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
- Consult with your academic advisor and/or the Graduate Program Director of your program of interest to discuss which graduate-level courses are appropriate for you to enroll in if you are accepted to the program.
- Submit a graduate admission application to the program following the student instructions.
- Select the "SIUE Undergraduate to Graduate Student" option from the student type list within the application.
- Complete the Plan of Study information detailing which graduate courses you plan to take and the semesters you plan to take them.
- Enter your undergraduate academic advisor's name and email address within the recommendation requirement so they can review your Plan of Study.
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.
