At UCF’s Department of Legal Studies, we believe the law is for everyone. Law touches every part of our lives: business, government and community. Whether on campus or fully online, you’ll learn how the legal system works, how it shapes our world, and how you can use it to make a meaningful impact.
We offer a pre-law pathway to law school and graduate study, while also preparing students for law-related careers. Our curriculum connects classroom learning to real-world legal practice. You'll learn from faculty who are graduates of ABA-approved law schools and accomplished professionals, including Emmy Award-winning documentarians, retired Air Force judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys, and professional mediators. Along the way, they'll provide personalized pre-law advising, career guidance and mentoring.
Located in downtown Orlando, steps from the Orange County Courthouse, our state-of-the-art courtroom lets you practice like a pro — an opportunity few undergraduates ever get. As one of the largest undergraduate legal studies programs in the country, UCF offers unmatched opportunities to work alongside local lawyers, judges, and firms through internships, competition teams, and research — including topics like the role of artificial intelligence in the legal system.
Explore how Legal Studies can help you build the foundation for a successful future in law, public service, business and beyond.
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Best Online Legal Studies Degree (2026)
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Get answers to common questions about the major, career opportunities, law school preparation, internships and student experiences.
Legal Studies is the study of law, legal principles, the role of legal systems and exploration of modern areas of legal practice. Students develop the critical skills needed to succeed in today's legal and professional environments, such as legal research and writing, issue spotting and legal analysis, attention to detail and evidence-based decision making.
The UCF Legal Studies undergraduate program is an excellent pre-law pathway for students who want to attend law school and build the research, writing, analytical and critical-thinking skills law schools require. Learn from experienced attorneys and benefit from their mentorship as you prepare for law school admission.
A legal studies degree helps you develop sought-after skills in communication, research, critical thinking, professionalism, problem-solving and attention to detail that employers value across many career paths.
Our graduates pursue careers such as:
- Paralegal or Legal Assistant
- Legal Analyst
- Crime and Intelligence Analyst
- Compliance Officer
- Claims Adjuster
- Fraud Investigator
- Risk Management Specialist
- Labor Relations Professional
- Judicial Administration and Support
- Court Administration and Management
- Public Safety and Law Enforcement
- Disability Advocate
- Court Reporter (additional training is required)
You'll learn from experienced attorneys, including prosecutors, judges, defense attorneys, corporate lawyers, mediators and immigration lawyers. They bring firsthand knowledge of the legal field into the classroom, helping you understand how legal principles apply in the real world.
At UCF, learning goes beyond the classroom. Legal studies students have opportunities to connect their coursework to practice. You’ll gain hands-on experience through internships with practicing attorneys, job shadowing, competition teams, court observations, and volunteer opportunities with attorneys and professional organizations.
Networking is built into the legal studies experience at UCF. Throughout the program, you'll connect with attorneys, judges and other legal professionals through guest lectures, career panels, professional association events and community engagement opportunities.
Students can attend:
- Guest speaker presentations and career panels.
- Annual Law Day events.
- Bar Association meetings, networking luncheons and events.
- Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs for practicing attorneys, which students can volunteer and attend at no cost.
These opportunities allow you to hear directly from professionals, learn about current challenges and trends in the legal field, ask questions and begin building a professional network long before graduation.
In the News
UCF Legal Studies Student’s Internship with Local Judge Helped Shape Her Future in Law
Legal Studies Alum Scores Perfect LSAT, Sets Sights on Law School
Legal Studies Lecturer, Accomplished Mediator Shares Tips for Resolving Conflict
