Program Overview

MA in Criminology, Law, and Justice

Program Overview

The MA in Criminology, Law, and Justice program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field, including its theoretical foundations, research methods, and practical applications.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are considered on an individual basis. The following requirements must be met:

• Baccalaureate Field: A baccalaureate degree in criminology, law, and justice or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Grade Point Average: At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study.
• Tests Required: GRE not required.
• English Proficiency: International students must meet the minimum English competency test scores:
  • TOEFL iBT: 80 (with minimum scores of 19 in Reading, 17 in Listening, 20 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing)
  • IELTS Academic: 6.5 (with minimum scores of 6.0 in Reading, 6.0 in Listening, 6.0 in Speaking, and 6.0 in Writing)
  • PTE Academic: 54 (with minimum scores of 51 in Reading, 47 in Listening, 53 in Speaking, and 56 in Writing)
• Letters of Recommendation: Three required, preferably from professors familiar with the student's recent work or, in the case of applicants with professional experience, from supervisors.
• Personal Statement: Required; 2-3 pages. The statement should address the applicant's reasons for wanting to take graduate work in criminology, law, and justice and the relationship of this advanced training to the applicant's professional and other goals.
• Other Requirements: Applicants must submit a sample of their academic writing (complete paper) and a resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
• Nondegree Applicants: The department will consider applicants for nondegree status who hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the minimum requirements of the Graduate College, students must meet the following program requirements:

• Minimum Semester Hours Required: 40.
• Coursework:
  • Required Courses:
    • CLJ 500: Law and Society
    • CLJ 520: Criminological Theory
    • CLJ 540: Criminal Justice: Process and Institutions
    • CLJ 547: Race, Class, and Gender Dimensions of Crime and Justice
    • CLJ 560: Quantitative Methods and Design
    • CLJ 561: Qualitative Methods and Design
    • CLJ 562: Statistical Applications in Criminology, Law, and Justice I
  • Electives: 12 semester hours of electives, including one of the following CLJ Signature Seminars:
    • CLJ 541: The Dynamics and Behavior in Criminal Justice Agencies
    • CLJ 546: Violence and Victimization
    • CLJ 548: Legal Discourse and Culture in Law and Society
    • Of the remaining 8 elective hours, 4 hours must be at the 500 level.
• Comprehensive Examination: Required.
• Thesis, Project, or Coursework-Only Options: Coursework only with comprehensive examination required. No other options are available.

Interdepartmental Concentrations

Students earning a graduate degree in this department may complement their courses by enrolling in select concentrations after consulting with their graduate advisor. Interdepartmental concentrations available for this degree include:

• Black Studies
• Gender and Women's Studies
• Latin American and Latino Studies
• Survey Research Methodology
• Violence Studies