Master of Science in Criminal Justice

The Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice is a self-paced learning program which may be completed off-campus. Study programs are not structured in semesters, quarters or terms, allowing students to begin their degree program at any time during the year.

The Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice requires students to satisfy the following course requirements: 30 semester units (10 core courses) in Criminal Justice; plus, an additional 9 units for a total of 39 semester units of credit.

Prerequisites to Admission

An applicant must have earned a Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice; or, a Bachelor Degree in another field may be considered if the Admission Committee evaluation indicates that the applicant has the necessary foundation to succeed in the program.

Master of Science in Criminal Justice Core Courses

Courses required are listed below. Course descriptions for the Master of Science in Criminal Justice Core Courses may be found by following this link: Course Descriptions

BCJ 501 Criminological Theory
BCJ 510 Drugs, Justice and Society
BCJ 515 Criminal Justice Administration
BCJ 530 Multicultural Issues in Law Enforcement
BCJ 545 Computer Crime
BCJ 562 Police Administration and Management
BCJ 563 Criminal Justice Policy
BAM 515 Organizational Behavior
BAM 550 Leadership
GRM 697 The Research Process

OPTION 1 (9 semester units)
The M.S. in Criminal Justice Candidate may develop a Master's Thesis under faculty guidance.

GRM 698 Proposal for the Master Thesis
GRM 699 The Master Thesis

OPTION 2 (9 semester units)
Satisfy the following 3 courses:

BCJ 565 Deviant Behavior
BCJ 575 Terrorism and Homeland Security
BCJ 582 Correctional Counseling