TRACK DESCRIPTION
The Research track of the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed for students who plan careers as criminal justice research analysts or who plan to enroll in a PhD program when they complete the master’s program.
The Research track of the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed for students who plan careers as criminal justice research analysts or who plan to enroll in a PhD program when they complete the master’s program. The 30 credit hour program of study emphasizes research activity while simultaneously providing essential grounding in criminal justice theory and training in social science research methods. Students completing this program of study will be prepared to produce criminal justice research that contributes improved understanding of crime and justice issues facing communities.
The benefits of an advanced graduate degree in criminal justice are self evident and are being increasingly recognized by employers in central Florida and throughout the United States. Federal, state, and local criminal justice agencies benefit from an informed and innovative workforce that is aware of the complex issues and problems faced by the system regardless of geographic locale. Furthermore, graduates of the program are grounded in the latest theories and learn how these theories affect each individual or organization within the system.
CURRICULUM
| Total Credit Hours Required: |
| 30
Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree |
The Criminal Justice MS program in Research requires a minimum of 30 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree, including a minimum of 18 credit hours of core courses, 3 credit hours from restricted electives and 9 credit hours of advanced curriculum that is selected in consultation with the graduate coordinator.
Required Courses—18 Credit Hours
- CCJ 5015 The Nature of Crime (3 credit hours)
- CCJ 5456 The Administration of Justice (3 credit hours)
- CCJ 6704 Research Methods in Criminal Justice (3 credit hours)
- CCJ 6702 Advanced Research Methods in Criminal Justice (3 credit hours)
- CCJ 6706 Quantitative Methods and Computer Utilization in Criminal Justice (3 credit hours)
- CCJ 6714 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Criminal Justice (3 credit hours)
Elective Courses—12 Credit Hours
Restricted—3 Credit Hours
Select one from the following.
- CCJ 5020 Foundations of Corrections (3 credit hours)
- CJE 5021 Foundations of Law Enforcement (3 credit hours)
- CJJ 6020 Juvenile Justice (3 credit hours)
- CJL 6568 Law and Social Control (3 credit hours)
- CJL 6520 American Criminal Courts (3 credit hours)
Unrestricted—9 Credit Hours
Graduate course work chosen after consultation with the program director.
INDEPENDENT LEARNING
Independent learning is demonstrated throughout the curriculum through the process of inquiry and dialogue. Tangible projects such as research projects, scholarly papers, internships, practicum, and presentations at professional conferences also contribute to the self development of our students. The final culminating experience for those enrolled in the research track entails successfully completing of the Advanced Research Methods Course (CCJ 6702), where students will successfully prepare a defensible research proposal suitable for funding at a state or federal agency.
Application Requirements
For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline(s).
In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
- One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
- Official, competitive GRE score taken within the last five years.
- Statement of career goals, indicating how the Criminal Justice MS degree will enhance the applicant's career goals.
- Résumé (no longer than two pages).
Applicants not meeting the minimum standards may be considered as candidates for provisional admittance. However, only students with complete applications (final transcript, GRE and personal statement) will be reviewed under this special admission category.
Students should be aware that admission to any graduate program is granted on a competitive basis. There may be cases where students meeting minimum requirements are denied admission based on such factors as program capacity or academic discretion.
Application Deadlines
All application materials must be submitted by the appropriate deadline listed below.
| Research |
Fall Priority
|
Fall
|
Spring
|
Summer
|
|---|
|
Domestic Applicants
| Jan 15 | Jul 15 | Dec 1 | Apr 15 |
|---|
|
International Applicants
| Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Jul 1 | Nov 1 |
|---|
|
International Transfer Applicants
| Jan 15 | Mar 1 | Sep 1 | Dec 15 |
|---|
FINANCIALS
Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see Student Finances, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowships
Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student’s graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see Fellowships, which includes descriptions of UCF fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.