Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology
About the Program
The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology provides a comprehensive examination of justice, crime, and the law. Faculty teach and research a variety of topics reflecting their diverse social science backgrounds.
Our majors work toward a Master of Science in Criminal Justice And Criminology degree, which fosters a broad understanding of the nature of justice, crime and the law, in addition to the social, political, legal, philosophic and historical context in which questions of justice are addressed, both in the United States and around the world. Students are expected to develop not only knowledge but a commitment to public service, ethical consciousness, and leadership abilities. Through the course work in Criminal Justice and Criminology, students are equipped to become proficient writers, critical and independent thinkers, and effective communicators. Graduates of the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology are prepared for graduate school, law school, and professions within the criminal justice system.
The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology recognizes that the issues of crime and justice are complex, controversial topics that are open to several different interpretations. As such, we are committed to an open intellectual environment that encourages teaching, scholarship, and discussion from a diversity of theoretical perspectives and research methodologies.
The curriculum of the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology reflects these values by offering a broad foundation of courses drawing on criminal justice, criminology, political science, sociology, public administration, and the law. The curriculum integrates these approaches to provide an understanding of the challenges of achieving justice in a complex society.
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Admissions Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited, four-year institution in criminal justice/criminology or related field (that adequately prepares students for success in this field. This application requirement will be waived for applicants who successfully complete the Post-Baccalaureate Cyber Certificate.)
- A 3.0 cumulative grade point average or higher on completed requirements for a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. (This application requirement will be waived for applicants who successfully complete the Post-Baccalaureate Cyber Certificate.)
- A Statement of Purpose detailing: a) academic background and/or professional credentials, b) relevant research and work experience, c) career goals and reasons for enrollment in this program.
- Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s: 1) academic work; 2) professional experience, if any; 3) ability to handle master’s level curriculum, and 4) how the applicant can be expected to contribute to the program. (This application requirement will be waived for applicants who successfully complete the Post-Baccalaureate Cyber Certificate.)
*International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES accredited evaluation service and must be a course by course evaluation and include a GPA. (naces.org)
Additional Admission Requirements - Executive Track
- A letter of recommendation from their current criminal justice employer/supervisor (in liu of two letters of recommendation).
- Be a current POST-certified law enforcement officer in the state of Georgia.
Provisional Admission
Students whose GPA is under 2.75 may be granted provisional admission by the graduate faculty committee based on careful review of additional materials submitted.
Reclassification
A student may be reclassified with regular admission providing that they have completed three program or related courses (9 hours), approved by their advisor, with a grade of no less than B for each class. Additional courses may be required to be completed prior to a student's reclassification that do not contribute to these nine hours (such as taking an undergraduate statistics course to prepare for graduate statistics). No more than nine hours may be earned under the provisional admission classification. After nine hours, the student must either be reclassified as a regular admission student or be removed from the program.
Deadlines
Fall
July 1*
Executive Track - August 31*
Spring
November 15*
Executive Track - November 15*
Summer
April 1*
Executive Track - Does Not Admit
NOTE: Due to current course offerings and visa requirements, international applicants can only be admitted in the Fall and Spring terms at this time.
*The application and all required documents listed on the "admissions requirements" tab for the program must be received by the deadline. If all required documents are not received by the deadline your application will not be considered for admission.
Program Contact Information
Program Coordinators
Adam Bossler, Ph.D.
Co-Graduate Program Director
Online Options
Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology
Laurie Gould, Ph.D.
Co-Graduate Program Director
Face-to-Face Options
Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology
Last updated: 3/28/2024