LC Announces Pathway to UIS for Legal Studies Students

GODFREY - Lewis and Clark Community College recently forged a new agreement with the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) that will allow Legal Studies transfer students to earn guaranteed acceptance while saving thousands on tuition during their first two years of college.

This 2+2 pathway will allow students who have earned an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies from LC to transfer to the Legal Studies program at UIS. The agreement establishes a clear pathway, streamlining the transition to UIS and reducing the time it takes to complete their Bachelor of Arts (BA).

According to Professor and Paralegal Program Coordinator Becky Gockel, Lewis and Clark is among a handful of community colleges in Illinois selected to partner with UIS.

"This agreement creates a seamless transition to a BA in Legal Studies upon completion of an AAS in Paralegal Studies," Gockel said. "Students can continue at a reputable four-year institution knowing they've completed the right prerequisite courses."

Students pursuing the 2+2 Pathway in Legal Studies will know exactly what classes count and can plan for their BA with confidence, knowing their credits will be accepted.

LC Dean of Liberal Arts, Business and Information Technology Randy Gallaher believes the new pathway provides an exciting opportunity for students.

"Those who have completed a Paralegal AAS degree can further their education at UIS, which will open doors to career advancement, leadership opportunities and professional growth," Gallaher said. "The agreement aligns curriculum, guarantees credit acceptance and ultimately provides a streamlined transition to the Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies."

A Legal Studies BA qualifies a student for careers such as paralegal, legal assistant or compliance officer in fields like law enforcement, human resources and government. Other options include court administration, real estate, mediation and various analyst or investigative roles. With further education, graduates can become lawyers or judges.

"Completing their BA from UIS can open a clear pathway to law school at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana College of Law, as well as others, which is a long-term goal of many paralegal students who enter our program," Gockel said.

For more information on the 2+2 Pathway in Legal Studies, contact Gockel at (618) 468-4538 or [email protected].

LC is enrolling now for Winter Intersession and Spring Semester courses. Contact the Enrollment Center at (618) 468-2222 or [email protected].