Criminal Justice Studies
The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Studies consists of an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to provide perspective on crime and (in)justice at the local, state, regional, national, and international levels. The program provides a well-rounded, theoretical, and practical education necessary for careers in criminal justice and social justice fields.
Domestic students
International students
Advising
Patrick Cundiff, the graduate director, can assist you with your academics, preparation for graduation and general questions or concerns about your program.
Courses
The curriculum consists of a foundational core (18 hours), a choice of one of three tracks - career track with four specializations, social justice track with two specializations, or thesis track (12-14 hours), and a required application experience (4-6 hours). In addition, students may be able to complete a graduate certificate program – the Addiction Specialization or Clinical Addiction Certificate, the Climate Change Policy and Management Certificate, the Cybersecurity: Computer Information Systems Graduate Certificate, or the Geographic Information Sciences Certificate – as part of the M.A. in Criminal Justice Studies.
- Requirements and course descriptions
- Program handbook
Graduate forms
Financial aid
Generous financial aid packages that include assistantships and fellowships are offered. In addition, funding through several university programs is available to qualified students. The department's endowment supports and facilitates outstanding graduate student scholarship through its dissertation research grants and conference travel grants.
Mentoring
The department takes great pride in the strong mentoring relationships that the faculty establishes with our graduate students. With small courses and a faculty of 18, we provide ample opportunity for one-on-one intellectual discussion and strongly encourage active involvement in faculty-student research projects. Opportunities for development of professional research skills are also available in our research center, the Kercher Center for Social Research.