Program Overview

Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice

The Master of Science degree in criminology and criminal justice is designed to provide students with the requisite knowledge and opportunity for individuals to be competitive for administrative positions in the courts, corrections, law enforcement, security, probation and parole; fill research positions in criminal justice agencies; pursue advanced degrees (J.D. or Ph.D.); and fill community college teaching positions in criminal justice.

Admission

Students seeking admission to the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Emergency Management Graduate Program should have an undergraduate degree and a desire for graduate study. The following items must be submitted:

• Two copies of the graduate application
• Applicants must select one of the following three options to demonstrate their aptitude for graduate study:
  • Option A: The GRE -- Official test scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test
  • Option B: The LSAT -- Official test scores on the Law School Admissions Test
  • Option C: Evidence of Research Potential -- Applicants who prefer not to take any standardized tests may submit one or two writing samples that evidence their research, writing, and critical thinking abilities
• Official transcripts of all undergraduate course work
• Two letters of recommendation from persons able to testify to the student's academic ability
• A résumé that describes the applicant's academic achievements, extracurricular activities, as well as relevant work, internship, and volunteer experiences
• A typewritten letter of intent (between 750 and 1,250 words) that addresses the applicant's motivation for applying, relevant research and practical experiences, specific areas of interest in criminal justice, and personal goals and objectives

Prerequisites

1. A bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited university
2. A student must have an overall undergraduate average (GPA) and average in their major of 3.00 or better

Competencies

Students entering the M.S. program in criminology and criminal justice are expected to have completed the following six undergraduate courses or their equivalents:

• CRJU 101: The Criminal Justice System in Society
• CRJU 304: Criminological Theory
• CRJU 320: Research Methods
• CRJU 325: Statistics
• CRJU 340: Substantive Criminal Law
• CRJU 350: Constitutional Criminal Procedure

Advancement to Candidacy

1. Students must satisfy the general University requirements for advancement to candidacy
2. Before advancing to candidacy, students must successfully complete 12 graduate units within the core with a minimum grade of "B" in each of the courses
3. Before advancing to candidacy, students must have fulfilled the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) and have successfully passed the School's qualifying examination

Requirements

1. Take 18 units of the following core courses:

• CRJU 501 Proseminar and Professional Writing in Criminology and Criminal Justice
• CRJU 504 Criminological Theory
• CRJU 520 Advanced Criminal Justice Research Methods
• CRJU 525 Advanced Statistics for Criminal Justice
• CRJU 535 Criminal Justice Policy
• CRJU 555 Law and Social Control

2. Take CRJU 530 Criminal Justice Ethics, Values & Diversity, unless waived
3. Successful passage of the School's qualifying examination testing graduate-level competency in statistics, research methods, and criminological theory
4. Take 15 additional graduate units in one of two ways:

• A. Thesis Option: Take 9 units of advisor-approved electives and the following courses: CRJU 694 Thesis I and CRJU 698 Thesis II
• B. Comprehensive Examination Option: Take 15 units of advisor-approved electives and successful completion of the comprehensive master's essay examination

Thesis

The thesis is a supervised experience in the application of theory and analytical tools to an issue in criminology or criminal justice. The thesis should prepare students for further graduate work or research in the field. The project should provide an experience that is directly applicable to an occupation in the criminal justice field. The thesis is a written product of the systematic study of a significant problem, and it clearly identifies the problem, states the major assumptions, explains the significance of the undertaking, sets forth the sources for and methods of gathering information, analyzes the data, and offers a conclusion or recommendations.