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Public Policy, Justice and Social Issues Programs

law students shaking hands with judges

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.

Program Summaries | Degrees Offered

Criminology and Criminal JusticeOnline Option

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.

Organizational Learning, Innovation, and DevelopmentOnline Option

Confident, content employees lead to better production and increased profits – everyone wins. Learn to help both employers and employees excel at their jobs through education and training. With your direction, workers gain enhanced job security and often increased earnings.

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 HealthOnline Option

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 ManagementOnline Option

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 WorkOnline Option

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.

 

Below you can find the program you are interested in on the left side. Going across the table, you can see degrees, minors, and online options offered. You will see some programs have specializations (for undergraduate programs)/concentrations (for graduate programs) listed. These are focused areas of study.
Program Bachelor's Master's Doctoral Minor Online
Aerospace Studies minor BS    
  • Aerospace Studies
 
Criminology and Criminal Justice BA MA PhD
  • Criminology and Criminal Justice
 BA
Forensic Science minor      
  • Forensic Science
 
Leadership Military Science minor      
  • Leadership Military Science
 
Organizational Learning, Innovation, and Development  BS MSED  
  • Organizational Learning, Innovation, and Development
 BS, MSED
Specializations/Concentrations:
Organizational Training and Development BS      
Paralegal Studies BS    
  • Paralegal Studies
 
Political Science BA MA PhD
  • Political Science
 
Specializations/Concentrations:
International Affairs BA        
Pre-Law BA        
Public Health BS MPH      
Public Safety Administration   MS  

 MS
Public Safety Management BS        BS
Specializations/Concentrations:
Fire Service Management BS        
Social Work BS MSW    MSW
Sociology BA MA  PHD
  • Sociology