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    Nov 21, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Criminal Justice, M.S.


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Requirements


Program Overview

The criminal justice master’s program is a practitioner-based program offered fully online. The 30-hour program is available to students with or without previous criminal justice course work. Students have the option of seeking a Master of Science degree with a thesis or a Master of Science degree without the thesis. Students pursuing the Master of Science without the thesis option will be required to take comprehensive exams during the last trimester of their coursework. The student pursuing the Master of Science degree with the thesis option must appear in person to defend his/her thesis during the last trimester of enrollment in the program. Students accepted into the program will complete an individual plan of study ranging from 30 semester hours to 39 hours, depending on previous criminal justice course work.

Departmental Mission

The criminal justice master’s program will provide a quality education rooted in Christian beliefs designed to challenge the student to excel in scholarship, leadership, and service in diverse communities as well as provide the opportunity for professional growth in the field of criminal justice.

General Admissions Requirements

  • Has met the university’s general admission requirements
  • A competitive score on the GRE
  • An overall GPA of 2.50 with a minimum of 3.0 GPA in undergraduate criminal justice coursework

Admissions Process

In order to be considered for admission to the program, each applicant must:

  • Complete and file the graduate application packet to the graduate admissions office by the university deadlines.
  • Provide official transcripts of all college work completed to date for the registrar and graduate admissions office.
  • Have submitted an official score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
    • Although examination scores are only one factor considered in admission decisions, applicants should be aware that competitive scores significantly enhance the overall application.
  • Provide two letters of reference from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic abilities.
  • Application fee
  • Students who have not completed undergraduate courses in criminal justice but have met all other admissions requirements will be admitted to the program with a probationary status until the following courses have been satisfactorily completed which will extend the hours in their individual plan of study:
    • MCJ 520 Introduction to Criminal Justice
    • MCJ 530 Introduction to Police Administration
    • MCJ 561 Constitutional Law

Admissions Status

  • Regular
    • Has met the university’s general admission requirements
    • A competitive score on the GRE
    • An overall GPA of 2.50 with a minimum of 3.0 GPA in undergraduate criminal justice coursework
  • Probationary
    • Has met the university’s general admission requirements
    • A competitive score on the GRE
    • An overall GPA of 2.50 but insufficient undergraduate coursework in criminal justice.
  • Nondegree
    • Nondegree status may be assigned to those students who meet the requirements for admissions, but do not otherwise wish to become a candidate for a degree. The nondegree status also applies to students who are ineligible to pursue a graduate degree but wish to take course work for nondegree purposes. No more than nine hours of credit from a nondegree status may apply toward a degree. Admission on a nondegree status does not imply admission to any program.

Curriculum for Master of Science Degree


(Without the Thesis*)

*Students pursuing a Master of Science degree without the thesis option must pass a written comprehensive exam during their last trimester of enrollment.

Curriculum for Master of Science Degree


(With Thesis Option)

Students pursuing a Master of Science degree with the thesis option must appear in person to defend their thesis during their last trimester.

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