Meet Adelyn Hagy, a legal studies and political science major from Effingh
UIS professor’s research cited in California Supreme Court murder case involving gender bias
Research by University of Illinois Springfield Professor of Legal Studies Deborah Anthony was cited by the California Supreme Court in a 2025 decision that reversed a woman’s murder conviction and cautioned courts against relying on gender-based assumptions when determining a parent’s criminal liability for failing to protect a child.
UIS expands academic offerings with new legal studies pathway and public leadership minor
The University of Illinois Springfield is expanding its academic programs to better serve students and meet workforce needs by enhancing its Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies program with new transfer pathways focused on paralegal preparation and introducing a Public Leadership minor open to all undergraduate majors.
Legal Studies Minor
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.
Legal Studies, MA
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.
Legal Studies, BA
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.
UIS Mock Trial team wins first rounds of 2024-25 season
The University of Illinois Springfield Mock Trial team secured victories in its first rounds of the 2024-25 season at the Illinois State University Invitational, held Nov. 1-3. The event featured 30 teams from seven states and is recognized as one of the most competitive invitational tournaments leading up to the regional rounds in February 2025.
Gary Krause, a 2024 graduate from the master of Legal Studies program answered a few questions for us about his time at UIS.
What online program did you graduate from?
GK: "Masters in legal studies."
Why did you choose UIS for your online education? Why did you choose your online program?
GK: "A combination of affordable price, content, and online availability."

