career

A woman in a suit holding documents outside of a court building

The versatile skills gained in this program and the support of Penn State career resources can help you develop your legal or law enforcement career in a variety of organizations, including nonprofit organizations, regulatory agencies, small businesses, public offices, or even the military.


Job Titles Related to This Degree

The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:

  • Law Researcher
  • Legal Analyst
  • Legal Assistant
  • Legal Research Analyst

Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree

Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

14.1%
employment growth (10 years)
336,250
total employment

Legal Support Workers, All Other

-0.4%
employment growth (10 years)
46,090
total employment

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

Student having a virtual meeting on a laptop with a career counselor

From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way

A figure walking on a path that includes a certificate part of the way through their progress

Show mastery of specific subjects before your degree is complete. Thanks to shared courses across programs, students can often earn progress toward another degree in less time than if they earned them separately.

Degree Programs Related to This Degree

Progress toward the following degree can be earned while completing this program:

Improve your writing and communication skills to help prepare yourself to succeed in your career. Credits earned in this online liberal arts associate degree program may be applied toward a more advanced degree.

Learn more about the Associate in Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies  

Contact Us

To learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society, offered in partnership with the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts, please contact:

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
Email: [email protected]

Faculty

  • Stephanie Cardona

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Educational Leadership, Penn State
    • Degree
      M.A., English Education, University of Puerto Rico
    • Degree
      B.A., English, University of Puerto Rico

    Dr. Stephanie Cardona is an academic advising liaison and instructor with Penn State World Campus for interdisciplinary programs in the College of the Liberal Arts. A Penn Stater since 2008 living in Key West, Florida, Stephanie has been teaching in higher education for 19 years in the areas of English and composition. Her interests and skills are in the areas of curriculum development and design, qualitative research, distance learning, culturally relevant pedagogies, and immersive technologies.

  • John Kryst

    • Degree
      M.S., College Student Personnel, Western Illinois University
    • Degree
      B.A., Sociology & Social Psychology, University of Minnesota

    John Kryst is an academic adviser and instructor with Penn State World Campus in multiple College of the Liberal Arts programs. John has been with Penn State since 2012. Currently living in New York, John has lived in Minnesota, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania, working in higher education since 2007. He has served many student populations in that time and is passionate about education being accessible and open to anyone seeking to learn.

  • Avis Kunz

    • Degree
      D.Ed., Adult Education, Penn State
    • Degree
      M.A., English, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.A., English, Penn State

    Dr. Avis Kunz is the senior assistant dean for Online Education and Outreach and the director of the Filippelli Institute for e-Education and Outreach in the College of the Liberal Arts. Her interests are broadly in distance learning and teaching and administration of online programs. She has more than 25 years of experience in educational administration, including community colleges, community education, adult literacy, and Penn State. 

  • Bryan McDonald

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Social Ecology, University of California, Irvine
    • Degree
      M.A., Political Science, Virginia Tech
    • Degree
      B.A., English, Virginia Tech

    Dr. Bryan McDonald is the director of interdisciplinary programs in the College of the Liberal Arts and an associate professor of history. Dr. McDonald is a historian of modern America with research and teaching interests in food security and food systems. He is currently working on a book project that explores the history of food as a security issue in modern America. He is the author of Food Power: The Rise and Fall of the Postwar American Food System (Oxford University Press, 2017) and Food Security (Polity Press, 2010) and the co-editor of Global Environmental Change and Human Security (MIT Press, 2009) and Landmines and Human Security: International Politics and War’s Hidden Legacy (SUNY Press, 2004). He has published more than 25 articles, book chapters, reviews, and policy documents.

  • Tycely Williams

    • Degree
      M.A., Leadership, Georgetown University
    • Degree
      B.A., Communication with minor in Journalism, Wake Forest University

    Tycely Williams is a certified fundraising executive who has led teams that have raised and managed more than $580 million. She is the chief development officer at The Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, D.C. In her career of more than 20 years, she has held C-Suite leadership positions at America’s Promise Alliance, The American Red Cross, and YWCA USA. She has extensive experience governing organizations and is an award-winning philanthropic thought leader with features in numerous publications, including The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The L.A. Times, The Nonprofit Times, and The Washington Post.

  • Andrea Woerman

    • Degree
      M.A., Education, Ashford University
    • Degree
      B.A., Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara

    Andrea Woerman has worked in the field of higher education for 13 years as both an academic adviser and an instructor, specializing in adult learner and military student populations. She has seen many students through to graduation and thoroughly enjoys developing students and seeing them move their lives forward using education as a tool. Andrea considers herself a lifelong learner and is passionate about education, continuous self-improvement, and animal welfare.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State bachelor's degree?

Apply by June 30 to start August 21. How to Apply