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First, some facts. Of the Legal Studies graduates from Florida Gulf Coast University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 10 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? On par with the average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 67%, Legal Studies graduates from Florida Gulf Coast University have about the same likelihood of finding work in this field as the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 50% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Legal Studies graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 60% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2022 from Florida Gulf Coast University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Legal Studies. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSummer Intern Woods, Weidenmiller, Michetti& Rudnick,PL May 2023 - Jul 2023 Summer Law Clerk  Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. May 2024 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGJuris Doctorate - JD CandidateAve Maria School of Law 2022 - 2025 ABOUTAspiring law student, father, and husband. I look forward to connecting with anyone who would needs my help. I would also like to connect with people who can guide me through the stages of my legal journeyAfter an almost twenty year hiatus, I returned to university to finish my education. I graduated FGCU Summa Cum Laude and am attending Ave Maria School of Law for my J.D. such that I may become an attorney. Recently completed an internship at Woods, Weidenmiller Michetti & Rudnick, LLP, in their Naples office. And I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to have begun developing my professional identity there.I worked in the food service industry for over twenty years. I started working in New York at Time Caf, worked at Union-Smith Caf in Brooklyn, and Life Caf in Alphabet City. I entered fine dinning with Inside Park at St. Bart's Church. I moved to Atlanta and worked at a phenomenal restaurant called La Pietra Cucina for a few years. I moved to Naples and began working at Pazzo! (2011), then Chops' City Grill (2014), and I worked there until May 2023.To me, my greatest achievement is being a parent of two wonderful children, and a loving husband to my amazing wife. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From analyzing the LinkedIn profiles of graduates from Florida Gulf Coast University with a degree in Legal Studies, it's clear that there are some common job types that pop up frequently. A significant number of graduates have found themselves in roles directly connected to the legal field, such as paralegals, legal assistants, and legal interns. These positions are definitely aligned with their studies and require the application of legal principles, showcasing a solid connection between their education and career paths. For instance, jobs like Bankruptcy Paralegal and Deputy State Public Defender not only utilize their legal knowledge but also reflect a natural progression in the legal profession.
On the flip side, there’s a surprisingly high number of individuals working in jobs that don’t relate to Legal Studies at all. Roles in customer service, retail management, and administrative support are quite common among graduates, indicating that many either chose a different career path post-graduation or found it challenging to secure legal-related positions right away. So, while some grads are kicking it in the legal arena, many others are off in completely different fields, which raises questions about the direct applicability of a Legal Studies degree in the job market. Overall, it seems that while some are successfully leveraging their education, a notable portion isn't finding their way into law-related careers immediately after graduation.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Legal Studies graduates (this is across all Legal Studies graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Florida Gulf Coast University):
Looking at the career trajectories of graduates from the Legal Studies program at Florida Gulf Coast University, there’s a mixed bag of outcomes after they finish their studies. Many of the early jobs they take tend to be related to the legal field, like paralegal positions or legal assistants, especially a few years after finishing their degree. For example, some graduates who started out as interns have quickly climbed up the ladder to roles like deputy public defender or staff attorney. However, it's worth noting that some individuals have veered off into different paths entirely, taking jobs unrelated to their degree such as administrative roles or even retail management.
Five to ten years out, you can definitely see a trend where those who stuck with the legal field have made significant strides in their careers. The ones who gained experience through internships and relevant entry-level positions tend to be in more established legal roles, like assistant city attorneys or district attorneys. But there are also quite a few who have found themselves in jobs that don’t really utilize their Legal Studies degree, indicating that while the program provides a solid foundation, the job market isn't always straightforward and can lead graduates in unexpected directions. So, overall, while many have gone on to have successful careers in law, some have found themselves in positions that feel less connected to their studies, highlighting the variability in the paths graduates take after college.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University, like any other college program, has its ups and downs. It’s not super easy, but it’s also not the toughest degree out there. You’ll dive into topics like law, research, and ethics, and while some folks might find it a bit challenging, especially with the writing and critical thinking involved, it’s definitely manageable if you stay organized and engaged. Plus, there’s a supportive community at FGCU, which makes it easier to ask for help when you need it. So, if you're genuinely interested in the material and willing to put in the effort, you'll probably find it to be a solid learning experience without being overly difficult.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Legal Studies.
So, looking at these FGCU grads and their job paths, it seems like the earlier ones, especially those from the class of 2012 and 2013, aren’t making a ton at the moment. Their jobs like receptionists and administrative roles usually pay on the lower end of the spectrum, you know? As you move down to the more recent grads, like those from 2017 onwards, they appear to be landing more respectable positions in the legal field with titles like “Assistant City Attorney” and “Deputy District Attorney.” These roles typically offer better salaries, suggesting they are on a better financial track. Overall, while some of the older grads might still be working their way up, it looks like the newer ones might be starting to get decent money in their legal careers.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Legal Studies (this is across all Legal Studies graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Florida Gulf Coast University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Legal Studies (ordered by the average relevance score of their Legal Studies graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 University of Central Florida
|
70 | 34 |
 University of California, Berkeley
|
67 | 15 |
 Grand Valley State University
|
67 | 10 |
 Florida Gulf Coast University
|
67 | 10 |
 St. John's University
|
63 | 16 |
 Kaplan University
|
50 | 11 |
 University of California, Santa Cruz
|
49 | 10 |