The Best Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Programs

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Updated October 24, 2023

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A doctorate in legal studies considers research methods, legal theory, justice policy, and jurisprudence as they pertain to legal institutions and the legal profession. Many programs prepare legal professionals and practicing attorneys to expand their expertise into specific areas of law, including maritime law, intellectual property law, and human rights law. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 8% growth for postsecondary instructors, including those in criminal justice and law, between 2022 and 2032. Use this guide to learn more about what you can expect from an online doctorate program in legal studies.

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The Best Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Programs

Because numerous types of degrees fall under the umbrella of “Doctorate in Legal Studies,” the following sections display top-ranked programs from several related ranking articles on our website. To learn more about these different degrees, follow the link at the end of each section to their corresponding ranking article.

The Best Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Programs

#1 The Best Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Programs

California University of Pennsylvania

  • California, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The online doctor of criminal justice program at California University of Pennsylvania ranks as one of the field's best degrees. The public university helps degree-seekers complete a doctorate in a flexible format. Doctoral students also benefit from research support, career advising, and library access.

After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates propose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. As the field's terminal degree, the doctoral program trains graduates for roles in academia, research, and industry.

Doctoral students attending the accredited institution online qualify for several forms of financial aid. Contact the program for more information about research support and financial aid.

California University of Pennsylvania at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 4,367

Online Master's Programs: 13

Online Doctoral Programs: 2

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,288

Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,716
Out-of-state
$11,574
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,288
Out-of-state
$13,932
Retention Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
6,885
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
72% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#2 The Best Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Programs

National University

  • San Diego, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online

The Ph.D. in homeland security leadership and policy at Northcentral University offers a doctorate in an online learning format. Degree-seekers benefit from flexible course options through the private institution. Doctoral students meet with career advisors and faculty mentors.

The online program requires a minimum of 82 credits of doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates spend 1-2 years researching and writing their dissertation. A doctorate can lead to job opportunities in research, academia, and leadership.

Doctoral students qualify for fellowships, scholarships, and federal financial aid programs at the accredited institution. Contact the program for more information about research support and financial aid.

National University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: Data not available

Online Master's Programs: 26

Online Doctoral Programs: 15

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 3-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $16,983

Accepts Transfer Credits: Accepted

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,064
Out-of-state
$11,064
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,983
Out-of-state
$16,983
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
12,471
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#3 The Best Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Programs

Walden University

  • Minneapolis, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online

Walden University offers a Ph.D. in criminal justice program with an online learning format. Thanks to a flexible format, the private institution makes it easier to complete a doctorate. Doctoral students also benefit from research support, career advising, and library access.

After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation. With a doctorate in, professionals may work in academia, research, and leadership roles.

Doctoral students qualify for federal financial aid and fellowships at the accredited institution. Contact the program for more information about doctoral admissions.

Walden University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: Data not available

Online Master's Programs: 39

Online Doctoral Programs: 20

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,039

Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,139
Out-of-state
$10,139
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,272
Out-of-state
$10,272
Retention Rate
33%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
49,695
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 The Best Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Programs

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

  • Colorado Springs, CO
  • 4 years
  • Online

The online doctor of management in homeland security program, offered by Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs, ranks as a top program in the field. At the private institution, degree-seekers take doctoral classes in a flexible format. Doctoral students engage in advanced research and benefit from support services.

Degree-seekers move through the program by passing exams and researching a dissertation project. As the field's highest degree, the doctorate trains graduates for academic, research, and leadership careers.

The accredited institution meets federal requirements for financial aid support. Contact the program for more information about research support and financial aid.

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 27,043

Online Master's Programs: 13

Online Doctoral Programs: 2

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 31-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $13,710

Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,934
Out-of-state
$11,934
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,785
Out-of-state
$13,785
Retention Rate
48%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
28,244
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 The Best Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Programs

California Baptist University

  • Riverside, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Doctoral students seeking an online program benefit from the doctor of public administration program at California Baptist University. Degree-seekers benefit from the flexible enrollment options at the private university. Doctoral students engage in advanced research and benefit from support services.

During the online program, learners complete advanced coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation. A doctorate prepares graduates for roles in research, academia, and leadership.

At the accredited institution, doctoral students qualify for several forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about admission requirements.

