Criminal Justice Graduate Programs
Institutions of social control are in constant change due in part to the public's demand for a quality system of justice. In this climate, government at all levels is insisting on a higher level of intellectual and educational preparation for those who desire to significantly participate in the operation and administration of its criminal justice systems. In response to these needs, the Department of Criminal Justice developed the master of science degree program in administration of justice in 1983. In 1999, the program was significantly revised to make it more consistent with its contemporaries yet unique enough to serve our special populations. The program is designed for in-service and pre-service students. Practitioners raise their level of education while adding research and theory to the in-field experiences. Pre-service students gain direct and indirect benefits from the program as they study and interact with experienced professionals. The program enhances career potentials for both groups of graduate students.
The program's major strengths are its applied perspective and strong emphasis on theory, policy, research, and analysis. Philosophy, format, and implementation stresses the practical application of a higher level of knowledge, skills, and strategies. The methodological and theory components are highly suitable as a preparation for entering advanced graduate studies and other professional programs.
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4+1 Program
Program Description
Our 4+1 Program is an accelerated pathway for students to complete their bachelors and master’s degrees in criminal justice at Shippensburg University, in just five years. Eligible students can apply for this program in their junior year. During their senior year, 4+1 students take two graduate-level courses. These courses count towards both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. In this way, students in the 4+1 program save time by starting graduate school earlier than their peers. They also save money by paying two of their graduate courses at the undergraduate tuition rate.
Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum required GPA is 3.0
- Students must have 75 credits (completed and in-progress) at the time of applying
- Completion of CRJ 309 and CRJ 310, with a minimum grade of B
4+1 Timeline
Application Process
Prospective students must submit a full application, containing:
- Personal statement (500 words)
- Updated resume
- Detailed plan of study
Applications are due by April 1st.
To receive the link to the application portal, or for general questions, please contact the M.S. CRJ Graduate Coordinator:
Dr. Carlos Rojas | (717) 477 – 1770 | cerojas@ship.edu
The Masters of Science in Criminal Justice (M.S. CRJ) is a 100% online degree program, designed to meet the needs of both traditional graduate students and working professionals whose career demands prevent them from attending face-to-face classes. The program curriculum includes 33 credit hours of courses, taught during 8-week terms, focusing on the theoretical and practical applications of Criminal Justice research and policy. Full-time students can earn their degree in one year, while part-time students can do so in two years. This makes the program ideal for those individuals who want to work towards leadership and/or management positions within Criminal Justice and other related human service fields.
Application Requirements
- A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, administration of justice, or related social science field from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Minimum grade point average of a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with less than a 2.75 undergraduate GPA will be required to take the Graduate Requisite Examination (GRE) and provide a sufficient score before they are eligible for admission. They may also take the Millers Analogies Test (MAT) and provide a sufficient score.
- In 500 words or less, provide a Statement of Interest indicating your reasons for pursuing this program, your professional goals, and how this degree will help fulfill said goals through the "Program Statement or Questionnaire" link in your Ship Admission portal.
- Resume (optional) through the resume link in your Ship Admission portal.
Ready to apply? Get more information about the application process here – Apply Now!
Degree Plan | Suggested Sequence
M.S. CRJ Course Descriptions | Graduate Student Handbook
For questions or more information, please contact the M.S. CRJ Graduate Coordinator.
M.S. CRJ Graduate Coordinator
Dr. Carlos Rojas
(717) 477 - 1770
cerojas@ship.edu
The Masters of Science in Administration of Juvenile Justice (M.S. AJJ) is a hybrid degree program offered in conjunction with the Juvenile Courts Judges' Commission (JCJC). The program is designed for working professionals specifically in Juvenile Probation or related fields. The program curriculum includes 33 credit hours of courses focusing on the theoretical and practical applications of Juveniles Justice research and policy. Courses are taught online and during three weekends each semester to help meet the needs of working professionals. Full-time students can earn their degree in in two years. Students may be eligible to have their graduate degree fully subsidized by the Juvenile Courts Judges' Commission (JCJC) program held exclusively at Shippensburg University. For more information, please click on Juvenile Courts Judges' Commission.
Application Requirements
- Must be a full-time county juvenile probation officer in Pennsylvania or juvenile justice provider who graduated from an accredited college or university with at least 18 credits in the behavioral or social sciences.
- Minimum grade point average of a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with less than a 2.75 undergraduate GPA will be required to take the Graduate Requisite Examination (GRE) and provide a sufficient score before they are eligible for admission. They may also take the Millers Analogies Test (MAT) and provide a sufficient score.
- Please submit the following through your Ship Admissions portal:
- Resume which details your work history within the juvenile justice system.
- A reference from the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer in your county. An automated email will be sent for their recommendation supporting your interest to the JCJC through Shippensburg University.
- A letter of interest through the "Program Statement or Questionnaire" for endorsement and admission to the Administration of Juvenile Justice JCJC Graduate Education Program with Shippensburg University. This letter should address the following issues:
- Why you are a strong candidate for endorsement
- Any reasons why you may still be a strong candidate despite having an undergraduate GPA below 2.75 (if applicable)
- Complete description of juvenile justice work experience
- How you expect to use the graduate education experience to improve practices in the county from which application is made
Course Schedule | M.S. AJJ Course Descriptions | Graduate Student Handbook | Course Planning Sheet
For questions or more information, please contact the MS AJJ Graduate Coordinator.
M.S. AJJ Graduate Coordinator
Dr. Laura Beckman
(717) 477 - 1763
LOBeckman@ship.edu
Graduate assistantships are available to students who want to enhance their learning experience by assisting the faculty with research, teaching and other tasks during the academic year. Graduate assistantships may be available during the fall, spring, and summer. For more information about graduate assistantships contact the Department of Criminal Justice's Graduate Coordinators.
Complete an application or check the availability of Graduate Assistantships.
M.S. CRJ Graduate Coordinator
Dr. Carlos Rojas
(717) 477 - 1770
cerojas@ship.edu
M.S. AJJ Graduate Coordinator
Dr. Laura Beckman
(717) 477 - 1763