Associate of Science in Legal Studies
Earn Your Associates Degree in Legal Studies in Chicago
At Generations College, we believe a great legal career starts with a strong, reputable education. Our location in the heart of Chicago, paired with our American Bar Association (ABA) approval, gives students an immediate edge for developing all the necessary legal skills for professionals. Our associate’s degree in legal studies is a dynamic, on-campus program designed to provide both credibility and opportunity from day one.
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
- Earn an A.S. in Legal Studies on campus in downtown Chicago.
- Built for students who want to strengthen their legal research, legal writing, and analytical reasoning skills while preparing for a bachelor’s degree, future law school goals, or entry-level legal roles.
- Core coursework includes legal research and writing, criminal and civil law, family law, real estate law, tort law, and probate law.
- Earn an online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice with 62 credit hours.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN LEGAL STUDIES
Legal Studies is the academic exploration of the law, legal systems and the principles of legal reasoning. The legal studies program at Generations College not only introduces students to foundational legal concepts but also develops essential, real-world skills that are highly valued in both academic and professional settings. Students gain hands-on experience in legal research, legal writing and analytical reasoning, skills that form the backbone of success in any law-related career.
Being ABA-approved signals to future employers, law schools and four-year universities that your education meets the highest national standards for paralegal and legal studies training. Studying in Chicago, a hub for law, politics and business, offers unparalleled access to professional networks, internships and real-world experiences that strengthen your career prospects.
Whether your goal is law school or pursuing a bachelor’s degree in legal studies, political science, criminal justice or another related field, this program ensures your credits are highly transferable. We prepare you for long-term success while helping you stand out in competitive legal and academic environments.
Our curriculum blends theory with practical application, ensuring you understand how to interpret statutes, analyze case law and apply legal reasoning to complex issues. This preparation is ideal whether you plan to pursue law school or step directly into entry-level legal roles.
Located in the heart of Chicago, our program connects you to valuable networking opportunities and internships, opening doors to a variety of legal careers in Chicago’s vibrant professional landscape. Whether your goal is to become a paralegal, advance into legal administration or lay the groundwork for future legal practice, Generations provides the knowledge, skills and guidance to help you succeed.
SKILLS YOU’LL GAIN IN OUR ABA-APPROVED PROGRAM
Graduates of our ABA-approved legal studies program will be equipped with comprehensive skills and knowledge that prepare them for both immediate legal employment and seamless transfer to four-year institutions. Upon completion, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate mastery of criminal and civil law foundations, including family, real estate, tort and probate law.
- Conduct effective legal research and writing using primary and secondary sources.
- Create clear, persuasive documents such as memos, briefs and professional correspondence.
- Apply ethical standards and follow established legal protocols in professional environments.
- Analyze complex legal problems using critical and analytical reasoning.
- Communicate confidently across written, oral and digital platforms.
- Transfer credits without loss toward bachelor’s degrees in law-related fields.
Our legal studies program is designed with a transfer-ready degree structure that also builds practical competencies for entry-level legal careers. Students benefit from:
- Preparation for Advanced Study – Strong academic and professional skills that support success in bachelor’s programs or law school.
- Maximized Transfer Credits – 62 credit hours strategically designed to ensure a smooth transition to four-year institutions.
- Ethical & Practical Readiness – Emphasis on professional responsibility and the application of legal knowledge to real-world contexts.
- Inclusive Support – Serving first-generation students, adult learners and diverse populations with resources for academic and career success.
LEGAL CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN CHICAGO AND BEYOND
Graduates of the Legal Studies program at Generations College are prepared for success whether they choose to transfer to a four-year institution or step directly into the workforce. For those continuing their education, the program’s strong academic foundation supports seamless transfer to bachelor’s programs, with skills in legal research, writing and analysis that are essential for advanced study. For students entering the job market, the program opens doors to diverse law-related career paths across Chicago’s vibrant legal landscape.
