Program Overview

  • Duration

    1 Year (Self-Paced) Program

  • Total Courses

    14-18

  • Total Credit Hours

    84-140

The Legal Studies program at University of North Carolina is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system and its impact on society. Students explore legal principles, case analysis, and the foundations of law. They gain insights into various areas of law, including constitutional, criminal, and civil law. Graduates are well-prepared to work in legal research, paralegal roles, legal administration, and related fields. They play a crucial role in supporting legal professionals and ensuring the proper functioning of the legal system.

This course introduces the foundations of legal studies, including the history and development of legal systems, legal principles, and key legal institutions. Explore the historical development of legal systems, the role of law, and its impact on society.


Explore legal ethics, discussing the moral and professional responsibilities of lawyers and legal professionals. Analyze ethical dilemmas in the practice of law, the code of legal ethics, and the role of ethics in the legal profession.


Introduction to legal research methods, including effective searching of legal databases and sources, as well as the analysis of case law and statutes. Explore the techniques and methodologies of legal research, including the use of legal databases and primary legal sources.


Develop the skills required for legal writing, including the preparation of legal documents, memoranda, and briefs. Learn to communicate effectively within the legal profession, including legal document preparation and the principles of persuasive legal writing.


Gain an introduction to laws and legal systems, exploring their role in society, the development of legal principles, and their impact on individuals and institutions. Study the historical development of legal systems, legal principles, and the role of law in society.


Study comparative legal systems, examining legal traditions, structures, and practices across different countries. Analyze the differences and similarities between legal systems and explore the impact of culture and history on legal traditions.


Learn about law office management, covering the administrative, operational, and ethical aspects of running a legal practice. Gain insight into law firm management, leadership, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of legal professionals.


Gain an introduction to the court system, including the structure, functions, and procedures of courts. Understand the role of courts in the legal system and their impact on justice and governance.

An introduction to legal studies, covering the foundations of the legal system, legal principles, and the role of law in society. Explore key legal concepts, historical development, and the impact of the legal system on individuals and communities.


Study the fundamentals of commercial law, covering contract law, business organizations, and commercial transactions. Explore legal issues relevant to businesses and commerce, including contract formation, enforcement, and the legal framework for commercial activities.


Explore the intersection of computers and law. Understand the legal implications of technology, data privacy, and cybercrimes. Discuss the evolving field of technology law and its impact on individuals and organizations.


Gain an introduction to contract law, covering the principles of contract formation, performance, and breach. Understand the legal framework for agreements and contracts, including the legal requirements for valid contracts and contract enforcement.


Learn the basics of criminal law, including the elements of a crime, defenses, and the criminal justice process. Explore legal principles related to criminal offenses, the prosecution process, and the legal rights of the accused.


Gain an introduction to constitutional law, exploring the principles and interpretations of the U.S. Constitution. Discuss landmark Supreme Court cases, constitutional issues, and the impact of constitutional law on legal and political systems.

TUITION

Fees Breakdown Cost
ASSOCIATE TO BACHELOR'S DEGREE (ABLL) $18,480
Medical Insurance $0.00
Personal Expenses $0.00
Study Materials $0.00
Food Cost $0.00
Total Tuition Fee $18,480
WHERE AFFORDABILITY

Meets Opportunity

At the University of North Carolina, we champion the synergy of affordability and opportunity. Our unwavering dedication to accessible education ensures that exceptional learning doesn't come with an exorbitant price. We unlock the gates to knowledge, extending students the opportunity to flourish without the heavy weight of overwhelming tuition costs, empowering them for a brighter, more promising future.

Our Eligibility Criteria

Explore UONC’s Eligibility Criteria for Students Worldwide

Eligibility Criteria

High School Diploma, GED or equiv. International Education

Credit Hours

84-140

Course Duration

1 Year (Self-Paced) Program

Courses Offered

14-18

Exploring Fundamentals of Legal Theory and the Judicial Framework

The College of Law & Legal Studies begins with a comprehensive exploration of the foundations of legal theory and judicial systems. Students acquire a deep understanding of legal principles, constitutional law, and the functioning of legal institutions. This foundational knowledge equips them with the skills necessary to navigate the intricate field of law and legal studies.

Simulated Trials and Practical Legal Experience

Outside the traditional lecture halls, the College of Law & Legal Studies is dedicated to providing students with valuable practical legal experience and hands-on legal practice. Our students actively engage in mock trials, legal clinics, and real case studies, offering them the chance to develop and refine their practical legal skills. These experiences not only bolster their legal acumen but also offer crucial insights into the realities of legal practice.

