Academics
Our Degree Programs
Associate's Programs
Take to the skies with our Associate in Applied Science in Aviation Flight. Designed for aspiring professional pilots, this FAA-certified program offers rigorous flight training, state-of-the-art simulators, and in-aircraft experience. Whether you're working toward airline careers or other aviation opportunities, this program puts your goals within reach.
Physical Therapist Assistant (A.A.S.)
Our two-year Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program provides intensive hands-on clinical training that prepares graduates for high-demand roles supporting licensed physical therapists. With a 100% job placement rate, this program is an ideal choice for students looking to quickly enter the health care workforce and make a difference.
Prepare for a career as a radiologic technologist with the only A.A.S. program of its kind at SIU. You'll gain hands-on clinical experience, develop imaging skills, and be eligible to sit for the ARRT certification exam upon graduation.
Bachelor's Programs
Drive your future forward with a degree in Automotive Technology. Our program blends hands-on technical training with business and managerial skills, preparing graduates for leadership roles in automotive service, manufacturing, and operations. With industry-standard labs and real-world projects, you'll be ready to lead in a fast-evolving field.
Our Aviation Management program gives students with technical aviation backgrounds a clear path to leadership positions in the aviation industry. You’ll gain a strong foundation in business, airport operations, air traffic control systems, and aviation law while learning to solve complex challenges in a dynamic, global field.
Advance your skills in aircraft maintenance, avionics, or aviation electronics through our Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technologies. Offered in both on-campus and online formats, the program is ideal for those looking to deepen their expertise and qualify for supervisory or instructional roles in the aviation industry.
Communication Disorders and Sciences (B.S.)
Our Communication Disorders and Sciences (CDS) program prepares you for a career in speech-language pathology—the science of human communication, its development, and its disorders. You'll study both typical and atypical communication, gaining skills in assessment and intervention. Whether working with children or adults, you’ll help individuals overcome communication barriers and improve quality of life.
Criminology and Criminal Justice (B.A.)
Explore the complexities of crime and justice with a rigorous, research-based degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice. This program focuses on the scientific study of crime, criminal behavior, and society’s response. Through coursework that sharpens your analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, you’ll be prepared for careers in law enforcement, social services, corrections, and graduate or law school.
Home to Illinois’ oldest dental hygiene school—and the only bachelor’s degree program of its kind in the state—our program emphasizes both academic excellence and clinical experience. You’ll train in our on-site clinic and participate in off-site rotations to develop professional skills and provide real-world care to the community.
Our Exercise Science program prepares students for careers in health and fitness management in corporate, clinical, and community settings. It also serves as a strong foundation for graduate study in fields like physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, or sports science. With hands-on learning and access to cutting-edge labs, students are well-positioned to launch careers in health promotion and rehabilitation.
Designed to meet the needs of a growing industry, our Health Care Management program combines business fundamentals with health systems knowledge. Graduates pursue leadership roles in hospitals, physician practices, long-term care facilities, rural health centers, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical organizations.
Human Nutrition and Dietetics (B.S.)
The Human Nutrition and Dietetics program offers two tracks tailored to student interests in the dynamic field of nutrition. With career opportunities in health care, wellness, food service, public health, and industry, students are prepared to make a meaningful impact on individual and community health.
Mortuary Science and Funeral Service (B.S.)
SIU offers the only accredited bachelor’s degree in mortuary science and funeral service in Illinois. You’ll gain the practical and emotional skills needed to support families in times of loss, while learning about funeral practice regulations, grief counseling, and funeral home operations. Our program prepares you for meaningful work at the intersection of service, science, and compassion.
With health care needs rising nationwide, our Nursing program equips you for success in one of today’s most in-demand fields. We offer three flexible tracks—Traditional BSN, RN to BSN Degree Completion, and Accelerated BSN. Students in our BSN programs also earn a minor in Health Care Management, expanding their leadership and career potential.
Our Paralegal Studies program is designed to prepare you for legal careers through hands-on, practical education. With a dedicated faculty and an emphasis on real-world experience, students gain the skills needed to thrive in law firms, corporations, government agencies, and more. It’s a perfect stepping stone for future legal professionals.
Our Psychology program offers a strong foundation in the science of human behavior. With a curriculum designed to build skills in research, analysis, and interpersonal communication, students prepare for careers in counseling, mental health services, human resources, and beyond—or for graduate study in a wide range of psychology fields.
Our Public Health programs, available at both undergraduate and graduate levels, prepare students for careers promoting wellness and protecting community health. From local health departments to nonprofit organizations, corporate wellness programs, and digital health companies, you’ll gain the skills to create healthier communities and respond to emerging health challenges.
Public Safety Management (B.S.)
