Program Description

Core Mission of the Program

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice program will provide opportunities for advanced graduate work and scholarship in criminal justice. The program is designed to:

1. provide a Master of Science degree for entry into leadership positions in criminal justice professions; provide advanced professional educational opportunities for those who already work in the field of criminal justice, and
2. produce a new generation of academics capable of pursuing doctoral studies and leading the profession of criminal justice in the 21st century.

The students graduating with a Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice degree will:

1. demonstrate a thorough understanding of the field of criminal justice;
2. acquire theoretical knowledge of crime and criminal behavior;
3. have improved skills for conducting scientific research in criminal justice;
4. develop improved competence in criminal justice administration and leadership; and
5. attain academic competence to pursue doctoral studies in criminal justice.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements for admission to the College of Graduate Studies, the applicants who wish to pursue a Master’s of Science Degree in Criminal Justice must meet the following departmental requirements.  

1.Unconditional Admission

To be admitted in the regular status category, students will be required to fulfill:

1. a bachelors’ degree from any accredited college or university;
2. an undergraduate grade-point-average [GPA] of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale; and
3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE);
4. a personal statement describing personal characteristics, personal development reasons for seeking this degree, personal and professional experiences that influenced decision to pursue an advanced degree in criminal justice;
5. three professional/academic recommendations addressing character and academic promise.   

2. Conditional Admission

A limited number of applicants, with a grade-point-average below a 3.00 and the minimum course prerequisites, may be admitted on a provisional status.

All applications are to be made on the official graduate application form of Virginia State University, which may be obtained from the College of Graduate Studies Office. The completed application should be returned to the College of Graduate Studies Office.

** Students must take 12 credits from the Restricted Elective Courses.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE & ADMINISTRATION CONCENTRATION Courses