California Baptist University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 6,112

Online Master's Programs: 13

Online Doctoral Programs: 2

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,830

Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$33,930
Out-of-state
$33,930
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,410
Out-of-state
$13,410
Retention Rate
76%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
11,317
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
83% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

See more of the Best Online Doctorate in Criminal Justice Degree Programs.

Choosing a Doctorate in Legal Studies Program

50 Best Online Colleges & Universities
Earning a doctorate in legal studies online give you extensive training in research and scholarship as you pursue coursework on legal theory and practice. You acquire knowledge applicable to personal and professional goals, with many programs providing you the opportunity to tailor the program to a particular subset of law.

The interdisciplinary nature of a legal studies doctoral program provides you with exposure to legal subfields across historical and geographical boundaries. Corporate law professionals, for example, can explore the intricacies of finance and commerce law, while civic-minded legal activists can focus on environmental or human rights law.

Legal studies and law doctoral degrees require two to three years of coursework with at least one additional year to write a dissertation. Coursework prepares you to conduct research necessary for your dissertation. You will also develop a research proposal with faculty and work closely with advisors.

Some programs give you the opportunity to teach undergraduate students and participate in mock trials. Students also complete comprehensive oral or written exams over all of the classes taken. This demonstrates your expert knowledge of standards, practices, and principles of legal studies. Students must pass these exams and complete a dissertation to graduate.

What Else Can I Expect from an Online Doctorate in Legal Studies Program?

Doctoral programs in legal studies vary by school and department. Some classes remain consistent across the curriculum, but many degrees offer you the chance to concentrate on a particular segment of law, legal institutions, or jurisprudence. Programs that allow you to structure your program based on individual interests also give you practical knowledge applicable to your personal and professional goals.

Concentrations Offered for an Online Doctoral Degree in Legal Studies

Curriculum for an Online Doctoral Degree in Legal Studies

  • Research Methods:
    Research methods courses train students to use qualitative and quantitative research techniques to gather data in anticipation of their dissertation. Students use research tools, including statistics and ethnographic software.
  • Jurisprudence:
    Coursework on jurisprudence provides students with the history and philosophy of law to understand its current application. Students assess their own relationships with law and justice as well. Jurisprudence classes may involve activities such as moot court.
  • Anthropology of Law:
    A course on the anthropology of law focuses on the relationship between law and society. Students learn about the interactions of culture, people, and institutions in the context of regulations, legal applications, and ethical norms.
  • Current Issues and Trends in Law:
    Students learn about contemporary matters related to law and legal policy through extensive readings, in-depth discussions, and individual research. Classes may focus on a specific topic such as finance, management, human rights, or private law.
  • Law and Morality:
    Law and morality classes emphasize the relationship between individual choice, dilemma, and law. Students study the nature of law as well as scenarios and case studies to assess how people make decisions when faced with punishment, penalty, or ethical conflict.
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Careers with a Doctorate in Legal Studies

A doctorate in legal studies prepares you for careers that require expertise in research, analytical, and critical-thinking skills. You gain the knowledge needed to make ethical and informed decisions in a legal setting, and increase your potential career growth in academia, government, and business.

  1. Postsecondary Teacher:
    Postsecondary teachers instruct students at colleges and universities in their specific subject area. They design classes, present information, assess student work and work with colleagues on curriculum development. Postsecondary teachers also conduct research and carry out duties for their department and institution.
    • Median Annual Salary: $80,840
    • Projected Growth Rate (2022-2032): 8%
  2. Administrative Law Judges and Adjudicators:
    Administrative law judges and adjudicators work specifically with legal matters related to government policies, programs, regulations, and laws. They determine penalties and sanctions, rule on claims and settlements, and oversee legal hearings. Administrative law judges and adjudicators hold their positions by appointment.
    • Median Annual Salary: $97,250
    • Projected Growth Rate (2022-2032): 0.4%
  3. Lawyer:
    Lawyers must hold a degree in law and pass a bar examination. Lawyers advise clients, represent them in court, draft legal paperwork, and analyze legal problems. Lawyers may specialize in a type of law, including corporate, tax, family, and environmental law.
    • Median Annual Salary: $135,740
    • Projected Growth Rate (2022-2032): 8%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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