Program Overview

Criminology and Criminal Justice, M.A.

McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

The Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice provides advanced instruction in criminal justice system operation, criminology, research methods and statistics.

The program supplies professionals with advanced instruction using evidence-based practices in the criminal justice system. In addition to career advancement for working professionals, this master’s program also provides rigorous social science training for continued doctoral study.

Program Highlights

• Hands-on Experience
  • Practice skills in real-world law enforcement and law-related settings in the greater Columbia region.
• Individualized Studies
  • Build a targeted program of study that's tailored to your personal area of interest.
• Professional Research
  • Work with research faculty members to design more effective interventions and criminal justice system practices.
• Expansive Network
  • Build connections with other USC-educated professionals and practitioners working in criminal justice.

What You’ll Study

Gain advanced, evidence-based instruction in criminal justice system operation, criminology, research methods and statistics. Use your education to continue your studies, or enter teaching, research or policy-making roles in the criminal justice system.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

• Leadership
  • Inspiring and guiding others to achieve common goals and reach their full potential
• Data Analysis
  • Examining and interpreting information to uncover insights and inform decision making
• Attention to Detail
  • Being meticulous and thorough in all aspects of a task or project
• Collaboration
  • Working with others to achieve a common goal or objective
• Innovation
  • Introducing new ideas, methods or products to improve performance or achieve a specific goal
• Writing
  • Creating professional written content for inclusion in scholarly journal articles, books and reports

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Potential Careers

• Local, State or Federal Law Enforcement Officer
• Corrections, Probation or Parole Officer
• Researcher
• Victim Assistance and Advocacy

Job Titles of Alumni

• Special Agent
• Police Officer
• BSA/AML Senior Investigator
• Instructor
• Fraud Investigator
• Sheriff

Average Alumni Salary

Five to 10 years after graduation without additional education $84,703

Workplace Settings

• Law Enforcement
• Corrections
• Research
• Academia
• Law

Employers of Alumni

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Defense Criminal Investigative Service
• Columbia Police Department
• South Carolina Department of Corrections
• NC Department of Justice

Advanced Degrees

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

• Doctorate
  • Criminology and Criminal Justice, Ph.D.
    • McCausland College of Arts and Sciences
• Certificate
  • Women's and Gender Studies, Certificate
    • McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

Testimonial

The Criminal Justice and Criminology program has benefited me in so many ways. I have had the opportunity to accept a position in law enforcement, while also attending school part time. It has allowed me to continuously learn and apply my knowledge in a practical way.

Kaitlin Kirkley