Quick Highlights:
- Our #1 ranked school for a bachelor’s in business law is University of Central Florida, followed by University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- Business law degrees equip students with skills to make legally sound decisions for businesses.
- Programs cover essential topics like legal systems, research, and professional ethics.
- Flexibility in electives allows students to tailor degrees to specific career goals.
- Opportunities include internships, minors, and certificates to enhance job marketability.
A business has the power to do most things that an individual person can do—earning a bachelor’s degree in business law will help you understand how businesses can make better decisions.
Whether you’re a business owner or want to pursue a degree in law, a business law degree will equip you with the skills necessary to help businesses make better (and more legally sound) decisions. Just as there are laws guiding human behavior, so, too, are there laws that dictate what businesses can and cannot do.
Business and law degrees can help prepare you for a rewarding career in law or business administration, enabling you to make savvy decisions that will benefit both you and those who work around you. This field is complex and ever-changing, a flexible discipline that will require you to be detail-oriented, analytically-minded—and on your toes at all times.
But is it right for you?
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What Are the Best Business Law Degrees?
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University of Central Florida
At the University of Central Florida, the first step toward a rewarding career in business law is to take the hands-on, all-encompassing course titled Law and the Legal System. After that, your opportunities are endless.
Although you will be required to take certain courses in a prescribed order, you will have extensive flexibility when it comes to your electives. Your choice of electives will enable you to truly customize your degree into a diploma that helps you meet your specific career goals.
Business law is just one field in which you can specialize when you choose to study in the legal studies program at the University of Central Florida. Available as a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts, the program includes core business law courses such as:
- Law and the Legal System
- Legal Research
- Legal Writing
- Professionalism and Civility in the Law
Before you graduate, you’ll have the opportunity to receive extensive hands-on training by completing either a capstone or an internship. You can choose to pursue a related minor, such as business, criminal justice, or sociology, or you can add on an additional certificate to enhance your marketability. Certificate options include litigation and advocacy, individual liberties, and urban real estate and development.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Located on historic Bascom Hill in the center of the scenic University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, the University of Wisconsin Law School is part of a world-class university in the state’s capital. This idyllic location is unrivaled in the opportunities it provides to students. Here, you’ll be able to explore a number of nationally recognized programs in several substantive areas.
Not only does the Law School have one of the largest clinical programs in the country, but it also offers a number of concentrations, dual degree programs, and certificate programs. All of these degrees emphasize skills-based learning, meaning you’ll graduate ready for practice and ready for success. This is due in part to the tutelage you will receive from the Law School’s nationally recognized faculty and staff.
These professionals work together, bringing together a variety of experiences and a wide range of backgrounds, to help you learn from the Law School’s distinctive law-in-action approach. You’ll become a confident, savvy lawyer who is ready to pursue a Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, or Doctor of Juridical Science degree.
The University of Wisconsin Madison is one of the best schools for business law. The Business Law concentration requires you to take core courses like:
- Business Organizations
- Accounting and Law
- Taxation
Students then move on to their choice of electives. You can take theoretical-based courses such as International Business Transactions or participate in more hands-on opportunities. You could complete a law internship or participate in a competition, such as the Kaufman Securities Law Competition, to help you build your expertise.
University of Arizona
The Bachelor of Arts in Law at the University of Arizona is the only one of its kind not just in the state of Arizona—but in the entire country. This degree is highly interdisciplinary, offered as a collaboration between the School of Government and Public Policy in the College of Social and Behavioral Science and the James E. Rogers College of Law.
The degree is meant to prepare highly-trained professionals who have legal expertise in a variety of career fields. You’ll get instruction from talented College of Law faculty in foundational areas like:
- contracts
- property
- criminal and civil procedure
- administrative law
You’ll also benefit from far-reaching classes in social science and policy.
You’ll graduate with the skills necessary to “think like a lawyer”—along with the hard knowledge you need to back up your communication chops. You’ll be able to take elective courses that will enable you to focus on areas of interest, too, including:
- Native American law
- environmental law
- employment law
You’ll be highly marketable for any job opportunity you decide to pursue.
