University of Illinois Launches Online Law Programs
The law school now offers a master's degree and seven graduate certificates designed for non-lawyers.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Distance Learning
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The University of Illinois College of Law in Champaign has introduced an online Master of Science in Law degree and seven distinct graduate-level certificates. These new programs are specifically tailored for working professionals who require legal knowledge for their careers without the intention of practicing law.
Why it matters
By removing the requirement for LSAT or GRE exam scores, the university is lowering barriers for working adults to gain specialized legal expertise in fields like tech, privacy, and business compliance.
The Master of Science in Law program can be completed in 18 months, with a standard application fee of $90. Each of the seven graduate certificates offered consists of exactly three courses.
The players
University of Illinois College of Law
This Champaign-based law school is a public research institution offering professional legal education and now expanding into flexible online graduate programming.
The details
Students can pursue specific concentrations or select from various elective courses, with the certificates designed to be stackable toward the full master's degree. Additionally, university students, faculty, and staff are granted free access to select course videos via Coursera.
Timeline
Dec. 15 is the deadline to qualify for the MSL application fee waiver.
Instruction for the new courses is expected to begin next semester.
Culture Shift
These new offerings align with the broader shift toward stackable graduate credentials in higher education, prioritizing modular learning over traditional degree pathways. This approach reflects a growing societal preference for flexible, skill-based education that fits into the schedules of working adults.
Working professionals can now pursue specialized legal knowledge without the time commitment of a full law school curriculum or standardized testing. Prospective students should note that the $90 application fee is waived for those who apply by Dec. 15.
The takeaway
Professionals looking to enhance their resume should consider whether these stackable certificates offer a more efficient path to their career goals than a full degree. Carefully reviewing the course concentrations will help determine if the program aligns with specific needs in business or privacy law.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving educational opportunities in our Distance Learning section.
More information
Submit your application or explore the curriculum details on the University of Illinois online law application portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WCIA.
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