New Law and Legal Studies undergraduate program slated for Fall 2027 to expand bachelor’s degree offerings
Tempe, Ariz., June 16, 2026 – Rio Salado College is preparing to introduce a new bachelor’s degree in 2027: Law and Legal Studies. Maricopa Community Colleges announced the program, alongside two others (Exercise Science and Health Services Leadership) at sister colleges, in a press release on Tuesday, June 16.
The new degree programs are part of a multi-year effort to increase access to high-quality, workforce-aligned bachelor’s pathways across the 10-college system, helping meet the needs of students and employers while addressing labor shortages in growing industries.
“The Bachelor of Applied Science in Law and Legal Studies was developed with student opportunity and workforce needs at the heart of the program," said Dr. Kate Smith, president of Rio Salado College. "By combining a strong foundation in the American legal system with specialized pathways aligned to Arizona’s paraprofessional licensure areas, this program gives students a clear and affordable route to advance their education and prepare for in-demand careers.”
Pending approval from the Higher Learning Commission, students will be able to register for the new programs beginning Spring 2027.
Law and Legal Studies graduates will not only be assets to employers across industries; they will also address an important community need by expanding access to justice through the delivery of legal services, said Laura Liuzzo, faculty chair for Administration of Justice and Paralegal studies at Rio Salado College.
“Law is a foundational part of nearly every profession and every aspect of our communities,” she said. “Whether our graduates pursue careers in business, public service, healthcare, human resources, education, advocacy, or the legal field, they will bring valuable skills in critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making.”
Balancing the Scales of Justice
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Law and Legal Studies at Rio Salado College will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the American legal system, its institutions, and the role of law in governing society. This program will prepare students to serve as Legal Paraprofessionals (LP) and in legal-adjacent roles. As licensed legal providers in Arizona, LPs are authorized to give legal advice, sign pleadings, and represent clients in court within specific practice areas.
As part of the program, students may also select degree specializations to prepare for their LP licensure in Arizona in areas including family, civil, criminal, administrative, and probate law. Arizona is pioneering the LP role, providing a new career pathway and licensure level to help expand access and address gaps in accessing justice and legal services.
How it Started
In 2023, Rio Salado began enrolling students in two bachelor’s degree programs: a BA in Elementary Education/Special Education and a BAS in Public Safety Administration. Nearly three dozen students have since graduated with the degrees and hundreds more are on the pathway to completion.
In 2023, Maricopa Community Colleges introduced bachelor’s degrees with seven workforce-aligned programs. Expansions in 2024 and 2025 brought the total to 11. This academic year, the system celebrated a record-breaking commencement season with more than 300 bachelor’s graduates— bringing the total to 600 since the first programs launched in Fall 2023.
“Maricopa Community Colleges have always been a pioneering force in the Valley,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Chancellor of the 10-college system. “In only three years, we have successfully launched 11 bachelor’s degree programs and celebrated graduates from nine of the programs. Today, bachelor’s degrees have become integrated into our offerings, providing the smart next step for students completing their associate degrees. We are no longer just an option, but rather the most affordable option for a bachelor’s degree in Maricopa County.”
Since launching the bachelor’s degrees, Maricopa Community Colleges has kept tuition rates frozen. Students pay $97 per credit hour for lower-division courses and $145.50 per credit hour for upper-division courses. As a result of these affordable rates, along with scholarships and grants, 93% of students attending the system’s 10 colleges graduate debt-free.
Learn more about the Valley’s most affordable bachelor’s degrees at maricopa.edu
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