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Explore top online law courses

Studying law can help you understand the rules that govern society and build transferable skills for a range of careers. Discover law courses, degree programs, and potential career paths in our guide.

Key takeaways

  • Taking law courses can strengthen research, writing, and critical thinking skills through flexible, expert-led online learning.
  • Practical legal skills are valuable in business, human resources, and criminal justice careers across a range of industries.
  • Online law courses and certificates from edX can help you prepare for law school, start a legal career, or build in-demand skills at your own pace.

Popular online law courses with certificates

What you'll learn in law

Studying law can help you understand the principles and systems that shape how societies function. You may explore areas such as legal research, contracts, and public policy while building knowledge you can apply across industries.

This knowledge can support a range of career paths in fields such as business, social work, communications, and human resources. Whether you plan to pursue a legal career or build foundational skills, learning law can provide practical, transferable value.

Why learn law?

  • Prepare for legal careers: While becoming a lawyer requires a graduate degree, edX law courses can help you build practical skills for roles such as paralegal or help you determine whether law is the right path for you.
  • Build legal knowledge: Understanding the law can help you advance in fields like finance, international business, human resources, and more.
  • Strengthen research and writing skills: Law courses can help you develop in-demand legal research and writing abilities through structured, university-backed learning.

Browse online Law Certificates

Find new interests and advance your career opportunities

Stand out in your field

Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.

Learn at your own pace

On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.

Earn a valuable credential

Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.

Certificates

Law careers and salaries

While you must have a juris doctor (JD) degree to become a lawyer, you can qualify for other jobs in the legal field, such as paralegal and arbitrator, with a bachelor's degree. However, many of these positions require state licensure or certification.

Find a few of the career paths you can qualify for by learning law, including salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Lawyer

Lawyers provide legal advice and represent clients in legal settings. They interpret laws, prepare legal documents, negotiate agreements, and conduct research. Lawyers must pass the bar exam and be licensed in the states where they wish to practice.

Optional certifications are also available for lawyers who wish to specialize in areas such as information systems security, fraud, and finance.

  • Required education: JD
  • Median annual salary (2024): $151,160

Why learn law online with edX

edX helps learners around the world grow their skills and careers. Join our learning community today!

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global learners, in nearly every industry, are upskilling with edX.
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of edX learners have seen professional growth after earning a certificate.
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professionals have had their lives changed through Executive Education.
42K
edX learners have already found their degree program this year.

How to get started in law

Studying law can unlock careers across industries. You don't need to attend law school to begin. Online courses can help you build foundational knowledge, develop practical skills, and explore legal career paths at your own pace.

1. Build a foundation in legal principles

Start with introductory courses covering legal systems, court structures, and core concepts like legal research and writing. These courses build critical thinking and help you understand how laws are created, interpreted, and applied.

Featured courses


Explore law programs

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a degree to work in law?

No, you don't need a degree to work in law. While lawyers must hold a JD to practice law, many legal careers do not require a degree. For example, paralegals and legal assistants can work with a professional certification.

How long does it take to learn law and become a lawyer?

It takes about seven years to learn law if your goal is to become a lawyer. This includes completing a four-year bachelor's degree followed by a three-year Juris Doctor (JD) program, the standard path to practicing law.

However, if you only want a basic understanding of legal concepts, you can learn the fundamentals in 2-6 weeks through short online courses on edX. More advanced edX programs, such as executive education programs, generally take 6-20+ weeks.

What can you do with a law certificate?

A law certificate can help you work in fields like legal assisting, human resources, compliance, or contract administration. While these roles do not require a law degree, a certificate strengthens the legal research and writing skills needed to work in these fields.

Can I study law online?

Yes. Whether you want to begin your journey toward becoming a lawyer, pursue paralegal studies, or simply learn how the law works, you can find courses and programs online that meet your educational needs and fit your schedule. If you plan to take the bar exam, check that your online program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Are online law programs worth it?

An online law degree program can be worth it for learners who:

  • Need to fit formal education into a busy schedule.
  • Prefer the convenience and affordability of online learning.
  • Can't commute to a physical college campus.
  • Can reliably manage online lessons and assignments.
  • Find an accredited program that aligns with their professional goals.
What jobs can I get with an online law degree?

Depending on the type of law degree you pursue, an online law degree can help you prepare for a career as a:

  • Lawyer
  • Paralegal
  • Arbitrator
  • Mediator
  • Conciliator
  • Policy analyst
  • Legal consultant
  • Compliance officer

Be sure to research your chosen career path before enrolling to see which online law degree program best suits you.