Get GCU BA Government, Legal Studies Emphasis the Quick Way

Why GCU’s BA in Government with Emphasis in Legal Studies is Perfect for Degree Hacking

GCU’s BA in Government with an Emphasis in Legal Studies pairs political science with core legal foundations and is offered online, making it ideal for adult learners. Generous transfer pathways and frequent start dates simplify acceleration without sacrificing academic quality.

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Here’s why this degree lends itself to smart acceleration:

Built for Busy Adults: Flexible, Transfer‑Friendly

• Online courses offered in 7–8-week blocks that can fit full‑time work

• Allows extensive transfer credit toward the 120 required credits

• Accepts credit‑by‑exam options like CLEP and DSST when applicable

Career & Legal Foundations You Can Apply

• Training across constitutional, civil and criminal law plus policy analysis

• Emphasis on legal research, writing, and ethical reasoning

• Preparation to engage with law‑related work or future graduate study

Why Most People Take 3–4 Years (And How to Do It in 6–12 Months)

Why Most People Take 3–4 Years:

Many students follow a default plan and pay for courses they could have transferred or tested out of. With a little planning, you can dramatically shorten both time and cost without cutting corners.

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Here’s what we see a lot:

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• They underuse transfer: Students bring in too few credits, leaving lots of lower‑level work to finish at university rates.

• They skip credit‑by‑exam: CLEP/DSST exams that could satisfy basics are overlooked or delayed.

• They enroll before mapping: Without a course‑by‑course plan, sequencing issues add extra terms.

• They keep gen eds in‑house: Paying university tuition for widely transferable general education adds cost and time.

Here's what degree hackers do that others don't:

• Plan first: Build a course‑equivalency map before applying so every outside credit lands where it should.

• Stack alternatives: Use ACE/NCCRS courses and CLEP/DSST exams to replace lower‑level requirements at low cost.

• Reserve GCU time: Keep upper‑division legal studies and capstone at GCU for quality and alignment.

• Result: 6 months for $14,550 total tuition fee

Your BA in Government with Legal Studies does not need four years or full‑freight pricing. Degree hacking trims excess time and focuses your time and money where it matters most.

Strategy Guide: Tips on How to Hack GCU BA in Government with Emphasis in Legal Studies Program

These steps come from real transfer evaluations and student pacing data. The goal is to outsource affordable, transferable credits first, then complete upper‑level legal studies efficiently at GCU.

GCU BA in Government with Emphasis in Legal Studies Pre‑Enrollment Hacks:

• Load up on affordable credits - Use Study.com for lower‑level gen eds and survey courses, typically for their $95/month for the College Starter plan and $235/month for the College Saver plan to bank ACE/NCCRS credits before you enroll at GCU.

• Use for-credit exams smartly - Knock out basics with CLEP/DSST, usually $97 for CLEP exams and $100 per DSST exam plus a test‑center fee, to save both time and tuition.

• Request a Lopes Credit Evaluation - Get GCU’s transcript review early so you see exactly what will transfer and what still remains.

• Build a custom map - Use DegreeHacked.org to assemble a personalized 120‑credit plan with contingencies before you apply.

GCU BA in Government with Emphasis in Legal Studies Degree Hacking Plan

BA in Government with Emphasis in Legal Studies Transfer Credits: What Transfers and What Doesn’t

GCU evaluates prior college courses, ACE/NCCRS‑recommended learning, and selected credit‑by‑exam scores for transfer into the 120‑credit BA. Lower‑division credits are the best candidates to complete externally, while upper‑division legal studies and the capstone should be taken at GCU for alignment and faculty support.

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Below is a high‑level 120-credit map you can target:

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• 34–40 Credits: General Education courses (highly transferable)

• 40 Credits: Major government courses (mostly GCU only)

• 36-42 Credits: Open electives (highly transferable)

• 4 Credits: Government capstone (GCU only)

GCU BA in Government with Legal Studies Emphasis Requirements: Course Transfer Strategy

Why Degree Hacking Works for GCU Legal Studies Students:

• Bigger Wins Per Dollar: Replace commoditized lower‑level credits with low‑cost alternatives so you pay GCU mainly for advanced courses.

• Speed Without Confusion: Short 7–8-week blocks and a mapped plan help you stack completions quickly.

• Focus Where It Matters: Keep upper‑division legal studies at GCU for rigor, faculty mentorship, and capstone alignment.

Ready for Your Complete Plan?

Here’s what your end‑to‑end roadmap includes:

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✓ 120‑credit map with course‑by‑course transfer targets

✓ ACE/NCCRS, CLEP/DSST provider and exam IDs

✓ Itemized cost range and realistic 6–12 month timeline

✓ Backup paths if a course or exam changes

Applying to GCU for the BA in Government with Emphasis in Legal Studies

When to Apply: Best Timing for Enrollment

Apply after you have banked as many transferable credits as possible, so your remaining terms focus on upper‑division legal studies and the capstone. GCU’s frequent online start dates make it easy to time enrollment to your plan.

GCU Admissions and Transfer Logistics

• Apply online and request official transcripts for evaluation

• Use the Lopes Credit Evaluation to preview how credits may apply

• Typical evaluations are returned quickly once all records are received

GCU Tuition and Other Aid Information

• Online undergraduate per‑credit pricing: $485/credit

• Reduced tuition is available for eligible active duty and reserve military. FAFSA and GCU financial aid is also available

• Maximizing transfer and credit‑by‑exam can lower overall tuition significantly

GCU BA in Government, Legal Studies Career ROI

• Median annual salary: Paralegals and Legal Assistants, $61,010

• Degree payback time: ~3-4 months at the median salary, assuming 30 credits

• Roles: Policy Support, Legal Assistant, Legislative Aide, Compliance Support

• Strong writing, research, and civic literacy skills valued across public and private sectors