What can you do with a Legal Studies degree from Grand Valley State University?

First, some facts. Of the Legal Studies graduates from Grand Valley State 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 Grand Valley State University have about the same likelihood of finding work in this field as the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 67%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 10% 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 a Bachelors degree is enough for most Legal Studies graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Legal Studies graduate from Grand Valley State University and our analysis:


Relevance score: 33%

We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2022 from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Legal Studies. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Legal Intern
Alles Law
Jan 2022 - Apr 2022
As a Legal Intern at Alles Law, the position directly applies skills and knowledge from the Legal Studies degree, making it highly relevant.

Teacher
Carepointe Academy
Apr 2023 - Present
The role of a Teacher at Carepointe Academy does not utilize the specific legal knowledge or skills acquired from a Legal Studies degree, indicating no relevance.

Legal Assistant
Podlaski LLP
Mar 2024 - Present
Working as a Legal Assistant at Podlaski LLP requires applying legal knowledge and skills on a daily basis, making it directly relevant to the individuals degree in Legal Studies.

ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Legal Studies degree from Grand Valley State University?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


From analyzing the job histories of graduates with a degree in Legal Studies from Grand Valley State University, it seems like the most common roles they’ve taken on are paralegal or legal assistant positions. These jobs often involve directly applying the legal knowledge and skills learned during their degree, such as handling documentation, understanding legal processes, and conducting research. Paralegals and legal assistants typically function in law firms or legal departments, where their roles are very much aligned with the core competencies of a Legal Studies program.

However, there’s a noticeable trend where some graduates end up in jobs that aren’t directly related to law, such as roles in marketing, finance, or even education. Positions like Casualty Claims Representative or Mortgage Banker, for example, may involve some understanding of legal principles but don’t require a deep legal background. Overall, while many graduates do find jobs that are highly relevant to their studies, a fair number drift into fields where their legal training isn't put to the best use. It's a mixed bag, showcasing both the versatility of a Legal Studies degree and the reality that many end up in roles not exclusively tied to its core focus.

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 Grand Valley State University):

What kind of career trajectories do Legal Studies graduates from Grand Valley State University have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

From what I've gathered, graduates of Legal Studies at Grand Valley State University seem to generally kick off their careers in various legal and related fields after graduation. For many of them, their first jobs tend to be in entry-level legal positions like paralegals or legal assistants. For instance, several graduates took roles as paralegals or legal assistants right away, while others found positions in related industries like claims management or mortgage banking. In these early stages, it's common for them to encounter diverse roles that still tie back to their Legal Studies background, even if they stray a bit from traditional law careers.

Looking five to ten years down the line, many graduates appear to continue building on these foundational roles. You can spot a few who have moved up the ladder in their legal careers, transitioning into more senior positions such as Senior Resolution Managers or Paralegal leads. However, there are also graduates who have taken a turn into unrelated fields, like marketing or teaching, which indicates a mix of experiences—some following a clear legal path and others opting for careers elsewhere. Overall, while many do find success in legal or law-related jobs, there's a notable number who veer off to different sectors, illustrating that while a degree in Legal Studies can open doors, it doesn’t lock you into a single career trajectory. So, if you're considering this degree, keep in mind the diverse paths you could take!

How hard is a Legal Studies degree from Grand Valley State University?

Hey! So, a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, like the one at Grand Valley State University, can definitely vary in difficulty depending on your interests and strengths. Generally speaking, it’s considered to be on the easier side compared to some other majors, especially if you enjoy reading and writing. You’ll dive into a lot of legal principles, cases, and maybe some research work, which is pretty manageable if you stay organized and keep up with your readings. That said, if you’re not into law or really dislike essay writing, it can feel a bit more challenging. Overall, though, if you have a good handle on your study habits and you're curious about law, it shouldn't be too tough!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Legal Studies.

Do Legal Studies graduates from Grand Valley State University tend to make good money?

Looking at the job paths of these Legal Studies grads from Grand Valley State University, it seems like they’ve had a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to making decent money. Some, like the one who worked their way up to a Senior Resolution Manager, probably saw a good paycheck along the way, especially with roles at established companies like Gallagher Bassett. Others, however, have had jobs like paralegal and administrative roles which typically don’t pay as well, especially at the entry level. It's also clear that some of the newer grads are still trying to find their footing, with internships earlier in their careers, so they might not be raking in the big bucks just yet. Overall, it looks like a few might be doing pretty well, but many are still climbing the ladder.

What buzzwords do Legal Studies graduates use to describe themselves?

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 Grand Valley State University). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Legal Studies?

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