The Master of Criminal Justice provides students interested in a comprehensive professional graduate education in criminology and criminal justice with an in-depth understanding of existing structures, practices, and challenges.

Choose between a Capstone Project or a Thesis

A capstone is a three-credit, client-based research project that synthesizes competencies gained throughout the course of study for the master’s programs of the School of Public Affairs. Students conduct independent research, complete a final written project demonstrating their qualifications and expertise, and orally present findings to a committee of faculty and criminal justice or public affairs professionals.

The thesis option is available in lieu of the capstone for graduate students who have an interest in pursuing a topic in-depth or who are planning to pursue a career in research or academia. Students must receive approval from their faculty advisor or their program director to pursue the thesis option instead of a capstone. The thesis is a three- to six-credit course.

Four Optional Concentrations

• Crime Analysis
• Disasters, Hazards and Emergency Management
• Emergency Management and Homeland Security
• Gender-Based Violence