Seven In-Demand Legal Certificates, Stackable to the MSL
Online Law Programs Without the JD, Built Around Your Schedule
Earn your Master of Science in Law or stackable graduate certificates from the University of Illinois College of Law. 100% online, built for working professionals.
The University of Illinois (U. of I.) College of Law offers online graduate legal education designed exclusively for professionals who need legal fluency without becoming attorneys. Whether you're leading teams, managing risk, navigating regulatory complexity, or driving innovation in technology, our Master of Science in Law (MSL) and stackable graduate certificates help you build practical legal knowledge for the work you already do.
Online Master of Science in Law
Build comprehensive legal fluency with a full master's degree designed for non-lawyers. Choose a concentration in Tech & Privacy or Business Compliance.
Program Details:
Explore the Online MSL Program
Program Details:
- 32 credits, 8 courses
- Complete in as few as 18 months
- Earn two certificates as you complete the full degree program
- Choose from two career-focused concentrations:
Tech & Privacy or Business Compliance
Explore the Online MSL Program
Graduate Certificates
Earn a focused legal credential in just three courses. Each certificate can be earned individually or stacked toward the online Master of Science in Law.
Program Details:
Choose a Graduate Certificate
Program Details:
- 12 credits, 3 courses per certificate
- Complete in as few as 6 months
- Topics include AI, corporate compliance, labor law, and more
- Keep building on your education with credits that count toward the online MSL
Choose a Graduate Certificate
A Legacy of Excellence
#8
Top Public University
U.S. News & World Report2
#8
Best salary-to-debt ratio among U.S. law schools (1.98-1)
U.S. News & World Report3
Why Choose Illinois Law?
Legal Education Without Traditional Barriers
The University of Illinois offers an accessible pathway to graduate legal education for professionals who have been priced out, screened out, or steered away from traditional law schools. No LSAT is required. Just high-quality legal education from a Big Ten flagship university.
One Master’s Degree and Seven Certificate Options
Rather than waiting until graduation to earn a credential, you can earn stackable certificates throughout the program. Start with one certificate to address an immediate career need and build from there or commit to the full degree from the beginning.
Exceptional Value from a Respected University
U. of I. offers competitive tuition rates for its MSL and certificate programs coming in from $10,000 to more than $30,000 less than local competitors.1 Add a Big Ten name to your resume without taking on excessive debt.
Built for Working Professionals
Fully asynchronous coursework with optional live sessions means you can complete your degree while working full-time. Eight-week course segments keep you moving forward without overwhelming your schedule.
Master Legal Skills in AI, Privacy, and Compliance
Built for working professionals navigating legal complexity without a law degree. The online MSL from U. of I. delivers stackable credentials in high-demand areas including AI governance, cybersecurity, employment law, and business compliance. Start with a certificate or go straight to the full degree.
What law program are you interested in?
Get more information
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a master's in law at U. of I.?
The UIUC Master's in Law is fully online and asynchronous, allowing you to complete the 32-credit program in as few as 18 months while working full-time. Each course runs for eight weeks, and you'll typically take two courses per semester.
How much does a master's in law cost at the University of Illinois?
The U. of I. Master's in Law costs $37,856 in total, or $1,183 per credit. This represents one of the most affordable online MSL programs from a nationally ranked institution.
See Tuition Information
See Tuition Information
What can you do with a master's in law?
A Master's in Law does not qualify you to practice law, but it does equip you with legal fluency to collaborate more effectively with counsel, navigate regulatory risk, strengthen decision-making, and take on greater leadership responsibility in roles shaped by legal complexity.
How long does it take to get a law certificate at U. of I.?
Each law certificate is made up of three courses worth four credits each.
You can complete one law certificate in as few as six months.
You can complete one law certificate in as few as six months.
How much does a law certificate cost at the U. of I.?
A single certificate costs $14,196 or $1,183 per credit.
What can you do with a law certificate from the U. of I.?
Depending on the certificate you earn, you could expand your career in several different directions. Overall, the law certificates are meant to help non-attorneys gain enough legal knowledge and applicable skills to better deal with the parts of their job that overlap with law. Think: contracts, intellectual property, governance, labor relations, protected health or customer information and more.
You can learn more on each individual certificate page.
You can learn more on each individual certificate page.
Ready to Build Legal Expertise for Your Career?
Start your application to the MSL or a certificate program; or learn more about the program and how legal knowledge could help you reach your professional goals.
Upcoming Admissions Deadlines
Jan
10
Final Deadline
January 10
Spring 2027
Jan
19
Classes Start
January 19
Spring 2027
Sources
- Based on an independent survey of online, part-time MSL options within the Midwest.
- Retrieved on October 14, 2026, from usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-illinois-urbanachampaign-1775/overall-rankings
- Retrieved on September 15, 2026, from usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/slideshows/law-schools-where-you-can-pay-off-your-debt?onepage
