Criminal Justice and Criminology — B.A./M.S.
Program Overview
Program Overview
The Criminal Justice and Criminology dual degree program offers a comprehensive understanding of prevailing criminal behavior and criminal justice problems. Graduates will be able to identify the skills needed to succeed in the field, analyze, design, and execute research on a criminal justice topic, and identify and evaluate the most appropriate policy or program to address criminal justice issues.
Program Details
- Program Type: Major, Master's
- Academic Unit: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Standard credit hours: 141-150
- Delivery Mode: Hybrid
- Typical Program Length: 5 years
- Typical Course Load: 3-5 per semester
Why UMKC
The program offers exclusive seminars through the FBI Student Academy, a partnership between UMKC and the Kansas City Field Division of the FBI. Students can connect with other students through the criminal justice student club or student honor society. The curriculum is theory- and research-based, unified by a common goal of improving the criminal justice system and the experiences of people affected by it.
After Graduation
A master’s degree in criminal justice and criminology opens doors to various career paths in law enforcement, corrections, policy analysis, and academia. Professionals with this qualification often work as criminologists, criminal justice educators, or in senior roles in law enforcement agencies. Federal positions, such as FBI or DEA agents, frequently require advanced education combined with relevant experience.
Potential Careers
- Police officer
- Private detective
- Social work and victim advocacy
Median Salary
$76,242 per year, based on data from Lightcast.io for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers.
Potential Courses
Policing in America
Compare law enforcement and peace-keeping functions of the police and examine several topics related to police accomplishing these functions.
Intermediate Statistics
This course is a systematic development of the logic and practice of selected statistical methods used in sociological research.
Advanced Criminology Theory
This course provides an understanding of past as well as present criminological theories by examining each criminological tradition.
Related Programs and Pathways
- Criminal Justice and Criminology (Master's)
- Criminal Justice and Criminology (Major)
How to Apply
- Gather your materials
- Official transcripts
- Names and locations of previous college(s) and dates you attended
- Citizenship, residency, and visa information (if applicable)
- Complete the online application
- $45 for domestic graduate students or $75 for international graduate students
- Check admissions requirements Some programs have specific admission requirements or may require minimum scores on graduate admissions tests.
Application Dates
- To Start Classes in Fall: Apply by June 15, classes begin in August
- To Start Classes in Spring: Apply by November 15, classes begin in January
Financial Aid
An amazing education shouldn’t break the bank, which is why we offer a number of automatic and competitive scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities — plus financial guidance from our expert advisors.
Financial Aid Statistics
- 80% of first-year students seeking a master's degree or graduate certificate received financial aid
- 92% of first-year students seeking a doctoral degree received financial aid
- 77% of all degree- and certificate-seeking graduate students received financial aid