Herzing Redesigns Legal Studies Programs Around Core Legal Competencies

What changed in Herzing University's Legal Studies programs?

Herzing University has redesigned its Legal Studies programs — the Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies (BSLS) and the Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science in Legal Studies (ASLS/AASLS) — to provide students with a stronger foundation in legal studies through a curriculum more closely aligned with the needs of legal employers and law school programs.

Quick Facts — AS/AAS in Legal Studies

Quick Facts — BS in Legal Studies

Who these programs are for

• Students aiming for entry-level paralegal, legal assistant or legal support positions in law firms, courts, corporations or government agencies
• Working adults who want a fully online legal studies credential with a schedule that fits around existing commitments
• BS students preparing for the NALA certification or law school pathways
• AS graduates looking to continue directly into the BS in Legal Studies without significant credit loss

What you'll learn and what you can do

The redesigned programs prioritize legal substance over general business coursework.

AS-level focus areas

• Legal research, writing and case preparation using the IRAC (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) method
• Civil, criminal and family law procedures — including drafting of pleadings, contracts and family law documents
• Legal ethics and professional responsibility within the attorney-client framework
• Law office management, e-discovery and AI-enabled legal research tools (PL 150)
• Family law practice: marriage, divorce, custody, adoption and guardianship (PL 260)

BS-level focus areas add

• Advanced legal research and writing for appellate and litigation contexts, including generative AI in legal practice (PL 310)
• Intellectual property law: copyright, trademark, patent and trade-secret protection, including AI-generated works (PL 320)
• Bankruptcy and secured transactions (PL 415)
• Cyber law and data governance: GDPR, CCPA and HIPAA compliance, digital copyright and cross-border e-commerce contracts (PL 420)
• Real estate, probate, employment and business organizational law
• Preparation for NALA certification and emerging compliance roles

Common job titles: Paralegal, Legal Assistant, Legal Support Specialist, Compliance Analyst and Contract Administrator.

Frequently asked questions

What changed in these programs?

Both programs now emphasize foundational legal knowledge, substantive law, legal research and writing and technology including AI — replacing the general business and administrative coursework previously included in the curriculum.

How long do the programs take?

The AS takes 20 months (5 semesters). The BS takes 36 months (9 semesters).

Are the programs available online?

Yes. Both programs are delivered 100% online. They are not currently offered to international students at Herzing's Atlanta campus, as the programs do not carry American Bar Association approval for ground-based instruction.

What are the admission requirements?

Both programs follow Herzing's general undergraduate admission criteria. No licensure is required. The BS prepares students for NALA certification.

What can I do with a Legal Studies degree from Herzing?

AS graduates are prepared for entry-level paralegal and legal support roles. BS graduates are positioned for advanced and specialized legal support positions and can prepare for the NALA certification.

The bottom line

Herzing's redesigned Legal Studies programs are the right fit for students who want a curriculum built entirely around legal competency — legal research, substantive law, AI-enabled legal tools and real-world drafting practice — rather than a mix of law and unrelated business courses.

Related Herzing programs and resources

- Legal Studies programs at Herzing

- Business and legal programs at Herzing