University of Pittsburgh
Another highly interdisciplinary degree for you to consider is the Bachelor in Legal Studies at the University of Pittsburgh, offered by the College of General Studies. This degree is ideal for students who aren’t quite sure where they want their studies to take them, as it will help you to grow and develop on your own terms.
It’s one of the most transfer-friendly programs in the country and ideal for busy adults who want to fit a college education into their already hectic lives. Many courses are available online, and those that aren’t are offered with flexible scheduling. As a Legal Studies student, you’ll be able to engage in courses that will provide you with an enriching background for graduate work in business, law, and law-related fields like:
- social security
- social services
- insurance
You’re only required to take two core courses—Introduction to Legal Studies and Law and Politics. After that, you can choose from a myriad of electives to customize your degree, including options like:
- Consumer Law
- Trial Advocacy
- International Law
Of course, independent study and internship opportunities are available to all students, too.
Ohio University
Established as the state of Ohio’s first university in 1804, Ohio University is a school that continues to provide groundbreaking programs across all of its departments.
The business law degree at Ohio University is a pre-law major that prepares future business leaders for success. You’ll gain a working knowledge of the core concepts of business regulation and law so that you can manage your own business in a way that minimizes legal risk. You’ll take classes like:
- Law of Commercial Transactions
- Values
- Business Ethics
- Corporate Responsibility
- Accounting for Non-Business Entities
- Contemporary Professional Issues
If the potential to take these kinds of hands-on courses (and more!) at Ohio University doesn’t convince you, consider this—this top business law school has some of the most affordable tuition rates and best employment outcomes out of any school in the country. With a $0 tuition and fee increase over four years and 93% of graduates employed or in graduate school within one year of graduation, you can rest assured that Ohio University will help you get where you want to be in your career.
Florida International University
With a student body of nearly 57,000 students, it might sound like Florida International University is too large to provide each student with a personally tailored, customized experience.
That’s far from the case. Although the school is one of the top ten largest universities in the country, it offers learners a close-knit, highly cohesive education in a variety of fields. The Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies is one such example, allowing students to work closely with faculty advisors to select and pursue an area of interest.
This program is equipped with four thematic tracks:
- Health and Human Concerns
- Humanities and Cultural Traditions
- Education, Policy, and Community
- Law, Business, and Society
The law, business, and society track is perfect for students who wish to pursue immediate professional careers as well as those interested in law school training.
Your coursework in this program will be highly innovative and customizable. While a certain subset of liberal arts courses are required, you’ll also have the liberty to choose your own path by taking classes like:
- business ethics
- business and professional communication
- labor and globalization
Washington State University
From its nationally ranked academic programs to its affordable career preparation, Washington State University offers undergraduates everything they could possibly want out of a bachelor’s degree.
Here, you’ll be able to explore more than 200 different fields of study at a top-ranked research institution. One of the most popular is the business law track, available by pursuing a pre-law major in history, philosophy, or political science and choosing the related emphasis. The track is a great pathway for students who are interested in applying to law school either at Washington State or another university later on.
When you choose to pursue the business law specialty at Washington State University, you can take classes such as:
- Legal Environment of Business
- Business Law and Ethics
- Law and the Legal Environment of Business
Most students are also encouraged to complete a business law internship, which will allow them to work with a government, nonprofit, or business organization of their choosing.
Ball State University
The Legal Studies program at Ball State University is another one of the best for individuals who are interested in careers in:
- law
- government
- business
In fact, out of the more than 1000 programs for aspiring paralegals in the United States, this is one of fewer than 300 approved by the American Bar Association.
That’s not to say that you have to be working toward a career as a paralegal in order to benefit from this degree, however. The program is ideal for all kinds of professionals, including those thinking of careers in:
- civil and criminal litigation
- family law
- alternative dispute resolution
- business law
You’ll take a variety of courses in general law and can then choose to focus your studies in public law or business.
Choose the business law option, and you’ll be well prepared for a career in:
- business
- insurance
- accounting
- finance
- law office management
Core classes include Law and Economics and Advanced Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Complete this program, and you’ll put yourself on the right track for admission to law school at some of the country’s top law and business degree programs (including those at the University of Dayton and Notre Dame). In fact, many legal studies graduates receive either full or partial scholarships to attend law school.
