Master of Science-Criminology and Criminal Justice
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice (MS-CCJ) is designed to prepare individuals to identify problems and develop solutions through the application of criminological theories and policies to varied social issues that contribute to crime, and how to implement these solutions within a variety of justice-related agencies. The MS-CCJ degree is a 36 credit program offered via a combination of on-campus, hybrid and online courses. All students in the program will be required to take 9 hours of core courses: Proseminar in CCJ, Criminological Theory, and Criminal Justice Policy. Following the core, two tracks are available to appeal to students with different educational goals: a professional track and a thesis track. The professional track will appeal to the student who is seeking entrance to, or a promotion within, a justice-related agency and who desires the Master’s as a terminal degree. This track requires a capstone course where students will produce a major paper and demonstrate their mastery of knowledge through a comprehensive exam. The thesis track will prepare students who later aspire to enter a Ph.D. program by enhancing their theoretical knowledge, research, and statistical skills through producing a formal scholarly thesis.