The Master of Science in Criminal Justice program serves both full-time graduate students and working professionals alike, who want create change and help establish a just society. Earn your degree full-time in one year or part-time in two years.
This 33-credit program is 100 percent online, providing students with the knowledge and skills to undertake independent, critical investigation of issues related to crime control, crime prevention, and criminal justice policies. Students can expect to learn through applied perspective with a strong emphasis on theory, policy, research, and analysis.
You will work with and learn from faculty who are leaders, scholars and professionals in criminal justice, assuring the best possible education.
Although this is an online program, you still have the ability to obtain great hands-on experiences through internships and research opportunities.
This program is ideal for those working toward leadership or management positions within the field of criminal justice and other related human service fields. The methodological and theory components are also highly suitable as a preparation for entering advanced graduate studies and other professional programs.
- Federal law enforcement
- Federal corrections
- Federal probation
- State law enforcement/state corrections (adult and juvenile)
- State probation and parole/county police
- County probation and parole (adult and juvenile)
- City police and other local agencies
- City corrections
- Federal, state, and local courts
- Private corrections agencies (adult and juvenile)
- Special service and related agencies
- Victimology service providers
- Private security organizations
- Research institutions
- Policy analysis and evaluation
Course work for Criminal Justice, M.S. (33 Credits)
The Criminal Justice program is only offered as a Fall start. Students should plan to complete their application by July, or by March if they are interested in applying for a Graduate Assistantship.
For complete course descriptions, please visit the graduate catalog.
Admissions Requirements
In addition to the application and transcript(s), Criminal Justice applicants must submit:
- Resume (optional)
- Program statement - In 500 words or less, provide a statement of interest indicating your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in Criminal Justice, your professional goals, and how this degree will help fulfill your goals
Applicants will be expected to have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, administration of justice, or related social science field from a regionally accredited college or university. Admission is based on prior academic success. This program requires a minimum grade point average of a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
The Criminal Justice program is only offered as a Fall start. Once the application is completed, the Criminal Justice Department will begin the review process and make a prompt decision.