Acquire knowledge in fundamental legal issues and study legal developments that schools are likely to encounter.

The purpose of the Legal Aspects of Education certificate program is to prepare collaborative, proactive educational leaders committed to improving the quality of educational legal knowledge in a variety of organizational contexts. The Legal Aspects certificate program is designed to acquaint UIS students with fundamental legal issues that impact Illinois elementary and secondary school districts. Adequate preparation as a professional educator requires exposure to a variety of the legal components affecting elementary and secondary education.

Quick Facts

Tuition
Online: $4,611/yr*
Duration
1 year
Credit Hours
12

Calendar

Don't miss an important date or deadline

Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar

Now Enrolling

Apply by Date:
August 10, 2026

Start Date:
August 24, 2026

Apply Today!

Tuition & Aid

UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.

Tuition Estimates

Online $4,611/yr*

Based on 12 credit hours over 1 year.

*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.

Admissions

Applying to UIS is simple

We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.

 

Review admission requirements

No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.

International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.

Complete your application

An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.

Send your official transcripts

Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Submit required statements/writing sample

If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.

Pay your application fee

You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.

Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;

International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.

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Courses & Catalog Information

Career Outlook & Potential Earnings

Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors

Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.

Median Annual Wage $64,330
Wage Range $45,020 – $104,770
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Associate’s degree

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, an

Median Annual Wage $104,590
Wage Range $64,560 – $215,620
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Doctoral degree, Bachelor’s degree

Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary

Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.

Median Annual Wage $105,870
Wage Range $76,280 – $167,770
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Judgment and Decision Making
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Post-master’s certificate

Special Education Teachers, Preschool

Teach academic, social, and life skills to preschool-aged students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have vis

Median Annual Wage $64,830
Wage Range $45,620 – $130,040
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Bright Outlook

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

Median Annual Wage $123,860
Wage Range $73,390 – $224,340
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Associate’s degree

Special Education Teachers, Middle School

Teach academic, social, and life skills to middle school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visu

Median Annual Wage $66,810
Wage Range $49,420 – $102,510
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Learning
  • Active Listening
  • Instructing
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
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