Online Graduate Certificate: Legal Studies
Legal Studies
College of Law
Program Overview
Ready to further your career and education in the field of Legal Studies? The University of Tennessee, Knoxville offers an online Graduate Certificate in Legal Studies. This distance learning program is offered to graduate students via the College of Law. Online students will acquire and develop skills in legal research, legal analysis, legal communication, and more.
The Graduate Certificate in Legal Studies is intended for working professionals and graduate/Ph.D. students whose fields intersect with the law and who would benefit from legal studies, but do not wish to pursue the J.D.
Credit Hours
15
Cost Per Credit Hour*
In-State $744
Out-of-State $819
Modality
Asynchronous & Synchronous
Admission Terms
Fall, Spring, Summer
Further Your Career With a Graduate Certificate in Legal Studies
Obtaining a Graduate Certificate in Legal Studies opens the door to a range of disciplines, allowing you to pursue professional opportunities, like:
- Human Resource Professional
- Paralegal
- Compliance Officer
- Higher Education Administrator
- Cybersecurity Expert
- Forensic Social Worker
- Police Officer
- Business Professional
Featured Courses
LAW 503: Structure and Operation of the American Legal System
Introduces non-JD students to the structure of the American legal system and basics of U.S. law. Topics include:
- An introduction and comparison of both common and civil law legal systems
- An overview of basic United States constitutional structure on both the federal and state level, including instruction on the role of administrative agencies and rules and regulations as well as statutes and case law
- An introduction to the United States court structure
- A summary of first-year and required JD classes.
LAW 504: Introduction to Legal Reasoning and Communication
Introduces non-JD students to the process of legal reasoning and communication. Topics include:
- Critical reading and understanding of legal authorities
- Synthesis of legal authorities
- Recognition of legal issues
- Legal research
- Legal analysis
- Legal communication, including the drafting of memoranda and oral communication.
Elective Courses
LAW 515: Alternative Dispute Resolution
Introduces non-JD students to various alternatives to the conventional trial process. Introduces the theories underlying the operation of these processes and requires role-play negotiations, mediations, and other simulated processes with opportunities for feedback from a faculty member and self-evaluation.
LAW 506: Contracts: Legal Analysis & Drafting
Introduces non-JD students to the basic agreement process and legal protections afforded contract. Topics include issues relating to formation of contracts (offer, acceptance, consideration, and other bases for enforcing promises); the Statute of Frauds; formation defenses (unconscionability, mistake, misrepresentation, fraud, and duress); issues arising after contract formation, including interpretation; duty of good faith; conditions, impracticability and frustration of purpose; remedies; third party beneficiaries; assignment and delegation; and coverage of sales of goods.
