M.S. in Criminal Justice

Master of Science in Criminal Justice Overview

Grand Valley State University’s Master of Science degree in criminal justice is offered through the School of Criminal Justice in the College of Community and Public Service and prepares graduate students to become highly capable criminal justice leaders, planners, activists, and academicians who will continuously improve the criminal justice system and profession.

About the M.S. in Criminal Justice

The Master of Science in criminal justice degree program is designed to meet the needs of scholars, managers and administrators in law enforcement, adult corrections, juvenile justice, and private security, as well as those students who are planning to pursue doctoral degrees.

• Applied knowledge process. Provides a bridge between theory and practice and between the classroom and the professional field.
• Comprehensive. Curriculum encompasses applied concepts of ethics, political and social justice, historical analysis of institutions and policy, leadership and management, theories, and research.
• Engaging. Students are part of a dynamic community of criminal justice professionals and scholars who work in concert to critique, challenge, and advance the study and practice of criminal justice.
• Flexible. Available to full- or part-time students. Many classes are offered at times to accommodate working professionals.

The M.S. in criminal justice program is 36 credits including 18 hours of required courses, 15-18 hours of guided electives, and an option to choose between a three-hour project and a six-hour thesis requirement. In addition, those without work experience in criminal justice or private security are strongly encouraged to take a three-hour graduate internship course.

Related Programs

Admissions

M.S. in criminal justice degree requirements and application for admission are available online. The $30 application fee is waived for undergraduate alumni of Grand Valley.

Cost

Grand Valley offers an excellent education at a reasonable cost and offers a number of ways to finance your graduate degree.