Criminal Justice, M.S.
Program Overview
The primary goal of the Master of Science in Criminal Justice (M.S.C.J.) program is to help prepare students for research, policy development, administrative and supervisory positions within the various sectors of the criminal justice field. Conditions and needs in criminal justice are always changing; therefore, the program attempts to acquaint students with the most current perspectives and substantive knowledge, technical skills and analytic methodologies.
The M.S.C.J. emphasizes analysis, critical thinking and the practical application of knowledge. Beyond completing rigorous course work, students gain practical experience through fulfilling a field placement or a shadowing experience with an upper-level manager in an approved criminal justice agency or related field. Therefore, our students are exposed to academic and professional experiences. The department is also home to two institutes: the Juvenile Justice Institute and the Institute for Homeland Security and Workforce Development, providing research opportunities.
The M.S.C.J. program at NCCU offers two program options (Traditional and Professional) in which students have the opportunity to complete a thesis for their degree or a policy analysis project. The curriculum concentrates on theories of crime and deviant behavior and on the systems that respond to crime and deviant behavior. The program also emphasizes leadership management and social justice.
Program Learning Outcomes
The following represents the program learning outcome (PLO) maps.
- PLO1: Evaluate the application of theoretical knowledge in the analysis of crime, deviance, and efficacy of policies and practices. (L1.1)
- PLO2: Articulate approaches for bridging the gap in knowledge related to academic research and enhancing practical applications in criminal justice. (L1.2)
- PLO3: Interpret complex data to inform policy decisions and enhance practices within the criminal justice system. (L2.2)
- PLO4: Practice ethical decision-making and leadership skills in professional settings. (L2.3)
Info Accordions
| Class | PLO1 | PLO2 | PLO3 | PLO4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Classes
|
||||
| CRIM 5010 | ✖ | |||
| CRIM 5100 | ✖ | |||
| CRIM 5450 | ✖ | ✖ | ||
| CRIM 5600 | ✖ | ✖ | ||
| CRIM 5610 | ✖ | ✖ | ||
| CRIM 5650 | ✖ | ✖ | ||
| CRIM 5900 | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| CRIM 5920 | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| CRIM 5465 | ✖ | ✖ | ||
Admission Requirements
The requirements for all applicants are as follows:
- Online graduate admission application
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts of all schools attended (if you earned your degree from a non-U.S. school, please see the international applicant requirements)
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
- Statement of purpose or personal statement
- The GRE is not required
- A writing sample is required for the professional track
Application Deadline Dates
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
- Fall: July 1
- Spring: November 1
- Summer: No admission
International Applicants
- Fall: April 1
- Spring: September 1
- Summer: No admission
Graduate Practicum Waiver Request Form
Graduate students with at least one year of full-time work experience in criminal justice may be eligible for a waiver. To be considered, please submit this waiver request form and the required documents requested within it. Please note that any student granted an exemption must fulfill the credit requirement by enrolling in an alternate criminal justice course.
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How to Apply
Individuals who would like to apply to an NC Central graduate program (except the law program) must apply using the correct online graduate admission application.