Nov 24, 2024  
2024-25 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024-25 Graduate Catalog

Criminology, MA


Program code: CRIM-HH-MA

The Master of Arts program on the main campus offers full- or part-time study. The program is appropriate for students who are preparing for doctoral studies, along with careers in research or the administration of criminal justice. The MA program also is available online as a full-time or part-time program.

Admission Criteria

In addition to meeting the requirements for admission to the School of Graduate Studies and Research, a student intending to work toward an MA degree in Criminology will be required to have the following prerequisite academic and/or professional preparation:

  • Students should be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of criminological theory and the criminal justice system (generally satisfied by a bachelor’s degree in criminology, criminal justice, or related field); or,
  • Students should have knowledge gained through experience within the justice system or by specialized training or completed graduate or undergraduate studies in a related field.

All applicants for the MA degree in Criminology must possess the essence of knowledge offered in the undergraduate (BA) program core courses. These courses are:

CRIM 102 - Survey of Criminology
CRIM 306 - Criminological Research Methods
CRIM 400 - Theoretical Criminology
CRIM 401 - Contemporary Issues in Criminology

If, upon the consideration of the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice Graduate Committee, an applicant is deemed to be deficient, the department, through the master’s coordinator, will require appropriate undergraduate courses to remove these deficiencies. Students begin the MA in Criminology program during the Fall semester only. Applicants may apply at any time; however, priority will be given to completed applications received by March 15. After March 15, applications will be received, but admission to the program is contingent upon the availability of space.

Program Requirements

Students must choose between a thesis or non-thesis curriculum by the end of their second semester at latest.

I. Thesis Degree Requirements:


A total of 30 semester hours is required, including:

*Students may complete 6 elective credits outside the department. Students wishing to add an additional 3 credits (9 credits total) outside the d epartment need to petition the graduate advisor for approval.

Total (30 cr.)


II. Non-Thesis Degree Requirements:


Online option available.

A total of 30 semester hours is required, including:

*Students may complete 6 elective credits outside the department. Students wishing to add an additional 3 credits (9 credits total) outside the d epartment need to petition the graduate advisor for approval.

Total (30 cr.)