Master’s Degrees | Criminal Justice | Admisssions

Admissions Requirements

The Master of Criminal Justice offers two online program options: (1) Homeland Security & Emergency Management and (2) Criminal Justice Leadership, offered as accelerated, 8-week courses. Both program options are designed to be completed within one year. These programs are designed to provide people with the necessary skills and knowledge to become effective decision-makers and leaders in the fields of criminal justice, homeland security, and emergency management.

Admissions

The MCJ online program accepts rolling admission. We ask that applicants submit their completed applications (including all letters of recommendation received) at least 4-6 weeks before the start of the term seeking admission.

1. Admission Requirements
2. How to Apply 
3. Graduate Request for Information

Application Requirements for the MCJ Online:

1. Evidence of an awarded Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Quality of the applicant’s academic record, as evidenced by cumulative grade point average. At least a 3.0 or equivalent grade point average on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework is required.
3. Three (3) letters of professional recommendation, preferably from professors familiar with your academic qualifications or others familiar with your work ethic and ability to be successful in graduate school.
4. A 400- to 500-word statement of interest that describes your interest in pursuing the Master of Criminal Justice degree, your chosen emphasis in 1) Policy & Practice (in-person), 2) Homeland Security & Emergency Management (fully online), or 3) Criminal Justice Leadership (fully online), your future career goals, and why you believe you will be successful in graduate school.
5. Submit a sample of your recent written work that best showcases your skills as a writer and critical thinker. Writing samples should be in English and no more than 10 double-spaced pages in length. There are no specific formatting requirements. This could be a term paper, professional report, policy brief, or any other document that demonstrates writing and analytic skills.
6. Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Please note that the Department of Criminal Justice & Legal Studies does NOT require the submission of GRE scores for the Master of Criminal Justice program.