Kansas State University
If you know you want to enter into a career in business law while studying at Kansas State University, you’ll have ample opportunity to do so when you choose to study in the pre-law program here. As a non-degree major, this program will enable you to complete any field of study along with pre-law coursework that will expose you to a wide variety of legal career options.
A highly interdisciplinary program, the degree serves more than 300 Kansas State students each year, including those in areas like political science and business disciplines. You’ll be able to attend law school after completing this degree, which will enable you to help start building your legal network. Graduates from this program have some of the best records when it comes to receiving competitive scholarships.
There are plenty of opportunities for experiential learning as part of this degree. You can engage in regular law firm visits and attend courtroom operations. The school is also home to a legal speaker series, with regular participants including intellectual property and patent law employers, among others. You can even participate in extensive law school networking opportunities, legal service projects, and LSAT preparation.
Bowling Green State University
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting at Bowling Green State University is unlike any other accounting program you’ve seen before. Ranked as the best in the state of Ohio, it can not only prepare you to work in a public or private accounting firm but will also enable you to pursue a concentration in business law.
This program offers a hands-on curriculum with courses like:
- economics
- accounting
- analytics
- legal studies
- finance
It is ranked in the top 5% of all business programs in the country, according to Bloomberg Businessweek, and is highly interdisciplinary. You’ll not only take core business courses in operations research, and business in the global arena but you’ll also complete a business core capstone course.
Not only that, but you’ll be able to participate in a wide array of career development opportunities, too. The College of Business has its own career center specifically for business students, with connections to more than 1600 employers around the country. Most students, upon graduation, have jobs waiting for them with salaries averaging $55,000 to $93,000 per year!
Webster University
At Webster University, you’ll benefit from yet another Bachelor of Science in accounting that will provide you with the core skills you need for a career in business, law, or corporate accounting. You will look closely at topics like:
- auditing
- federal taxes
- managerial costs
- business law
Students will develop a full understanding of the field with special internships and elective courses.
The degree offers a diversified background in business that is absolutely essential in a globally-and technology-driven environment. You’ll take specialized coursework that will enable you to complete both the CMA examination and the CPA examination, if you so choose, or you can go on to graduate school if you’d prefer to work directly in a legal setting.
Enroll in this program, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn in a more hands-on way. Students here regularly intern at some of the top companies in the country, such as Edward Jones, Liberty Mutual, and more. You’ll be able to network with these employers and many others at the regular Walker EDGE Internship Fair.
With this degree, you can choose to enhance your studies by pursuing one of many minors (options in finance, management, computer science, and business are some of the most popular) or to pursue a joint degree with one of the Walker School’s many other highly relevant programs.
Drexel University
The LeBow College of Business at Drexel University is regularly ranked as one of the top business schools not just in the country—but in the world. Here, you’ll find dozens of programs that will prepare you for success in business. It has been ranked highly by the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education, Princeton Review, and CEO Magazine.
Simply put, Drexel offers one of the best venues for aspiring business law professionals. The Legal Studies major is a subset of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Consisting of 180 total credit hours, the degree comes with numerous co-op options and addresses law as it relates to all aspects of life and business.
You’ll benefit from this program if you’re interested in a career in law, but it’s not just for candidates interested in law school. You’ll take a variety of courses in business as well, enabling you to pursue a variety of relevant careers. The curriculum is highly interwoven with the Master of Business Administration program at LeBow, too, allowing you to attend graduate school later on if so desired.
University of Miami
As one of the United States’ top research universities, the University of Miami is home to more than 17,000 students from all around the world. A diverse, vibrant community, the school is focused on teaching and learning as well as service to South Florida and beyond. Here, you’ll find 11 different colleges and schools that serve students in more than 180 different majors.
Although much of the school’s research funding is dedicated to the Miller School of Medicine, you’ll have extensive opportunities to learn in a more hands-on way as a student in the legal studies program, too. The University of Miami has one of the best corporate law schools in the country. Their BBA in Legal Studies explores legal institutions as well as the nature of legal discourse. Students also gain an understanding of the substantive principles of law. Courses are taught by distinguished faculty within the Business Law Department.
The program is flexible and cross-disciplinary, helping to prepare you for a variety of careers in:
- compliance
- general business
- government
- risk management
It also helps to lay the groundwork for professional studies of law.
