Master's in Criminal Justice at KSU

Elevate your career with a Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ), a graduate-level program proudly offered by the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Kennesaw State University. This program is the perfect stepping stone for criminal justice professionals seeking career advancement or for those exploring new career opportunities in the field.

KSU's MSCJ program will equip you with:

  • Relevant Technologies & Skills: Gain proficiency in the latest technologies and skills vital to criminal justice administration.
  • Critical Thinking & Communication: Enhance your ability to analyze complex issues and communicate effectively.
  • Criminal Justice Management: Learn the intricacies of managing criminal justice operations on a local, regional, national or global scale.
  • Cultural Diversity: Understand and address the challenges and opportunities presented by cultural diversity within the criminal justice context.

These skills are not only crucial for success in contemporary criminal justice agencies but are also highly valued in relevant public and private sector organizations. Apply and take the next step in reaching your career goals.

MPA-MSCJ Dual Degree Option Also Available
Transform your professional journey with the Master of Public Administration/Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MPA/MSCJ) program. This innovative dual degree will equip you with the essential skills to thrive in these dynamic fields. As the demand for skilled leaders in public service and criminal justice grows, this dual degree program prepares you to understand the intricacies of the public sector and implement effective justice programs. With a robust curriculum that integrates public management and criminal justice theory, you’ll emerge as a competitive candidate ready to make a meaningful impact.

Program Snapshot

  • Program Format: 
    Face-to-Face, Online or Hybrid
  • Number of Credits Hours: 
    33-36
  • Cost: See Tuition/Fees
  • Time to Complete: 
    2 Years
  • Application Deadlines: 
    • Fall - July 1st
    • Spring - Nov. 1st
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Student Testimonials

Olivia

Olivia Franklin
Criminal Intelligence Analyst

The MSCJ program provides excellent opportunities for academic, professional, and personal growth. One of my networking connections through the program helped me land my current job working as a criminal intelligence analyst for the Cobb County Police Department.

anthony

Anthony Johnson
Global Software Employee

This program has given me the ability to network with professionals in multiple areas of the criminal justice system. I’ve been afforded opportunities to shadow professionals in their field, apply to internships, and pursue career opportunities post-graduation. 

Camilla

Camilla Anson
Aspiring Lawyer

Juggling studying for the LSAT, building my resume, completing graduate-level course work, and maintaining a steady personal life was my biggest challenge, although faculty and staff at KSU helped to relieve some of this conflict for me, ultimately molding me to be a strong candidate to any potential law school.

Program Summary

 

  • 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.

  • View Curriculum Details

    You have 2 options: thesis (33 credit hours) or non-thesis (36 credit hours).

    The program includes:

    • core courses: 6
    • elective courses: thesis 3 courses, non-thesis 5 courses
    • either thesis or demonstration project.

    You can choose the format to take your courses in:

    • face-to-face (f2f)
    • alternating modality (i.e., both f2f and online courses)
    • fully online (i.e., 100% of degree courses online).
    • Cybersecurity Investigator
    • Cyber Defensive Operator
    • Intelligence Analyst
    • Forensic Psychologist
    • Forensic Examiner
    • Federal Marshall
    • Criminologist
    • Fraud Investigator
    • Law Enforcement Officer
    • Victim Advocate

 

 

Questions?

For questions about the program, contact:
Dr. Sara Evans
MSCJ Program Director & Associate Professor
mscj@kennesaw.edu

For questions about the application process, contact:
Graduate Admissions
ksugrad@kennesaw.edu
470.578.4377

I'm Interested!

Student Testimonial

Alexandria Goldstein
MSCJ Student