Exploring Global Legal Structures and Collaborative International Legal Partnerships

At the University of North Carolina's College of Law & Legal Studies, our resolute commitment is to delve into international legal structures and nurture cross-border legal partnerships. Our curriculum seamlessly integrates global viewpoints on law, human rights, and worldwide justice, motivating students to actively participate in collaborative research and initiatives with legal scholars hailing from diverse corners of the globe. This comprehensive global outlook equips our students to address intricate legal complexities on an international stage and contribute to the progress of justice and the upholding of legal principles.

Foundations Of Legal Studies (LLS-034)

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS COURSE
  In Section 1 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Introduction To Paralegals
     The Reading And Briefing Of Cases
     Legal Analysis
  In Section 2 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Legal Research
     Writing Skills
     Ethics
  In Section 3 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Substantive Civil Law And Procedure
     Civil Discovery  
     Criminal Law, Discovery, And Procedure
  In Section 4 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Real Estate
     Decedents' Estates
     Domestic Relations
  In Section 5 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Contracts
     The Nala Cla Examination

Legal Ethics (LLS-107)

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS COURSE
  In Section 1 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Have Integrity
     Preserve The Confidences And Secrets Of The Client
  In Section 2 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Get And Stay Competent
     Charge Only Fair Fees
  In Section 3 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Make Legal Services Available
     Represent Each Client With Zeal And Dedication… Within The Bounds Of The Law
  In Section 4 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Don’T Practice Law Without A License
     Be Loyal To Each And Every Client
  In Section 5 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Work To Improve The Legal System
     Don’T Even Think About It

Introduction To Legal Research (LLS-346)

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS COURSE
  In Section 1 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Introduction To Legal Research
     Analysis And Research Methods: The Most Important Tasks
     Citation Method
  In Section 2 of this course you will cover these topics:
     The Index: Legal Research’S Most Powerful Tool In Legal Research
     The Digest: A Remarkable Finding Tool
     Computer-Assisted Legal Research (Calr)
  In Section 3 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Law Books, Texts, Services, And Periodicals
     Legal Encyclopedias And Dictionaries
     The American Law Reports Series (A.L.R.)
  In Section 4 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Case Law Analysis
     Statutes And Legislative Resources
     Government Regulations And Administrative Law
  In Section 5 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Updating The Law
     Government Materials, Publications, And Compilations
     Writing Applications In The Law And Justice Field

Introduction To Legal Writing (LLS-416)

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS COURSE
  In Section 1 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Introduction To Legal Research, Writing, And Analysis
     Before You Begin
     The Starting Point: Analyzing Facts And Identifying Legal Issues
  In Section 2 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Finding And Analyzing Case Law
     How To Brief A Case
     Constitutions, Statutes, And Administrative Regulations
  In Section 3 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Statutory And Constitutional Analysis
     Secondary Sources
     Digests And Miscellaneous Research Tools
  In Section 4 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Validating Your Research: Using Shepard'S And Other Citators
     Computer Assisted Legal Research (Calr)
     How To Create Research Strategies
  In Section 5 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Basic Legal Writing Tools
     Legal Writing: Writing To Inform
     Writing To The Court

Introduction to laws (LLS-642)

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS COURSE
  In Section 1 of this course you will cover these topics:
     The Paralegal Profession
     Ethics, Regulation And Professional Responsibility
     The Paralegal Workplace
  In Section 2 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Technology And The Paralegal
     Sources Of American Law
  In Section 3 of this course you will cover these topics:
     The Court System And Alternative Dispute Resolution
     Civil Litigation
  In Section 4 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Administrative Law
     Interviewing And Investigation Skills
  In Section 5 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Traditional, Computer And Internet Legal Research
     Legal Writing And Critical Legal Thinking

Comparative Legal Systems (LLS-650)

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS COURSE
  In Section 1 of this course you will cover these topics:
     An International Perspective  
     Crime, Transnational Crime And Justice  
  In Section 2 of this course you will cover these topics:
     An American Perspective On Criminal Law  
     Legal Traditions  
  In Section 3 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Substantive Law And Procedural Law In The Four Legal Traditions  
     An International Perspective On Policing  
  In Section 4 of this course you will cover these topics:
     An International Perspective On Courts  
     An International Perspective On Corrections  
  In Section 5 of this course you will cover these topics:
     An International Perspective On Juvenile Justice  
     Japan: Examples Of Effectiveness And Borrowing  

Introduction To Law Office Management (LLS-773)

