Master of Science in Criminal Justice

The Master of Science program in Criminal Justice is designed primarily for persons, regardless of prior academic or work experience in criminal justice, who are seeking a terminal master's degree and do not intend to continue to the Ph.D. It works well for nontraditional students who have full-time jobs because it is available via distance education. Courses are sequenced so that students can complete the degree in two years including summer semesters. The degree prepares students to work in various areas of the criminal justice system including, but not limited to, field positions, administration, organizational management, and social services. Students who are potentially interested in applying for the Ph.D. program should apply for the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology.

Applications to the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program are on a rolling basis, where the fall semester deadline is August 1, and the spring semester deadline is November 1.

Please submit all documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Admission considerations include:

1. Graduate application
2. Application fee
3. Official transcripts of all academic coursework previously undertaken, including an undergraduate degree from an accredited academic institution in criminal justice or an allied field.
4. GPA of 3.0 or higher
5. Official GRE scores may be requested to demonstrate graduate study readiness if the GPA is low.
6. Three letters of recommendation preferably from undergraduate professors referencing the applicant’s ability to perform graduate work.
7. A personal essay  regarding career background and goals
8. International students ONLY: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)--a minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (internet-based) is required

A review of each student’s application file will be completed with admission offered on a competitive basis.

The MS in Criminal Justice does not require a thesis; however, the student must complete a capstone course (CRIJ 6388) in their final semester with a grade of B or better to satisfy the University’s comprehensive exam requirement. Students should seek advisement from the Criminal Justice Graduate Admissions Coordinator in planning a course of study. The Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice is a 36-hour degree

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