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Public Policy, Justice and Social Issues Programs

From careers helping people recover from disasters to aiding our most vulnerable citizens and ensuring that victims get justice, you can get started through SIU programs in public policy, justice and social issues.
Criminology and Criminal Justice
A degree in CCJ is a starting point for any criminal justice-related career. We offer a Bachelor of Arts degree, a CCJ minor and a Forensic Science minor, as well as Master of Arts and a Ph.D. degree. Join one of the biggest programs on campus, enjoy the diversity we offer, and study with faculty who bring real-world experience to the classroom. Earn your bachelor’s degree online, and learn with the same curriculum as on campus.
Paralegal Studies
A bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies leads to careers in the judicial system, or the law departments of corporations, medical facilities, school districts, and in municipal government, insurance, title companies and more. We are one of only a few universities to offer a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies. We also offer a minor.
Political Science
Political science majors are interested in leadership. They study policy making, political systems, economics, and political movements. You’ll benefit from the resources of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, and have access to prestigious, career-enhancing internships. We offer a Bachelor of Arts degree, and a minor. Continue your studies with a Master of Arts degree and a Ph.D.
Public Health
Public Health professionals are committed to prolonging life and improving the quality of life for individuals and for communities. We offer a Bachelor of Science and a master’s degree in Public Health, and a Ph.D. in Health Education. Concurrent graduate degree options broaden your career paths. You can also earn your MPH online.
Public Safety Management
Your Bachelor of Science degree in Public Safety Management will enhance your current career or help you launch a new career path. You’ll learn service-related management and supervision, and build on practical experience and training you already have. This online degree program is also offered at some of our off-campus locations. Earn your SIU Master of Science degree in Public Safety and Homeland Security Administration online.
Social Work
The major for human well-being and social justice, our Social Work majors work closely with our highly qualified and diverse faculty members, gain field experience, and join on-going research. We offer a Bachelor of Science degree, and a Master of Social Work degree you can earn on campus or online.
Sociology
Sociology is the study of human society and social problems. A degree in Sociology leads to careers in law, social welfare, business administration and human resources, journalism and a variety of scientific fields. We offer a Bachelor of Arts degree and a minor. Continue your studies with a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in Sociology.
Workforce Education and Development
Workforce Education and Development is a flexible program designed to use results-driven education and training to help students gain the leadership skills and practical knowledge to advance their careers. We offer a complete educational path, with Bachelor of Science and master’s degree programs offered online, on campus and at several of our off-campus and military base locations. Our Ph.D. program is an on-campus program with some online courses.
Program | Bachelor's | Master's | Doctoral | Minor | Online |
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Aerospace Studies minor | BS |
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Criminology and Criminal Justice | BA | MA | PhD |
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BA |
Forensic Science minor |
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Leadership Military Science minor |
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Paralegal Studies | BS |
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Political Science | BA | MA | PhD |
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Specializations/Concentrations: | |||||
International Affairs | BA | ||||
Pre-Law | BA | ||||
Public Health | BS | MPH | |||
Public Safety and Homeland Security Administration | MS | MS | |||
Public Safety Management | BS | BS | |||
Specializations/Concentrations: | |||||
Fire Service Management | BS | ||||
Emergency Medical Services | BS | ||||
Emergency Management Administration | BS | ||||
Social Work | BS | MSW | MSW | ||
Sociology | BA | MA | PHD |
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Workforce Education and Development | BS | MSED | BS, MSED | ||
Specializations/Concentrations: | |||||
Non-thesis Option | MSED | ||||
Career and Technical Education | BS | ||||
Organizational Training and Development | BS |