Why Choose NCC’s Legal Studies Program?
Pursue your aspirations in law and law-related fields through the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Legal Studies degree program at Northampton Community College (NCC). This two-year survey of the legal profession, conducted on our Bethlehem campus in Pennsylvania, introduces you to key principles, theories and practices of paralegal studies, business law, criminal justice and more.
NCC’s robust transfer agreements and dedicated academic advisors empower you beyond the boundaries of our campus as you transfer to a four-year institution, go on to law school or launch into an entry-level role.
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An Affordable Pathway to Law School
Root your practice and worldview in the logical foundations and principles of law and legal systems at NCC. The legal studies associate degree equips you with transferable skills and experience to help you thrive in most pre-law programs, succeed in law school and build up an exciting legal career.
With a wide array of elective courses in legal studies, along with the study of psychology, ethics and general education topics, you can get a step ahead—at a fraction of the cost—in the first two years of many four-year degree programs. NCC holds dozens of individual course transfer agreements that enable a broader scope of transfer opportunities within and beyond legal fields.
Flexible Curriculum
An accessible education involves learning about yourself as well as your field. You may find that another NCC degree is a closer match for your interests, and since the legal studies degree program incorporates some courses required by both the Paralegal, AAS and Criminal Justice, AAS degree programs, you can switch to either major with minimal credit loss. You may also be eligible to earn a second AAS degree in either Paralegal or Criminal Justice with just 15 additional credits.
What You’ll Learn as a Legal Studies Major
Develop prowess as an analytical problem solver within the United States legal system. The legal studies associate degree at NCC challenges you to conduct research, evaluate theories, apply legal terminology and communicate in law-oriented environments.
Two years of study here can prepare you for a bachelor’s degree and law school. NCC sets you on a path toward success in your career goals based on a foundation of ethical practice and fluency in working with diverse societal groups and institutions.
Program Details
Semesters: 4
Credits: 61
College Catalog: View Curriculum
Program Map: Download PDF
Locations: BethlehemProgram Overview:
Broadly survey the legal profession, from paralegal studies and business law to social sciences and criminal justice. The associate degree in legal studies program offers essential courses and skills for the pathway toward law school, including foundations of logic, interrogations into various legal systems and elective opportunities that you can transfer to most four-year institutions.
CJST111 American Legal System
CJST245 Criminal Justice Ethics
PARL205 Legal Research
PARL210G Legal Writing
PHIL202 Ethics & Moral Problems
POLS210G American Constitutional Law
Tuition and Financial Aid
The low cost of an NCC education means you can move into your career with little to no debt — or save up to $40,000 on the first two years of a four-year degree program. We further support our affordable tuition and fees with a unique scholarship program — the largest among Pennsylvania’s community colleges.
