Many professionals need a comprehensive understanding of what the legal system is, how it works, how it interrelates with social change and how it assists people in asserting their rights. The Master of Arts in Legal Studies addresses these needs within the framework of an interdisciplinary liberal arts education and is well-suited for students who are pursuing professions where the practical knowledge of the law and legal system is required.
Learning Outcomes
- Outline the functional structure and operation of the American legal system.
- Develop skills in legal research and case analysis.
- Understand principles of constitutional law and ethics.
- Apply legal knowledge to advocacy and policy issues
- Develop the skills necessary to conduct and critique legal and sociolegal research.
- Use social and legal theories to explain legal phenomena.
- Effectively critique and construct legal arguments.
- Develop expository and advocacy-oriented writing skills.
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
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
$6,408/yr*
Online
$6,917/yr*
Based on 36 credit hours over 2 years.
*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.
Ways to Save on Tuition
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.
Voted No. 1 public regional university in Illinois
2020 - 2024
Courses & Catalog Information
At the University of Illinois Springfield, you'll find a wide range of courses tailored to your interests and career goals. Explore your program details and get all the essential information you need to plan your future.
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.
Compliance Managers
Bright OutlookPlan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.
Median Annual Wage
$141,900
Wage Range
$74,300 – $238,270
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.
Median Annual Wage
$80,730
Wage Range
$48,220 – $133,720
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent
Financial Examiners
Bright OutlookEnforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.
Median Annual Wage
$94,160
Wage Range
$56,230 – $174,200
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.
Median Annual Wage
$80,730
Wage Range
$48,220 – $133,720
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, Post-secondary certificate
Construction and Building Inspectors
Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be
Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.
Median Annual Wage
$74,690
Wage Range
$47,140 – $114,200
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
High school diploma or equivalent, Post-secondary certificate, Bachelor’s degree
Agricultural Inspectors
Inspect agricultural commodities, processing equipment, and facilities, and fish and logging operations, to ensure compliance with regulations and laws governing health, quality, and safety.
Median Annual Wage
$49,940
Wage Range
$37,020 – $79,580
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree, Associate’s degree
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