Criminal Justice, M.S.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice degree program is designed to promote broad based study of the phenomenon of crime and to enhance career opportunities in the field of criminal justice. The program utilizes the social and behavioral sciences in an interdisciplinary approach to study law, crime, and social deviance, and to critically examine the systems created in response to deviance and crime. The objectives of the program are to: (1) provide present and future criminal justice personnel with the educational background necessary to function effectively in the dynamic field of criminal justice; (2) familiarize students with the nature, methods, and functions of research, and with the existing body of knowledge on criminal justice; (3) provide the criminal justice system with qualified candidates for careers in the field; and (4) prepare students for entrance into doctoral programs. Career opportunities available in the criminal justice system include law enforcement, corrections, administration, planning and analysis, juvenile justice, and college instruction. There are also private sector careers available, including private security and loss prevention. Students may enroll in the program on either a full-time or part-time basis.  Courses are offered both during the day and in the evening.

Admission to the Criminal Justice graduate program is open to students with bachelor’s degrees in any discipline who meet the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School. Preference is given to applicants who have a grade point average of at least 3.0, a personal statement describing their interest in attaining the degree, and three strong recommendation letters from those who are able to attest to their academic ability.

Early Entry Program

Exceptional undergraduate students at UNC Charlotte may apply for the Early Entry Program and begin work toward the graduate degree before completion of the baccalaureate degree.  See the Undergraduate Catalog for details and requirements.  Also see the Degree Requirements and Academic Policies section of the Graduate Catalog for more information about Early Entry Programs.

APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING 2026– CLOSED ON 12/1/25

(Deadline 12/01/2025)

To apply for our program, you must submit an application through the graduate school.  To apply now visit ADMISSIONS SITE.

Admission Requirements:

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better

Three letters of recommendation: at least two of these should be from academic sources (faculty in your previous or current academic programs).  A third letter may be from either an academic source or an employer.  

A personal statement:  Your personal essay should address why you wish to do graduate work in criminal justice and why you wish to attend UNC Charlotte.   You should address directly how the program at UNC Charlotte fits your career and/or professional goals.   If applicable, applicants should address any weaknesses in their application, such as a low GPA, and provide a compelling explanation that supports their admission. Statements should be approximately 1-2 pages in length.

Unofficial transcripts from each post-secondary institution you attended. 

Please note that we do not have the ability to waive application fees. 

International Applicants:  For more information about the application process for international applicants visit international applicants’ site.

Application Deadlines:

Spring Semester 2026

                  Priority application deadline (to be considered for a graduate assistantship):  October 1, 2025

                  Final application deadline:  December 1, 2025.

Fall Semester 2026

                  Priority application deadline (to be considered for a graduate assistantship):  March 1, 2026

                  Final application deadline:  August 1, 2026

Information on tuition and fees.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

The Criminal Justice and Criminology Department offers, subject to budgetary approval, seven graduate assistantships that are awarded annually on a competitive basis. Graduate assistants work 20 hours a week and assist departmental faculty in their teaching and research activities. These are competitive assistantships that are awarded to exceptionally qualified students. Graduate assistantship contracts are for one year and may be renewed at the Department’s discretion for a second year.

Benefits of Assistantship:

• Graduate assistants earn a 9-month salary of $14,250 (taxable income)
• Subject to budgetary approval, assistantships are accompanied by in-state tuition reimbursement
• Professional and academic development

Applying for an Assistantship:

Applying for an assistantship is a part of your application process. This does not require a separate application, you simply need to check the box on your application form that you are interested in a graduate assistantship.

Deadline to apply for fall graduate assistantships – March 1st

Deadline to apply for spring assistantships – October 1st

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Additionally, UNC Charlotte’s Graduate School has a limited number of competitive awards and fellowships to help defray the costs of tuition and living expenses. Visit the funding resources page of the Graduate School’s website for more details.

The university’s scholarship portal also offers a variety of scholarships and fellowships, several of which are open to graduate students. Visit the portal at https://scholarships.charlotte.edu/.

The Criminal Justice and Criminology Department also offers a few (smaller) scholarships/awards annually to current graduate students. These include:

The Dean Reep Scholarship

• This award is given in memory of the late Dean Reep, who was formerly a graduate student in the criminal justice program. This award is eligible to North Carolina residents who plan a career in crime prevention, possess a high moral character, have a minimum of 3.4 GPA and is a full-time student with a minimum of 2 semesters left at UNC Charlotte. Contact the Graduate Coordinator about applying.

The Robert Lassiter Outstanding Graduate Paper Award

Students may self-nominate a graded paper completed for a course assignment. Contact the Graduate Coordinator about applying.

As degree requirements are subject to change, please consult with your graduate coordinator and the UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog for the most current requirements.

