Knowledge of the law and the legal system is important for individuals in a wide array of careers, from financial advisors to computer scientists, from health administrators to social workers, from news reporters to novelists, from union representatives to personnel administrators, from law enforcement officials to court administrators, as well as lobbyists, politicians and beyond. Students who choose to minor in legal studies gain an understanding of the American legal systems; how law is created, applied and interpreted and engage in the critical analysis of the way in which the law operates in society.

Quick Facts

Credit Hours
15

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!

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.

star no. 1
Voted No. 1 public regional university in Illinois
2020 - 2024

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.

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.

Median Annual Wage $62,890
Wage Range $44,740 – $101,500
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent

Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

Perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. May also assist with lega

Median Annual Wage $55,570
Wage Range $36,500 – $91,730
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
Typical Education: Associate’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Post-secondary certificate

Legal Support Workers, All Other

All legal support workers not listed separately.

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

Judicial Law Clerks

Assist judges in court or by conducting research or preparing legal documents.

Median Annual Wage $64,920
Wage Range $46,180 – $113,140
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Doctoral degree

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers

Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments p

Median Annual Wage $58,650
Wage Range $38,170 – $90,830
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: High school diploma or equivalent, Post-secondary certificate, Bachelor’s degree
Say #YestoUIS
Hidden
Yes
No
2026-08-24
UIS AI Chat