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#Master - s Degree Online - Department of Legal Studies - University of Illinois Springfield

Legal Studies Master s Degree students have the option of obtaining their degree by attending all of their classes 100% online.

On-line delivery permits a student to master the course material by attending classes from any location around the world, saving them the time and expense of having to attend the classes in person by either living on campus or computing to and from campus.

Like the Master of Arts Degree in Legal Studies offered on campus, the online program allows students to gain professional skills. as well as study legal theory and the role of law in American Society. It provides students with a broad general understanding of the legal system. how it works, how it interrelates with societal change. and how citizens can assert their rights within the legal system.

The degree is particularly suited for U.S. students who are pursing professions where practical knowledge of the law and legal system is required; participating in judicial processes as witnesses, investigators, or resource persons; enforcing compliance with the law, working with legal forms or requirements; or needing to know how legal regulations affect businesses. It is also useful for those who practice law in another country, who are required to interact with U.S. lawyers and businesses, but do no need to be a U.S. lawyer.

Curriculum

The curriculum seeks to develop students professional and scholarly abilities with a view to the kinds of skills they will need in law-related careers or more advanced studies. Particular emphasis is placed on analytical thinking, research, and writing skills. Our online students have the same curriculum requirements as our on campus students. For more information on our curriculum, please view our curriculum requirements here.

Online Format

Our online Legal Studies Master’s degree students are able to take 100% of their classes online, never having to step foot on-campus.

The Legal Studies on-line master s degree program combines two online methods of delivery. Some courses are taught synchronously, in real-time, using computer conferencing software. Other courses are taught asynchronously at each student s own convenience, using collaborative tools and discussion boards.

In terms of how the online classes are conducted, all our online classes use Blackboard to host the course.  Professors are open to conducting the online course as they see best for the course content and for their students.  Some professors choose to record their lectures and have students view them online, while other professors choose to do “live” lectures, where students can view the lecture synchronously (all at the same time) online or view a recorded version of the “live” lecture asynchronously (at different times) online.  Most of our online students work full-time and go to school part-time and our online students vary in location and time zones, so our online classes are designed to work with different schedules and different time zones.  Applicants should be comfortable working with a computer, have a computer equipped with speakers, have a headset with a microphone, have high speed internet access, and have experience or a willingness to learn how to use online course delivery and web conferencing software.

Hear what Legal Studies graduate student Bradley Stephenson likes best about online courses

Hear from a Legal Studies Master’s Degree graduate from Alaska

Hear Legal Studies Professor Dr. Gwen Jordan talk about her teaching philosophy

Application Requirements

Individuals seeking admission to this program should be highly motivated learners who are self-disciplined, organized, and can plan well; but who have the need or desire to learn without being constrained by distance or time. Online applicants must be able to demonstrate good to excellent written communication skills. Our application process is the same for both our on campus and online program.  Please view our admission requirements here. 

The University of Illinois is not authorized by the State of Maryland to offer online distance education programs to students residing in that state.  As of 12/15/2014, a student whose resident address is in Maryland is not eligible to enroll in online programs offered by the University of Illinois.

Testimonials from UIS Online Graduates

For additional information about our online Legal Studies Master’s Degree, please contact Rebekah Grosboll at les-online@uis.edu or (217) 206-8545.