Some schools offer arts programs in legal subjects such as law and society. Many of these programs are available online, through online-only schools as well as regular schools with distance education programs. Law and society courses deal with subjects such as constitutional law, legal history, law and politics, and social issues. Pre-law studies programs deal with subjects such as torts, contracts and criminal law, albeit in a way that is much simpler than the law school approach.
Legal studies programs expose students to general topics in law. These programs are sometimes offered at online schools, as their subject matter is general enough to not require in-class instruction. Topics covered in these programs may include areas of law, the legal industry, legal technology and ethics in law.
Some online schools offer career-oriented bachelor's degrees in law. While these programs are no substitute for law school, they can prepare students for careers as paralegals or legal assistants. Students who take online paralegal degrees usually study many of the same subjects that law students study, albeit in a simplified manner that places emphasis on practical skills. It is also possible to take courses leading toward a professional law degree online, although it is difficult to complete an entire J.D. by this method.
Some online schools offer interdisciplinary programs between law and other subjects. When a student does a bachelor's degree in law conjointly with a bachelor's degree in another subject, he is awarded two separate degrees upon graduation. However, the degree requirements for each subject are relaxed somewhat to allow the student to complete the degree in a timely fashion. Popular "second subjects" for joint degrees in law include business, journalism and political science. Many of these programs are offered at online schools specializing in social sciences.