PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice offers two plans of study. The first option, a professional track, is designed to meet the needs of students preparing for careers in the field of criminal justice. The second option, a research track is designed for students who plan careers as research analysts or plan to enroll in a PhD program when they complete the master’s program.
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice offers two plans of study. The first option, a professional track, is designed to meet the needs of students preparing for careers in the field of criminal justice. The curriculum focuses on the traditional issues such as management, administrative and criminal justice theory, as well as basic research methods and descriptive statistics. Other core and elective courses focus on the complex and changing world in which criminal justice systems operate in this country and abroad. This plan of study is designed to equip future criminal justice leaders to be critical consumers of criminal justice research.
The second option, a research track, is designed for students who plan careers as research analysts or who plan to enroll in a PhD program when they complete the master’s program. This program of study also focuses on traditional criminal justice issues but places greater emphasis on advanced research design and quantitative methods. This program of study is designed to prepare future analysts and criminal justice scholars who will produce criminal justice research.
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.
International students may only take one course per semester in a totally online format while attending UCF on a F-1 visa. Courses in this program can be taken in mixed mode for international students at UCF or fully online for international students who are not on visas. If you have questions, please consult the International Service Center at www.intl.ucf.edu.
CURRICULUM
The Criminal Justice MS program offers two tracks: Professional MS and Research MS. The Professional MS requires 36 credit hours, including 21 credit hours of core courses, 6 credit hours of restricted electives, 9 credit hours of general electives, and a final written examination within the Proseminar or capstone course. The Research MS requires 30 credit hours, including 18 credit hours of core courses, 3 credit hours of restricted electives, 9 credit hours of general electives, and completion of a research study within the Advanced Research Methods course.
| Total Credit Hours Required: |
| 30-36
Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree |
Independent learning is demonstrated throughout the curriculum through the process of inquiry and dialogue. Tangible projects such as advanced research projects, scholarly papers, internships, practicum, and presentations at professional conferences also contribute to the self development of our students. Both curricula focus on reviewing and analyzing contemporary research within the profession in order to help students acquire knowledge and skills pertaining to research-based best practices.
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).
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.