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.
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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 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
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
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:
Typical Education:
Doctoral degree
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
Conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance
Conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or settlements.
Median Annual Wage
$117,860
Wage Range
$61,110 – $207,480
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Doctoral degree, Bachelor’s degree, Professional degree
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
Facilitate negotiation and conflict resolution through dialogue. Resolve conflicts outside of the court system by mutual consent of parties involved.
Median Annual Wage
$75,530
Wage Range
$47,220 – $155,440
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Professional degree, Bachelor’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate
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