Criminal Justice (MS)

Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Unit: College of Arts and Sciences (GA)
Department: Criminal Justice
Program Webpage 
Academic Plan Code(s): JA_ _MS, JA_ _MS_O, JA_ _MS_ACC, JA _ _MS_ACO  

Program Information

The goals of the Department of Criminal Justice are for students to achieve a specialized understanding of the criminal justice system, criminal behavior, legal processes and the relationship of these phenomena to society.  Graduate studies in the Department of Criminal Justice provide students with advanced social and behavioral science skills as well as a detailed and thorough understanding of crime, criminal justice and related processes. Graduates of this program are prepared to continue advanced studies in criminal justice or other social sciences and to assume mid and upper-level leadership positions within criminal justice programs and agencies.

The interdisciplinary nature of the program maintains the dynamic posture that allowed this crime-related discipline to emerge and to mature quickly and successfully. Graduate students are given latitude in choosing elective courses in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice. Elective courses related to the student's program of study are selected from the resources of the entire University. Courses in social work, public administration, law, business, and the various departments of the College of Arts and Sciences are possible electives that the student may consider.  Electives outside the department must have the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies.  With proper selection, the electives can complement the core criminal justice courses and produce a balanced, interdisciplinary program which is tailored to meet specific professional and career goals.

The combination of the degree programs and the Southern Police Institute makes the program in Criminal Justice a unique blend of theory and practice. The Southern Police Institute is one of the oldest, most respected police management and administration educational programs in the United States.

Our programs are offered in two formats:

• Evening courses on campus, and
• Online.

General Requirements

The general requirements for the Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice are the completion of at least 36 graduate credit hours. The completion of these credit hours may include either thesis or non-thesis option. The thesis option requires the completion of 30 credit hours of graduate level courses and a thesis for a total of 36 credit hours. The non-thesis, professional paper option, requires the completion of 33 credit hours of graduate courses plus a professional paper for a total of 36 credit hours. A cumulative 3.0 grade point average must be maintained for all graduate coursework, grades of D must be repeated.

Students are advised to complete the Criminal Justice core courses prior to electives. Core or specific courses required for graduation total 15 credit hours with the remaining courses being electives. The composition of the list of elective courses will vary from student to student depending on the student's undergraduate major, aspirations and background. Electives outside of our department must have approval from the Director of Graduate Studies.

The degree is offered in two formats, our traditional on-campus classes and also online. Students interested in either format should see the department website for more information.  Students may choose either format or a combination of both methods of delivery.

Soaring Scholar Accelerated BS/MS in Criminal Justice

Undergraduate students interested in the program's accelerated option should visit the catalog pages for the BS in Criminal Justice for more information.

Admission Requirements

Anyone seeking admission to the Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program must submit an application to the Graduate School that includes the following:

• Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work completed. The minimum requirement for admission is the Baccalaureate degree or its equivalent.
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant's academic or professional capabilities.
• An original essay identifying the applicant's background, professional interests and goals. The essay should be 300-500 words and should allow the faculty to better understand the applicant's motivation and the potential for graduate work.
• Completed graduate application to the Graduate School.

In addition to other admissions materials, international students whose native language is not English must submit proof of language proficiency. The University of Louisville currently accepts TOEFL, IELTS and DET.  Score reports are valid for two years and scores will be considered expired if the test was taken more than two years prior to the application deadline.  The minimum score accepted for each test is below.

TOEFL:  79 iBT, 213 cBT, 550 pBT
IELTS:  6.5 (no sub-score lower than 5)
Duolingo English Test (DET):  105

For more information, visit English Language Proficiency Requirements.

The Department of Criminal Justice is committed to providing an opportunity to a diverse range of students. The Department of Criminal Justice has adopted the Council of Graduate Schools recommendation for a holistic approach to our admission criteria.  Successful applicants will typically have a strong undergraduate record, and excellent letters of recommendation that speak to the nominee's scholarly ability and potential to succeed in a master's program.  However, candidates may have other documented strengths that speak to the potential for success as evidenced by: prior research experience; exceptional community engagement or service; leadership experience; evidence of creativity or resilience; standardized test scores (GRE); or unique experiences or background that will contribute to our program.

The holistic review of applications allows our faculty to select the best students who fit the research areas offered within the department. Application information that highly influences the decision to offer admission includes the previous institution attended, research interests, grade point average, letters of recommendation, personal statements and resumes, and the experience, background or qualities that make the applicant eligible for admission.

Degree Requirements

A cumulative 3.0 grade point average must be maintained for all graduate coursework.  Students may have no more than six (6) credit hours of grades of C and any grade of D must be repeated.

Students are advised to complete the Criminal Justice core courses prior to electives. Core or specific courses required for graduation total 15 credit hours with the remaining courses being electives or research.

Thesis Option

Professional Paper Option

List of Approved Criminal Justice Electives - A minimum of three (3) credit hours must be 600+ level