Opportunities include working in private companies, partnerships and corporations; real estate offices; legal aid societies and nonprofit organizations; and federal, state or local government agencies. Chicago’s many law firms, from solo practitioners to large, multi-practice offices, also provide a range of entry-level positions that value graduates’ understanding of legal concepts and procedures.
With comprehensive training in criminal justice, civil law and professional ethics, along with transferable skills in communication, problem-solving and critical thinking, you’ll be ready to contribute immediately in roles that support attorneys, manage compliance or engage in community advocacy. This combination of academic preparation and practical skills positions you for both immediate employment and long-term career growth.
WHY CHOOSE GENERATIONS COLLEGE FOR LEGAL STUDIES
Choosing Generations College means gaining more than just a degree. It’s about joining a supportive, resource-rich community committed to your success. Our ABA-approved Chicago legal studies program upholds the highest academic standards, ensuring you receive a respected, transfer-ready degree whether your next step is immediate employment or a transfer to four-year college.
Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, our campus places you steps away from the city’s legal, cultural and business hubs. Small class sizes and a 25:1 student-to-faculty ratio mean you’ll benefit from personalized attention, mentorship and guidance from instructors with real-world legal experience. You’ll also have access to our unique CAPPE Center, which offers academic advising, tutoring, personal support and career coaching, all resources designed to help you thrive in and beyond the classroom.
We’re proud of our long-standing commitment to access and affordability. With no tuition increase in over 15 years, plus generous scholarships like the Single Parent Scholarship and Legacy Grant, we make high-quality education achievable for diverse learners, including first-generation students and working adults. At Generations College, we combine academic excellence, individual support and financial accessibility to help you achieve your educational and professional goals.
AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION REQUIREMENTS
All students in the Legal Studies program must complete at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction (G-302.J.3). Legal specialty credits may be transferred from a regionally accredited, American Bar Association (ABA) approved Paralegal Program (G-302.J.4). The Program Director of the Paralegal Studies program must approve the transfer of legal specialty courses based on official transcripts and supporting materials (e.g., syllabus, course description) documenting that comparable outcomes have been addressed in the course. Credit-based examinations or portfolios will not be given for legal specialty courses.
- A maximum of three (3) legal specialty courses, or the equivalent of nine semester credit hours, may be transferred.
*Please note: Paralegals may not practice law nor provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.
Your future in law, government or advocacy awaits you at Generations College. Gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to continue your education and leave your mark on the world. Apply today or schedule a campus visit to see how Generations can help you reach your goals.
FAQ
Q: Is this program online or on-campus?
A: This Legal Studies program is offered on campus in downtown Chicago. Students study in a city-centered environment with access to networking, internships, and professional opportunities across Chicago’s legal landscape. We also offer an online program for more flexible learning opportunities.
Q: What will I learn in the Legal Studies program?
A: You’ll build a strong foundation in legal concepts, legal systems, and legal reasoning while developing practical skills in legal research, legal writing, and analytical analysis. The curriculum is designed to help you interpret statutes, analyze case law, and apply legal reasoning to complex issues.
Q: What jobs can this prepare me for?
A: This program prepares students for entry-level legal roles in a wide range of settings, including law firms, corporations, real estate offices, legal aid organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies. It also builds transferable skills in research, writing, communication, and problem-solving that support long-term growth in law-related careers.
Q: What courses will I take?
A: The curriculum includes legal subject areas such as criminal and civil law, family law, real estate law, tort law, and probate law, along with training in legal research and writing. The degree also includes general education and transfer-ready coursework designed to support continued study in law-related fields.
Q: Can this degree help me transfer to a four-year school?
A: Yes. The degree is structured to support transfer to bachelor’s programs in legal studies and related fields, and it is designed with 62 credit hours intended to help students move smoothly into four-year study.
Q: Can this program help me prepare for law school?
A: Yes. The program is designed to support students whose long-term goals include law school by strengthening legal reasoning, research, writing, and analytical skills. It also provides a strong academic foundation for continued study in law-related disciplines.
Q: What support is available to help me succeed?
A: Students benefit from small class sizes, a 25:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and access to the CAPPE Center for academic advising, tutoring, personal support, and career coaching.