Accelerated Combined Degrees
This accelerated combined degree program allows students to complete two degrees in just five academic years.
- BA or BS in Criminal Justice Studies
- MS in Criminal Justice Policy
Students receive the same benefits of both curriculums and move seamlessly from the undergraduate program to graduate studies. You will save time and money, as well as jump-start your career.
Admission Requirements
SIUE undergraduate students who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:
- Major in criminal justice studies
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Be within 32 credit hours of bachelor's degree completion at intended entry term
How to Apply
- Submit a graduate admission application and pay the $40 application fee. Apply for the term in which you plan to begin the combined bachelor's and graduate courses.
- After submitting your application, complete the "plan of study" form with approval from your undergraduate advisor and graduate program director.
- Submit all other required graduate admission application materials, including:
- Two letters of recommendation (both can be from undergraduate faculty, or one can be from a current employer)
- Statement of purpose
- GRE scores (optional)
Please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at graduateadmissions@siue.edu with questions regarding the application process.
Sample Curriculum
The accelerated master's in criminal justice policy requires that students complete 6-12 credit hours of approved graduate courses during the undergraduate senior year. These credit hours are shared and apply to both the BA or BS in criminal justice studies and the MS in criminal justice policy.
Senior Year (Fall Semester)
(3) 400-level CJ Elective - shared credit
(3) 400-level CJ Elective - shared credit
(3) Elective
(3) Elective
(3) Elective
15 Total Credits
Senior Year (Spring Semester)
(3) 400-level CJ Elective - shared credit
(3) 400-level CJ Elective - shared credit
(3) CJ 488 Supervised Internship
(3) Elective
12 Total Credits
Graduate Year (Fall Semester)
(3) CJ 502 Applied Research in Criminal Justice
(3) CJ 505 Seminar in Criminology
(3) CJ 513 Criminal Justice Statistics
(3) CJ Graduate Elective
12 Total Credits
Graduate Year (Spring Semester)
(3) CJ 515 Criminal Justice Planning and Budgeting
(3) CJ 517 Policy Analysis
(6) CJ 598 Capstone OR CJ 599 Thesis
9 Total Credits
See the graduate catalog for criminal justice studies (CJ) course descriptions.
Please review the academic policy for program requirements and restrictions.
