Learn law with online courses and programs
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.
Why learn law?
Laws are the rules that organize societies. By studying law, you can learn about fundamental legal principles, legal research, and documentation. Learning law can also help you understand environmental, public health, animal welfare, and human rights issues.
Learning law can be intellectually challenging and may help you make a difference in the lives of others. Whether you want to pursue a career as a lawyer or simply determine how a particular aspect of the law works, learning law can be beneficial. You can use your law background in various occupations, including business, communications, social work, and human resources careers.
Types of online law programs
edX offers a variety of ways to learn law. Choose the law program that aligns with your interests, ambitions, time constraints, and budget.
Law courses
Law courses can help beginners or current legal professionals build upon their knowledge without investing much time or money. From introductory classes to focused, topic-based programs, law courses cover many topics, including intellectual property policies, computer science for lawyers, and international human rights law.
edX courses are free, but you can upgrade your enrollment to include graded assessments, a verified certificate of completion, and unlimited access to course materials, starting at $50. Courses can typically be completed within 2–6 weeks.
Professional certificates
Earning a law certificate can help you enhance your résumé, stand out to potential employers, and advance your career. Law certificates available on edX cover topics such as European Union law, asylum and refugee law, governance and regulation, access to information, and media viability.
edX Professional Certificates start at $500 and can typically be completed within 2–10 months.
Executive education
Legal executive education programs can help current or aspiring managers and executives deepen their legal expertise and sharpen their leadership skills. These expert-led programs in commercial, contract, tax, policy, regulation, or data law can help professionals learn about the legal issues relevant to their industry.
edX Executive Education programs generally start at around $2,500 and can be completed within 6–8 weeks.
Degrees
Legal degree programs offered through edX are available at both the bachelor's and master's levels. A law degree is best for learners who want to pursue a full-time legal career. A bachelor's in criminal justice or paralegal studies could help you jump-start your career, while a master of legal studies or a master of laws (LLM) can deepen your expertise and expand your professional opportunities.
Online law degree programs can take 2–8 years to complete.
Browse online 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
Related Topics
Law career paths 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 call for 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
Paralegal
Paralegals assist lawyers by performing tasks such as maintaining files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents. They may help lawyers prepare for hearings and trials. Some employers may prefer to hire paralegals who have earned a paralegal certification program or a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies.
Specialized, optional certifications are also available in areas such as criminal law, litigation, and corporations.
- Required education: Associate degree
- Median annual salary (2024): $61,010
Arbitrator, mediator, and conciliator
Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators negotiate with clients to resolve conflicts outside the court system. They are impartial parties who hear disputes and make decisions. Organizations such as the American Arbitration Association, the National Association of Certified Mediators, and the Institute for Christian Conciliation offer optional certifications.
- Required education: Bachelor's degree
- Median annual salary (2024): $67,710
Learn law online with edX
Learn foundational legal concepts or advance your expertise with offerings from top universities and institutions. Discover top online law courses and programs offered through edX.
More opportunities for you to learn
We've added 500+ learning opportunities to create one of the world's most comprehensive free-to-degree online learning platforms.