Master of Science in Criminal Justice

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice is a social science degree and students are trained in the areas of criminological theory, criminal justice policy, law and social control, research methodology and data analysis. The program develops students who can think broadly and critically about issues related to crime and the criminal justice system, and to be informed consumers as well as producers of scientific research. These skills can serve students well in many areas of the criminal justice workforce, andor in their future endeavors in Ph.D. programs. The Master of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice degree program is designed to promote broad based study of the phenomenon of crime and to enhance career opportunities in the field of criminal justice. The program utilizes the social and behavioral sciences in an interdisciplinary approach to study law, crime, and social deviance, and to critically examine the systems created in response to deviance and crime. The objectives of the program are to: (1) provide present and future criminal justice personnel with the educational background necessary to function effectively in the dynamic field of criminal justice; (2) familiarize students with the nature, methods, and functions of research, and with the existing body of knowledge on criminal justice; (3) provide the criminal justice system with qualified candidates for careers in the field; and (4) prepare students for entrance into doctoral programs. Career opportunities available in the criminal justice system include law enforcement, corrections, administration, planning and analysis, juvenile justice, and college instruction. There are also private sector careers available, including private security and loss prevention. Students may enroll in the program on either a full-time or part-time basis. Courses are offered both during the day and in the evening.

Admission to the Criminal Justice graduate program is open to students with bachelor’s degrees in any discipline who meet the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better.