The 4+1 College Pathway is a combination degree program designed to encourage students to complete an existing baccalaureate and master’s degree within the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University Bloomington. A 4+1 College Pathway, which need not strictly be four years of undergraduate study plus one year of graduate study, can make continued study in the College financially beneficial to students. It is an excellent way to deepen your expertise in a secondary area of interest.
Criminal Justice B.A. + M.A. (4+1 Pathway)
What is the 4+1 College Pathway?
A Path to your Master’s Degree
Our Criminal Justice 4+1 College Pathway program allows you to complete both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree consecutively, allowing you to obtain your graduate degree in a shorter amount of time than the traditional route. The program is flexibly designed for students with a variety of ambitions that require or prefer master’s degrees, such as those seeking:
- positions in governmental or non-profit research organizations related to criminal justice;
- promotions or advanced positions (e.g., “special agent”) in law enforcement;
- graduate training and an advanced degree to augment graduate or law school applications.
You may apply to our 4+1 Pathway program in your sophomore year (although rare exceptions might be made for more advanced students who are otherwise “on track” to complete the pathway). Those seeking applied positions in criminal justice may wish to combine related coursework and practical experiences with the “substantial paper” option, whereas those interested in pursuing further graduate studies at another institution may wish to pursue the more traditional “thesis” option. The Directors of Undergraduate Studies and Graduate Studies (DUS and DGS) will work closely with you to ensure that the program meets your career and academic goals.
Why get a master’s degree in Criminal Justice?
A master’s in Criminal Justice prepares you for many academic and career opportunities. For example:
- You may qualify to be a college instructor, lecturer, or adjunct faculty positions.
- You can distinguish yourself further in terms of admission to law school or further graduate work.
- You might pursue entry-level research analyst or policy-oriented positions with both government and non-profit organizations.
- You will gain a graduate degree credential necessary for promotion to advanced positions in most law enforcement agencies.
Who can apply to the Criminal Justice 4+1 Pathway?
Any student with an undergraduate major within the College of Arts and Sciences at IU Bloomington and an overall GPA of 3.0 can pursue a master’s degree in Criminal Justice through our 4+1 Pathway.
How do I apply to the Criminal Justice 4+1 Pathway?
If you are interested in applying to our 4+1 Pathway, please contact the Department of Criminal Justice to obtain more information about the program. The application requires a 300 to 500 word statement of academic and professional goals, as well as an unofficial copy of your transcript.
Interested in the Criminal Justice 4+1 Pathway?
It is important to plan early if you wish to pursue a Criminal Justice 4+1 Pathway.
For more information on the 4+1 Pathway, contact the Department of Criminal Justice.
The College of Arts