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.
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Bright OutlookCompute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use
Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.
Median Annual Wage
$50,670
Wage Range
$36,000 – $74,550
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
High school diploma or equivalent, Post-secondary certificate, Bachelor’s degree
Billing and Posting Clerks
Compile, compute, and record billing, accounting, statistical, and other numerical data for billing purposes. Prepare billing invoices for services rendered or for delivery or shipment of goods.
Median Annual Wage
$48,500
Wage Range
$37,290 – $67,710
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Some college, no degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Post-secondary certificate
Bill and Account Collectors
Locate and notify customers of delinquent accounts by mail, telephone, or personal visit to solicit payment. Duties include receiving payment and posting amount to customer's account, preparing statem
Locate and notify customers of delinquent accounts by mail, telephone, or personal visit to solicit payment. Duties include receiving payment and posting amount to customer's account, preparing statements to credit department if customer fails to respond, initiating repossession proceedings or service disconnection, and keeping records of collection and status of accounts.
Median Annual Wage
$47,030
Wage Range
$34,400 – $65,580
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree, Bachelor’s degree
Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks
Authorize credit charges against customers' accounts. Investigate history and credit standing of individuals or business establishments applying for credit. May interview applicants to obtain personal
Authorize credit charges against customers' accounts. Investigate history and credit standing of individuals or business establishments applying for credit. May interview applicants to obtain personal and financial data, determine credit worthiness, process applications, and notify customers of acceptance or rejection of credit.
Median Annual Wage
$50,080
Wage Range
$30,260 – $72,700
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
New Accounts Clerks
Interview persons desiring to open accounts in financial institutions. Explain account services available to prospective customers and assist them in preparing applications.
Median Annual Wage
$47,670
Wage Range
$38,180 – $60,910
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree, Post-secondary certificate
Order Clerks
Receive and process incoming orders for materials, merchandise, classified ads, or services such as repairs, installations, or rental of facilities. Generally receives orders via mail, phone, fax, or
Receive and process incoming orders for materials, merchandise, classified ads, or services such as repairs, installations, or rental of facilities. Generally receives orders via mail, phone, fax, or other electronic means. Duties include informing customers of receipt, prices, shipping dates, and delays; preparing contracts; and handling complaints.
Median Annual Wage
$46,170
Wage Range
$35,530 – $63,530
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
High school diploma or equivalent, Post-secondary certificate, Bachelor’s degree
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