Academic Programs

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (120 semester credit hours) consists of courses in the core areas of criminal justice system such as in policing, courts and criminal procedure, and correctional systems and practices. The degree also provides students with a basic understanding of criminological theories and with essential tools to understand research in social sciences. Students may also take classes in juvenile justice, media and crime, as well as in other contemporary issues in crime and justice.

Students will take courses in other disciplines in order to provide a well-rounded liberal arts education. Additionally, the undergraduate degree requires students to complete hours in a minor course of study.  

Master of Science in Criminal Justice

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) is a comprehensive program designed to prepare graduate students to actively participate in the development of knowledge in the areas of criminological theory, the administration of justice, ethics and legal studies. It is also designed to prepare students to conduct research in the field of study.

The degree is especially beneficial for students already working in criminal justice system who seek to enhance their professional knowledge and skills as well as those who have full-time jobs as courses are scheduled primarily online. Also graduate students are given alternative options to complete the degree which include a non-thesis or thesis plan.

Both the non-thesis and thesis plan require the completion of 36 total hours of coursework, 9 hours of which are devoted to the student's minor curriculum. Students may choose to minor in Sociology, Political Science, English, Public Administration, History or Spanish. The completion of the degree also requires students to successfully demonstrate their knowledge of course content in criminal justice and in their minor coursework. Students must therefore successfully pass a comprehensive exam administered during the last semester of coursework.

Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Thesis Plan

Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Non-Thesis Plan

General Admissions Requirements and Procedures

All students (including transfer students) seeking admission to a graduate degree program in the college of Arts and Sciences, including MSCJ students, must first file an application with the University's Office of Admissions (KL 155) (the application can also be found at Application Form ). Once admitted to the university, this application would be forwarded to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. All supporting material indicated in the application must be submitted by the stated deadline (See below).

Application Deadlines For Admission Process

For Summer or Fall:      April 30th                
For Spring:                      November 30th

Outline of MSCJ Program Admissions Process

Each student's application will be carefully reviewed (in compliance with HB 1641), and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis but the above factors such as GPA and letters of recommendation will be taken into consideration. The Dean of Graduate Studies and Research will notify students in writing about the status of their applications.