You’ll have plenty of course options available to you, but some of the most popular major choice courses include:
- Legal Aspects of Real Estate Transactions
- International Business Law
- Legal and Social Aspects of Business Regulation
Stevenson University
Offered by the Brown School of Business at Stevenson University, the business administration program offers numerous tracks for aspiring business professionals. It’s one of more than 90 different majors, minors, and tracks offered by this university.
You can also pursue a number of minors or a BS/MS option as part of this degree. You’ll be able to earn a graduate degree in as little as one year of study after completing a bachelor’s degree! The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration will teach you how to formulate business solutions and critique ethical practices that affect businesses both in a domestic and global environment.
While studying at Stevenson, you’ll have access to a variety of resources. Among these is the planned New Applied Finance Lab. Here, you’ll be able to learn more about key financial technology platforms and how they apply both to business and business law as you complete your studies.
St John’s University
The Bachelor of Science in Business at St. John’s University is last on our list of the best schools for a business and law degree, but it’s certainly not the least. This program will provide you with a top-notch education in business along with interdisciplinary training in a variety of other fields.
In fact, you’ll be able to select up to seven advanced courses from your major disciplines in the Tobin College of Business. As a result, you’ll be able to complete a major that is flexible and career-focused. Later in your studies, you’ll be able to participate in one or more different internships and experiential courses to help you broaden your hands-on experience.
The curriculum is designed by top industry partners, alumni, and skilled faculty members. You’ll be poised for success when it comes time for career placement and recruitment. While law and business is the most popular track, including classes such as:
- Real Estate Law
- Law of Small Businesses
- Uniform Commercial Code
There are other tracks available, too, including service marketing, risk and advisory, and business data science.
Frequently Asked Questions
In pursuing a major in business law, you will prepare yourself with the legal skills necessary to work with businesses around the country. Before you graduate, you will gain the skills necessary to help negotiate and work with small businesses and large corporations alike. You will learn all the key details about the laws that govern business practices, from how businesses can sell and buy property, sue or be sued, and enter into contracts.
You might take classes that cover topics like:
• criminal law
• torts
• legal research
You could delve deeper into constitutional law, civil procedures, and legal writing, too. Although a business law major may not necessarily prepare you to become a courtroom lawyer in a traditional sense, it will give you the communication and leadership skills necessary to excel in a myriad of fields.
There are hundreds of different careers you could pursue as a business law major. Although many will require you to pursue advanced education beyond the bachelor’s degree (such as a master’s or J.D. degree), you can sometimes qualify for positions as soon as you graduate from a four-year program.
The most popular careers for business law majors are those as:
• real estate lawyers
• taxation attorneys
• corporate/securities attorneys
• intellectual property lawyers
You could also work in a field that will allow you to apply law in a business administration, political science, or law enforcement setting.
Because there are so many potential careers you could pursue with a degree in business law, your salary potential is likewise more or less unlimited.
Again, becoming a practicing lawyer in business law will likely require you to complete about three additional years of law school after you’ve completed your bachelor’s degree. You will need to take the bar exam before beginning work, in most cases, too.
The extra effort is more than worth it. In fact, the average annual wage for lawyers was around $127,990 in May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some of the highest-paid professionals work in legal services, which is where you are likely to find yourself with a degree in business law.
Decide to specialize in taxation or intellectual property, and your potential earnings could be even higher—these workers earn up to $171,184 per year, according to Payscale! There’s plenty of room for growth across the board, too. The employment of lawyers is expected to grow by 10% before 2031, which is faster than the national average.
For a career in business law, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Law, Business Administration, or a related field is a solid foundation. Many aspiring business lawyers then pursue a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, specializing in business or corporate law during their legal education. This educational path provides the knowledge and expertise needed to navigate the legal complexities of the business world.
A major in business law can be challenging as it involves studying legal principles, regulations, and their application in the business context. It requires critical thinking, analytical skills, and a strong understanding of legal frameworks. However, dedication and interest in the subject can make the learning process rewarding and prepare students for a career in business law.
Business law typically doesn’t require extensive math skills. While some legal fields may involve financial aspects that require basic math understanding, business law primarily focuses on legal principles, regulations, and their application to corporate transactions and operations. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills are more crucial in this field.