Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice is a graduate degree program designed to prepare students for diverse careers in the modern justice system or for advanced graduate study or law school. The program is offered online and requires a minimum of 30 hours of criminal justice coursework.

Program-at-a-Glance

• Credit Hours: 30
• Cost per Credit Hour: $578.12
• Completion Time: 2 years (pending hours enrolled and thesis option)
• Special Requirements: Request letters of reference that speak directly to the individual's perceived capacity for graduate-level coursework and academic ability.

Program Description

The online Criminal Justice degree is designed to prepare students for diverse careers in the modern justice system or for advanced graduate study or law school. The program introduces students to new ideas in civil liberties, juvenile law, policing, and a wide range of other topics and research. The dedicated faculty makes it easy for professionals in the field to gain access to credentials that will help advance education, employment qualifications, and career placement.

Career Paths

The advanced knowledge and skills gained from a Master's in Criminal Justice can put students in a position to take on leadership roles, specialized positions, and opportunities to reform the criminal justice system. Some specific career paths within the criminal justice field include:

• Protective services
• Law and corrections
• Security management
• Jobs like law enforcement officers, security guards, or private investigators
• Security, corrections, social services, or court administration

Course Requirements

• Seminar in Theory of Criminal Justice (3 hours)
• Applied Research Methods for Criminal Justice (3 hours)
• Applied Statistical Methods for Criminal Justice (3 hours)
• Seminar in Civil Liberties & Criminal Law (3 hours)
• Seminar in Policing (3 hours)
• Seminar in Corrections (3 hours)
• Seminar in Criminal Justice Policy (3 hours)
• Electives: 9 hours at the 500/600 level

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the standards set forth in the Academic Requirements and Procedures, applicants must have:

1. A GPA of 3.0 or greater on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework; or a 3.0 or greater on prior graduate work.
2. An undergraduate degree in criminal justice, criminology, forensic science, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution of higher learning.
3. Three current letters of recommendation that refer to and assess the applicant's academic ability and aptitude for success in a graduate program. Two of these must be written by individuals possessing at least a master's degree.
4. Writing Sample: A typed statement of 750 to 1,000 words summarizing the applicant's motivation for applying to the program.
5. Resumé or Curriculum Vita.

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice requires a minimum of 30 hours of criminal justice coursework (with 18 hours at the 600 level or above) plus successful completion of a comprehensive examination. In addition, students select a thesis or non-thesis option (capstone project) within the degree program.

Accreditation

The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools of Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).