GRADUATE CATALOG | 2025-2026

Coursework

To fulfill the requirements for the M.S. in Criminal Justice, students must complete either (1) 31 classroom credit hours and successfully pass a comprehensive examination, or (2) 25 classroom credit hours, 6 thesis credit hours, and successfully defend a thesis. A minimum of 18 credit hours must be in courses open only to graduate students (6000 level or above).

*While some courses may occasionally be offered online, the M.S. in Criminal Justice is designed to be a “brick and mortar” program with courses taught in classrooms on campus. Graduate courses are generally taught in the evenings, but several classes (primarily electives) are offered during the day. The program does not offer weekend classes.

All students must complete a core curriculum, which consists of the following courses:

CJUS 6101: Criminological Theory & Policy (3 hours)
CJUS 6102: Research Methods & Design (3 hours)
CJUS 6103: Quantitative Crime Analytics I (3 hours)
CJUS 6104: Legal & Ethical Issues in Crime Analytics (3 hours)
CJUS 6105: Criminal Justice Seminar (1 hour)
CJUS 6106: Quantitative Crime Analytics II (3 hours)

The six core courses must be passed with a grade of “B” or better. Students may receive credit for a maximum of 9 hours of graduate courses from outside the department (for example, in public administration or sociology). Students are advised to meet with the Graduate Coordinator prior to enrolling in courses outside of the Criminal Justice and Criminology Department.

Courses for Graduate Students and Advanced Undergraduates:

CJUS 5000: Topics in Criminal Justice
CJUS 5101: Drugs, Crime and the Criminal Justice System
CJUS 5103: International Criminal Justice
CJUS 5160: Victims and the Criminal Justice System
CJUS 5161: Violence and the Violent Offender
CJUS 5162: Sexual Assault

Courses for Graduate Students Only:

CJUS 6000: Topics in Criminal Justice
CJUS 6101: Criminological Theory & Policy
CJUS 6102: Research Methods & Design
CJUS 6103: Quantitative Crime Analytics I
CJUS 6104: Legal & Ethical Issues in Crime Analytics
CJUS 6105: Criminal Justice Seminar
CJUS 6106: Quantitative Crime Analytics II
CJUS 6120: Criminal Justice Management and Decision-Making
CJUS 6130: Law Enforcement Systems
CJUS 6131: Police Problems and Practices
CJUS 6132: Legal Issues in Law Enforcement
CJUS 6140: Prosecution and Adjudication Processes
CJUS 6151: Correctional Strategies: Rehabilitation and Reintegration
CJUS 6152: Legal Issues in Corrections
CJUS 6160: Juvenile Justice Systems
CJUS 6170: Program Planning and Evaluation in Criminal Justice
CJUS 6172: Intelligence Analysis
CJUS 6800: Directed Individual Study in Criminal Justice (a maximum of six DIS credits can be taken)
CJUS 6901: Thesis I
CJUS 6902: Thesis II
CJUS 7999: Graduate Residence

A maximum of 9 hours of coursework where the grade is “B” or above may be transferred from another institution (only 6 may transfer as core classes). Such transfer courses are accepted at the discretion of the Graduate Committee and must be consistent with the student’s overall program. To receive credit for any courses taken at another institution, a student must submit an academic petition and have the request approved.

CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE

Students can elect to either take a comprehensive exam or to complete a thesis. 

Option 1 – Comprehensive Exam:  Student can select to complete 31 hours of graduate coursework (with a B or better) and successfully pass the comprehensive exam.  The exam requires students to apply the material learned in their core classes and is offered at the end of the fall and spring semesters.  Students are limited to two attempts at taking the comprehensive examination.  Students wishing to take the comprehensive exam should notify the graduate coordinator.  A few weeks before the administration of the exam, the graduate coordinator will hold a required pre-examination meeting with all of the students taking the comprehensive exam.  Students will be advised on the structure of the exam, how to prepare for the exam, as well as what is expected in a passing response.

Option 2 – Thesis Track:  Students selecting the thesis track must successfully complete 25 hours of graduate coursework (with a B or better) and 6 hours of thesis coursework (CJUS6901 Thesis I & CJUS6902 Thesis II). 

A thesis is a detailed research project. The thesis project should examine an issue related to the fields of Criminal Justice and/or Criminology. While most theses will involve the analysis of empirical data, theses may entail a philosophical, theoretical, or legal analysis in order to examine the student’s research question.

In addition to a thesis chair, students should also select a thesis committee. The thesis committee must have at least three members (one of which is the chair). At least two committee members must be faculty in the Criminal Justice and Criminology Department. All committee members must have graduate faculty status. For further details, please go to https://graduateschool.charlotte.edu/current-students/thesis-and-dissertation).

Students begin their thesis by writing a thesis proposal. The proposal outlines the research question under study, a review of the literature on the topic, and (where appropriate) an overview of the proposed methodology the student will undertake to answer the research question. The thesis committee must approve the student’s thesis proposal. This is typically accomplished through a formal “thesis proposal defense” meeting, to be scheduled by the student and/or the thesis chair. During the proposal defense, the student makes an oral presentation and fields questions about the proposed study.

