Criminology & Criminal Justice, MS

The degree plan is 30 credit hours. Students can choose to complete a thesis, though it is not required.  Since this is a fixed two-year program, students will not choose among course offerings, and no transfer credits will be given.

Thesis Track

24 hours of coursework and 6 hours of thesis work

Year 1

Year 2 - including summer

The thesis is a paper that must be approved by the student’s advisor and thesis committee advisory members. It is a product of independent research and should demonstrate the appropriate level of analytic and writing acumen to the standards in the social sciences. Students will meet regularly with their advisers throughout the research and writing process.

Non-Thesis Track

24 hours of coursework and 6 hours of applied research

Year 1

Year 2 - including summer

Leadership, Executive and Administrative Development (LEAD) Certificate

The LEAD certificate is a 12-hour program designed for law enforcement and security professionals in mid to upper-level supervisory positions. Two courses are taken concurrently on campus on two evenings each semester for one academic year. Credits can be transferred to the M.S. in Criminology & Criminal Justice degree Applicants must meet the graduate program admission requirements. In addition, 1 of the letters of recommendation must be from a Chief or equivalent supervisor to be considered for admission. Admission is highly selective.

Required courses: