Master of Science in Criminal Justice

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) at Kennesaw State University is ideal for you if you are a traditional student or a criminal justice professional who wants to further your career.

The criminal justice degree program includes face-to-face and some online course instructional formats. The program provides a focused and interactive educational experience designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills in criminal justice administration, including critical thinking and communication, as well as in relevant technologies and information sources.

Relevant coursework for the criminal justice degree addresses various critical issues within criminal justice, including criminal justice management and global criminal justice. The program also provides you an opportunity to understand and address the significance of cultural diversity within the criminal justice context. These attributes are essential for success in contemporary criminal justice agencies and relevant private sector organizations in Georgia and elsewhere.

KSU students in the criminal justice classroom

Program Snapshot

Program Format: Face-to-Face, Online or Hybrid

Number of Credits Hours: 33 (thesis option) or 36 (non-thesis option) Total Hours

Entry Terms: Fall, Spring

Time to Complete: Two-year Program

Application Deadlines:

  • Fall, July 1st
  • Spring, November 1st
Curriculum  Apply Now

Admissions Requirements

The following are requirements beyond the general Graduate Admissions requirements MSCJ applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements listed below:

  • Online Graduate Application - There is a non-refundable $60 application fee.
  • Transcripts - Official transcripts from each College and/or University you have attended. Must be in a sealed envelope from the institution or sent electronically from the institution directly to ksugrad@kennesaw.edu.
  • Application Letter (can be uploaded to the online application) - Should state your interest in and goals for the MS in Criminal Justice program, including reasons for why/how this program will meet your professional or academic needs (Note: If the applicant has a record of work experience in the criminal justice field, the applicant should explain in the letter the type and length of the experience, his or her work-related promotions and achievements, and skills/ knowledge acquired.)
  • Resume - can be uploaded to the online application.
  • Letters of Recommendation (Two) (Can be sent electronically through the online application). Notes: Letters should be from academics/ former professors. One letter could be from a work supervisor if the applicant has numerous years of work experience in the criminal justice field.
  • GRE Score Report - Request that your scores be sent electronically to KSU (school code 5359). No department code is necessary.
    ***Important Note***GRE Score Report NOT needed if applicant has one of the following other records of external validation: (1) Record of successful academic performance such as undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or above; *OR* (2) Demonstrated record of successful work experience in the criminal justice field for a period of four (4) or more years. [Note: For examples of qualifying types of work experience, see “Admissions Criteria” document on MSCJ Resources page].

Currently, there are no exceptions to the admission requirements.

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Criminal Justice Degree Benefits at Kennesaw State

  • Flexibility – The MSCJ offers flexibility in online, in-class, or a variation of both types of classes to aid you in work-life balance.

  • Outstanding Faculty – You will learn from the best. Our faculty have expertise in the criminal justice and criminal law fields.

  • Graduate Assistantships – Learn how to earn a stipend or tuition waivers with a graduate assistantship.

What can you do with a Criminal Justice degree?

Below are potential job titles for graduates from the masters in the criminal justice degree program at KSU:

  • Cybersecurity Investigator
  • Cyber Defensive Operator
  • Intelligence Analyst
  • Forensic Psychologist
  • Forensic Examiner
  • Federal Marshall
  • Criminologist
  • Fraud Investigator
  • Law Enforcement Officer
  • Victim Advocate

Criminal Justice Salary and Career Information

Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice

Kennesaw State University
Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice
402 Bartow Ave MB#2204
Social Sciences Building (402), Rm 4057
Kennesaw, Georgia, 30144 

Phone: 470-578-6739

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