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS COURSE
  In Section 1 of this course you will cover these topics:
     The Law Office
     Office Duties
     Computers And Office Systems
  In Section 2 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Preparing Legal Correspondence
     The Court Structure
     Preparing Legal Documents
  In Section 3 of this course you will cover these topics:
     The Lawsuit: Preparations For Trial
     The Lawsuit: Litigation And Discovery Procedures Learning Objectives
     Family Law
  In Section 4 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Wills, Trusts, And Probate
     Business Organizations
     Real Estate
  In Section 5 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Criminal Law
     Legal Research
     Getting A Job

Introduction To Courts (LLS-887)

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS COURSE
  In Section 1 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Courts, Crime And Controversy
     Law And Crime
     Federal Courts
     State Courts
  In Section 2 of this course you will cover these topics:
     The Dynamics Of Courthouse Justice
     Prosecutors
     Defense Attorneys
     Judges
  In Section 3 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Defendants And Victims
     Arrest To Arraignment
     Bail
     Disclosing And Suppressing Evidence
  In Section 4 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Negotiated Justice And The Plea Of Guilty
     Trials And Juries
     Sentencing Options
     Sentencing Decisions
  In Section 5 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Appellate Courts
     The Lower Courts
     Juvenile Courts

Introduction To Legal Studies (LES-167)

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS COURSE
  In Section 1 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Paralegals: A Profession Evolves
     Careers In Law Firms And Beyond
     Paralegal Ethics And Other Professional Issues
  In Section 2 of this course you will cover these topics:
     The Law: Its Source And Application
     Legal Persons, Property, Contracts And Crimes
  In Section 3 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Interviewing And Investigations
     Tort Law And The Indispensable Specialty: Civil Litigation
  In Section 4 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Basics Of Legal Research And Writing
     Computer Basics For Paralegals
  In Section 5 of this course you will cover these topics:
     The Paralegal Role In Family, Probate, Bankruptcy And Administrative Law
     Identifying--And Getting--The Right Job For You

Fundamentals Of Commercial Law (LES-410)

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS COURSE
  In Section 1 of this course you will cover these topics:
     The American Legal System
     Criminal V. Civil Wrongs
     Contracts And The Law Of Sales
  In Section 2 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Commercial Paper
     Real Property
     Personal Property
  In Section 3 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Law Of Agency
     Business Organizations
  In Section 4 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Employment Law
     Bankruptcy
  In Section 5 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Administrative Law
     Banking

Computers And Law (LES-630)

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS COURSE
  In Section 1 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Technology In The Law Office
     Computer Hardware And Software
     The Internet And Electronic Mail
  In Section 2 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Electronic Research
     Word Processing
     Electronic Spreadsheets
  In Section 3 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Electronic Databases
     The Paperless Office
     Office Management Software
  In Section 4 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Case Organization And Management Software
     Electronic Discovery
     Litigation Support
  In Section 5 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Presentation And Trial Graphics
     The Electronic Courthouse

Introduction To Contract Law (LES-827)

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS COURSE
  In Section 1 of this course you will cover these topics:
     The Study Of Contract Law
     Foundation Of The Contract
     Elements Of Formation, Part I
  In Section 2 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Elements Of Formation, Part Ii
     Problems Of Formation
     Discharge Of The Contract
  In Section 3 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Remedies When The Contract Is Not Honored
     Formation Of The Sales Agreement
     Discharge Under The Sales Agreement
  In Section 4 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Discharge Of The Sales Agreement
     Ucc Financing Statements
     Reviewing A Contract
  In Section 5 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Contract Language
     Commercial Paper

Introduction To Criminal Law (LES-850)

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS COURSE
  In Section 1 of this course you will cover these topics:
     What Is Criminal Law?
     What Is A Crime?
     Crimes Against The Person: Murder
  In Section 2 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Crimes Against The Person: Violence
     Crimes Against Property
     Treason, Terrorism, And Wartime Criminal Justice
  In Section 3 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Crimes Against The State
     Social Crimes
     Common Law Defenses
  In Section 4 of this course you will cover these topics:
     Constitutional Rights Before Arrest
     Constitutional Rights After Arrest
  In Section 5 of this course you will cover these topics:
     The Constitutional Right To Trial By Jury
     Constitutional Rights Post-Conviction

Introduction To Constitutional Law (LES-871)

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS COURSE
  In Section 1 of this course you will cover these topics:
  In Section 2 of this course you will cover these topics:
  In Section 3 of this course you will cover these topics:
  In Section 4 of this course you will cover these topics:
  In Section 5 of this course you will cover these topics: