This minor covers the criminal justice system, criminological theory and social justice issues, preparing students for careers in law enforcement, policy and community service.

Quick Facts

Tuition
On-campus: $5,018*
Online: $5,790*
Credit Hours
15

Calendario

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:
Agosto 10, 2026

Start Date:
Agosto 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

On-campus $5,018*
Online $5,790*

*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.

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Median Annual Wage $76,590
Wage Range $45,000 – $140,240
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Doctoral degree, Post-secondary certificate

Forensic Science Technicians

Bright Outlook

Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to inve

Median Annual Wage $72,060
Wage Range $48,250 – $117,250
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
Typical Education: Post-secondary certificate, High school diploma or equivalent

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates

Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. May determine liability of d

Median Annual Wage $153,990
Wage Range $46,950 – $221,710
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
Typical Education: Doctoral degree, Professional degree, Post-doctoral training

Lawyers

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may pract

Median Annual Wage $159,670
Wage Range $78,360 – $351,600
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Doctoral degree, Professional degree

Sociologists

Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the beh

Median Annual Wage $106,030
Wage Range $65,160 – $172,550
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Active Learning
Typical Education: Doctoral degree, Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree

Social Workers, All Other

All social workers not listed separately.

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2026-08-24