Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice And Criminology degree fosters a broad understanding of the nature of justice, crime, and the law, in addition to the social, political, legal, philosophic, and historical context in which questions of justice are addressed, both in the United States and around the world. Students are expected to develop not only knowledge but a commitment to public service, ethical consciousness, and leadership abilities. Students are equipped to become proficient writers, critical and independent thinkers, and effective communicators. Graduates of the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology are prepared for graduate school, law school, and professions within the criminal justice system.

The program offers three emphases: Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Cybercrime.

1. A Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited, four-year institution in criminal justice/criminology or related field (that adequately prepares students for success in this field. This application requirement will be waived for applicants who successfully complete the Post-Baccalaureate Cyber Certificate.)
2. A 2.75 cumulative grade point average or higher on completed requirements for a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. (This application requirement will be waived for applicants who successfully complete the Post-Baccalaureate Cyber Certificate.)
3. A Statement of Purpose detailing: a) academic background and/or professional credentials, b) relevant research and work experience, c) career goals and reasons for enrollment in this program.
4. Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s: 1) academic work; 2) professional experience, if any; 3) ability to handle master’s level curriculum, and 4) how the applicant can be expected to contribute to the program. (This application requirement will be waived for applicants who successfully complete the Post-Baccalaureate Cyber Certificate.)

*International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES-accredited evaluation service and must be a course-by-course evaluation and include a GPA. (naces.org)

Provisional Admission

Students whose GPA is under 2.75 may be granted provisional admission by the graduate faculty committee based on a careful review of additional materials submitted.

Reclassification

A student may be reclassified with regular admission providing that they have completed three program or related courses (9 hours), approved by their advisor, with a grade of no less than B for each class. Additional courses may be required to be completed prior to a student’s reclassification that do not contribute to these nine hours (such as taking an undergraduate statistics course to prepare for graduate statistics). No more than nine hours may be earned under the provisional admission classification. After nine hours, the student must either be reclassified as a regular admission student or be removed from the program.