Criminal Justice, M.S.

The purpose of the program is to prepare students for careers in federal, state, county, and local criminal justice agencies, including management and administration; careers in public or private criminal justice research and analysis; teaching positions at community and state colleges; and/or continued education at the doctoral level.

An accelerated bachelor's to master's (ABM) program is available for exceptionally well-qualified students.  Please see the requirements for this program in the Undergraduate Criminal Justice Program.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the University graduate admission requirements described in the Admissions section of the catalog, the department bases decisions for regular admission on a holistic review of credentials in which the following criteria are used to assess the potential success of each applicant:

• Undergraduate institutional GPA.
• Academic preparation as demonstrated by quality and relevance of undergraduate degree major.
• Submission of a personal statement written by the applicant, which outlines the applicant's future career goals in criminal justice and how the degree will help them to achieve the goals. Additional contents of the statement include the applicant’s academic preparation, work history, volunteer experience, activities, and honors or awards received.
• Submission of one letter of recommendation from a current/past professor of the applicant OR two letters of recommendation from supervisors or professional colleagues familiar with the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program.
• Submission of a resume or a CV.

Degree Requirements

• Earning a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in the core, earning no less than a “C+” in any core course.
• Maintenance of an overall graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Criminal Justice Course Requirements

Major Courses

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Electives can include CCJ 6910, CCJ 6946, and/or CCJ 6940.

Criminal Justice Leadership Graduate Certificate

The Criminal Justice Master’s Leadership Certificate is designed to prepare both working and aspiring criminal justice professionals with the skills and knowledge to assume leadership positions in law enforcement, courts, corrections, juvenile justice, and other justice-related organizations. By combining coursework in both criminal justice and leadership classes, the certificate prepares students with academic or professional experience in criminal justice to navigate the unique challenges of leading within the criminal justice environment. 

Admission Requirements

• Graduate Non-Degree Application
• Resume
• Personal Statement

Course Requirements