All candidates in the Research Concentration complete an oral comprehensive exam and an oral defense of the thesis or professional paper prior to graduation. Candidates in the MSCJ Non-Thesis Option program complete a comprehensive exam including both written and oral components prior to graduation. Specific course and admissions requirements vary by program.
Master’s Degree Programs
The School of Criminal Justice and Criminology offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) degree, with the choice of a Research Concentration (30 credit hours, Thesis Option only) or the original MSCJ program (36 hours, Non-Thesis Option only).
Program Overview
MSCJ Non-Thesis Option
- Generalist degree option for those seeking to further their knowledge and skills in CJ
- Minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE not required
- 36 credit hours
- 5 core courses and 7 electives
- No thesis or professional paper
- Written and oral comprehensive exam
- 16-week courses in Fall / Spring, 10-week courses in Summer
MSCJ Thesis Option
- Competitive degree option for those seeking research analyst jobs or to pursue a PhD
- Minimum GPA of 3.25, GRE not required
- 30 credit hours
- 5 core courses and 3 electives
- Thesis (6 credit hours)
- Oral comprehensive exam
- 16-week courses in Fall / Spring, 10-week courses in Summer
Course Work
Our curriculum addresses a wide range of social issues and research areas, providing a foundation of knowledge necessary to excel in a challenging world.
“I received the best education in criminal justice and criminology in Texas. The faculty are friendly and committed to expert research.ˮ
— Nicole Kinbarovsky, M.S.C.J. ’20
ATTENTION
As of Fall 2024, the Certificate in Intelligence Analysis will no longer be offered by the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology. Any questions should be sent to the MSCJ Program Coordinator.
Have Questions? Contact Us!
MSCJ Program Coordinator
Sean Patrick Roche, Ph.D.
sean.roche@txstate.edu
MSCJ Program Administrative Assistant
Michael Soderstrom
mmsoderstrom@txstate.edu
MSCJ Program Mailbox
cjmasters@txstate.edu