The Legal Studies Bachelor’s Degree provides students with a fundamental knowledge of law and legal systems and the professional and scholarly skills needed for law school and many law-related careers. Students have the opportunity to interact with both the legislature and the state and federal courts in their classes and through internships. Students are also encouraged to participate in several experiential learning opportunities, including working with the Illinois Innocence Project, competing with the Mock Trial Team and participating in the Pre-Law Society.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop the analytical skills necessary to appreciate law as a social phenomenon.
- Develop an understanding of how laws are created, applied, interpreted and changed.
- Develop knowledge of substantive areas of the law.
- Develop experiential knowledge of professional legal environments.
- Develop skills in legal and socio-legal research, writing and analysis.
- Develop skills in legal research and case analysis.
- Understand principles of constitutional law and ethics.
- Apply legal knowledge to advocacy and policy issues
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
$40,140*
*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.
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:
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
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 legal research.
Median Annual Wage
$55,570
Wage Range
$36,500 – $91,730
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Associate’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Post-secondary certificate
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers prima
Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median Annual Wage
$85,020
Wage Range
$52,070 – $160,420
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Doctoral degree, Master’s degree, Post-doctoral training
Legal Support Workers, All Other
All legal support workers not listed separately.
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a c
Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median Annual Wage
$77,270
Wage Range
$44,900 – $134,890
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Doctoral degree, Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree
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
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 practice broadly in many areas of law.
Median Annual Wage
$159,670
Wage Range
$78,360 – $351,600
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Doctoral degree, Professional degree
Have Questions? We Can Help!
Say #YestoUIS