The Public Safety Management B.S. program is designed for those pursuing leadership roles in fire service, emergency response, and disaster management. With a curriculum focused on operations, data analysis, and personnel management, this degree prepares graduates to advance their careers and make strategic decisions in high-stakes environments.
As the only bachelor’s degree program in this field in Illinois, Radiologic Sciences at SIU offers focused training in diagnostic imaging specialties including radiation therapy, medical sonography (ultrasound), and MRI/CT. With specialized accreditation and extensive clinical experience, graduates are equipped to meet the growing demand for skilled imaging professionals.
Recreation professionals enhance lives through programs that promote wellness, access to nature, and therapeutic activity. Our program offers concentrations in Recreation Administration, Outdoor Recreation Resource Management, and Therapeutic Recreation—preparing graduates for work in parks, community organizations, healthcare settings, and beyond.
Make a difference every day with a degree in Social Work. Our program blends rigorous academics with hands-on experience in diverse areas such as medical social work, disaster relief, child welfare, and school systems. With mentorship from faculty experts and field placements, you'll graduate ready to advocate, support, and lead.
Step into the fast-paced world of sport and event management with our Sport Administration program. You’ll study the business, legal, and ethical aspects of the sports industry and be prepared for careers in coaching, athletic administration, facility management, marketing, media, and more.
Master's Programs
Communication Disorders and Sciences (M.S.)
Prepare for national certification as a speech-language pathologist with our five-semester master’s program, including hands-on clinical internships and evidence-based training in communication disorders.
Counseling and Rehabilitation Education (M.S.)
Designed for future clinical mental health and rehabilitation counselors, this flexible program prepares students for licensure and national certification through tailored academic plans and immersive fieldwork.
Criminology and Criminal Justice (M.A.)
Advance your career in the justice system or prepare for doctoral study with a graduate program focused on the theory, policy, and practice of criminology and criminal justice.
Health Administration (M.H.A.)
Designed for working professionals, the MHA offers flexible, advanced training for leadership roles in hospitals, long-term care, health systems, and government health agencies. Dual MHA/MHI option available.
This flexible, online master’s program prepares professionals for careers in health informatics and data management within healthcare systems. Dual MHI/MHA degree option available.
Explore interdisciplinary graduate study with concentrations in Exercise Science, Nutrition & Dietetics, Sport and Recreation Administration, and more—featuring hands-on research, service, and internship opportunities.
Delivered fully online, this specialized program trains students to calculate and plan radiation therapy doses in collaboration with oncologists and medical physicists.
Accredited by CEPH, our MPH program equips students to promote wellness and lead public health initiatives, guided by nationally recognized faculty and strong community connections.
Public Safety Administration (M.S.)
Designed for first responders and emergency services personnel, this program builds leadership and management skills to prepare graduates for supervisory roles in public safety.
Advance your radiology career with focused training in education or management. This program is ideal for licensed imaging professionals seeking leadership roles in health care or higher education.
Prepare for advanced social work practice through a rigorous program combining classroom learning, fieldwork, and a commitment to social justice and community service.
Doctoral Programs
Criminology and Criminal Justice (Ph.D.)
Pursue advanced research and specialization in areas such as justice policy, law enforcement, or criminological theory. Graduates go on to careers in academia, public policy, and high-level criminal justice leadership.
Designed for students entering the profession, this entry-level doctoral program trains future occupational therapists to help people overcome physical and mental barriers to wellness through meaningful activity and engagement.
Focused on prevention and large-scale wellness solutions, this doctoral program prepares researchers and public health leaders to address community health challenges through innovative, data-driven strategies.
This comprehensive program blends coursework, clinical training, teaching, and research to prepare professional psychologists equipped to improve individual and community well-being.
Minors
Certificates
SIU students make a difference in public health while still in school
CHHS Accreditations
School of Automotive
School of Aviation
- Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI)
- Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) FAA Mechanic's Certificate
School of Health Sciences
- Mortuary Science: American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE)
- Healthcare Management: Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA)
- Physical Therapy Assistant: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (APTA)
- A.A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Counseling and Rehabilitation Education: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Dental Hygiene: Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
- Communication Disorders and Sciences: Council on Academic Accreditation American, Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography: joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCERT DMS)
- Radiologic Sciences: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
- Specialization in Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Computed Tomography is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
- Specialization in Radiation Therapy Technology is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
- Specialization in Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Ultrasound is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS).
School of Human Sciences
- Human Nutrition and Dietetics: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
- Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education Council on Social Work Education.
School of Justice and Public Safety
- Paralegal Studies: American Bar Association ( ABA)
- B.S. in Public Safety Management is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).
School of Psychological and Behavioral Sciences
- Behavioral Analysis and Therapy : Association for Behavioral Analysis International (ABAI).