Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Criminal Justice Program

The Department of Criminal Justice offers graduate study leading to the Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) degree. Admission to the MCJ is competitive and prospective graduate students are expected to have at least a 3.0 undergraduate grade-point-average, coursework in research methods and statistics, and possess a bachelor's degree.

Admission Requirements

• Prospective graduate students are expected to have at least a 3.0 undergraduate grade-point-average.
• Coursework in research methods and statistics is required.
• Possession of a bachelor's degree is necessary.
• Those not meeting these requirements may be admitted conditionally and required to make up deficiencies at the outset of their program of study.
• Applicants should provide a personal statement that includes a discussion of their interest in the field and reasons for wanting to pursue the degree (1-2 pages).
• If interested in a graduate assistantship, applicants should provide three letters of recommendation.
• Students meeting the minimum GPA requirement (3.0 or better) do not need to submit letters of recommendation.
• Students not meeting the minimum GPA requirement may be asked for additional materials, including letters of recommendation.
• The GRE is NOT required for admission into the MCJ program.

Program Structure

Degree Options

Students must declare their intent to pursue one of the two degree options:

• The thesis option
• The focused coursework option The degree options are provided so that students may better match their education with career goals.

Thesis Option

• The thesis option is often used by students interested in pursuing careers in basic and applied criminal justice research or a doctoral degree.
• This option is typically only available for Campus-Based students.
• Thesis students must submit a thesis proposal to their faculty committee at a proposal hearing for approval and subsequently complete the approved thesis project.
• An approved thesis proposal is one wherein the thesis committee determines the student demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the nexus of theory, method, and policy as it applies to the proposed thesis project.
• At the discretion of the thesis committee, the proposal may be considered inadequate, and the student is required to revise and resubmit the thesis proposal until the committee determines the proposal is satisfactory.
• The final examination includes a defense of the completed thesis, but may also include a general examination based upon the candidate's program of study.

Focused Coursework Option

• The focused coursework option is often used by students pursuing administrative positions within criminal justice agencies.
• Focused coursework students must pass two written comprehensive examinations following completion of the required courses, no earlier than their third semester.
• Students not passing the examinations will be required to wait until the following semester to retake the examination.

Online MCJ Degree Option

• There is an online option for the MCJ degree.
• Online criminal justice courses are available only to those admitted to the MCJ program as online students, or with permission of the Director of the MCJ program.
• Students desiring to be admitted to the MCJ program as online students must declare that intent in writing to the MCJ director.

Final Examination

• All candidates, regardless of chosen degree option, must complete a final examination.
• Examination requirements vary by degree option.