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.
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
Accountants and Auditors
Bright OutlookExamine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or
Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
Median Annual Wage
$83,680
Wage Range
$56,020 – $144,090
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate
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
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks
Process new insurance policies, modifications to existing policies, and claims forms. Obtain information from policyholders to verify the accuracy and completeness of information on claims forms, appl
Process new insurance policies, modifications to existing policies, and claims forms. Obtain information from policyholders to verify the accuracy and completeness of information on claims forms, applications and related documents, and company records. Update existing policies and company records to reflect changes requested by policyholders and insurance company representatives.
Median Annual Wage
$49,230
Wage Range
$37,560 – $73,590
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
High school diploma or equivalent, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree, Some college, no degree
Compliance Officers
Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspectio
Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.
Median Annual Wage
$80,730
Wage Range
$48,220 – $133,720
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Court, Municipal, and License Clerks
Perform clerical duties for courts of law, municipalities, or governmental licensing agencies and bureaus. May prepare docket of cases to be called; secure information for judges and court; prepare dr
Perform clerical duties for courts of law, municipalities, or governmental licensing agencies and bureaus. May prepare docket of cases to be called; secure information for judges and court; prepare draft agendas or bylaws for town or city council; answer official correspondence; keep fiscal records and accounts; issue licenses or permits; and record data, administer tests, or collect fees.
Median Annual Wage
$48,700
Wage Range
$36,300 – $73,820
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
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