Once the proposal is successfully defended, the student then completes the research project* and writes up the findings/conclusions from the study. This document is again submitted to the thesis committee for approval. This is accomplished through a formal “thesis defense” meeting, to be scheduled by the student and/or the thesis chair. During the thesis defense, the student makes an oral presentation and fields questions about the completed study. A final copy of the approved thesis document is submitted to the graduate school.

*Note that prior to completing the research study, the student may need approval from the University’s Institutional Review Board, which ensures any research involving human subjects is conducted in within federally mandated ethical standards. See Research Utilizing Human Subjects.

Time Limit:

All work for your degree must be completed within a six-year period counting from the beginning of the first term in which credit was earned toward the degree.  This includes part-time students.

Early Entry (for UNC-Charlotte Undergraduate Students)

We offer early entry into both our graduate certificate in crime analysis as well as our master’s in criminal justice.

Master’s In Criminal Justice (M.S.)

Early Admission for Exceptional UNC Charlotte Undergraduates

Are you interested in getting a head start on your master’s degree while finishing your undergraduate studies? Our Early Entry Master’s Program offers an incredible opportunity to fast-track your education and open exciting academic and professional opportunities.

Here are the key benefits of joining our Early Entry Program:

• Accelerate Your Graduate Degree: Begin working on your graduate courses as an undergraduate, allowing you to complete your master’s degree faster.
• Double Count 12 Credit Hours: You can apply up to 12 credit hours (four courses) toward both your undergraduate and graduate degrees, saving time and effort.
• Save Money: You will continue paying undergraduate tuition and fees for all courses you take, including graduate courses. This cost-saving benefit makes earning a master’s degree more affordable and accessible.
• Automatic Admission to the Graduate Program: Once you complete your undergraduate degree, you will be automatically admitted to the graduate program, allowing for a seamless transition to your master’s studies.
• Eligibility for Graduate Assistantships: After earning your undergraduate degree, you become eligible for a graduate assistantship, which includes a stipend and in-state tuition reimbursement (subject to budget availability).
• No GRE Required: Our program does not require the GRE for admission, making the process even more convenient for you!

Eligibility Requirements:

• A minimum GPA of 3.2
• Completion of at least 75 credit hours

How to Apply: Applying is simple! Just visit Graduate Admissions to complete the application. You will need:

Your unofficial transcripts

Three letters of reference (preferably from academic sources)

A statement of purpose

Criminal Justice, Crime Analytics Concentration, B.A. – Academics

Alpha Phi Sigma:

Alpha Phi Sigma is a national criminal justice honors society, which recognizes scholastic excellence by undergraduate and graduate students in Criminal Justice & Criminology. Graduate students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 in all graduate course work. This society is affiliated with the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.

Graduate Student Association:

The Graduate and Professional Student Government is chartered by the Student Government Association and serves as an official organization for all UNC Charlotte graduate students. As funds are available, the GPSG assists graduate students with travel expenses when they present papers at scholarly or professional meetings. GPSG meetings are held at least once a month.

The Prelaw Society:

The Pre-Law Society exists to fulfill several goals for its members: provide them with the knowledge necessary to make crucial decisions as they seek admission to law school, to deepen their understanding of the legal profession, encourage scholastic excellence, and foster lifelong relationships.

Criminal Justice Association:

The CJA is designed to provide Criminal Justice & Criminology students with an opportunity to meet practitioners in the field as well as to socialize with fellow students.  The CJA sponsors a wide variety of receptions and meetings designed to accommodate student interests.  More information is available here – https://criminaljustice.charlotte.edu/opportunities-students/criminal-justice-association/

Question: How much is tuition for graduate education?

Answer: Tuition Varies each year and the current year’s tuition information can be found here.

Question: Can you waive my application fee?

Answer: Unfortunately, we cannot waive application fees.

Question: When are admissions decisions made?

Answer: Applications are accepted year-round. To allow proper time to review the application, all materials should be on file with the Graduate School at least one month prior to the start of the semester in which applicants wish to enroll.

Persons interested in starting in the Fall semester are strongly encouraged to have all application materials submitted by March 1 in order to be considered for Departmental Assistantships and Graduate Tuition Awards.

Question: My GPA is below the “preferred standards” that are outlined in the admissions criteria. Can I still be admitted into the program?

Answer: Admissions are increasingly becoming more competitive and the department caps the number of admissions each year. While students who fall below the “preferred standards” for GPA have been admitted, the chances of admission are becoming increasingly more difficult. Applicants with a GPA slightly below the preferred standards may still be admitted. The admissions committee will take into account any impressive strengths that may be present in other areas of the application. That being said, applicants with a GPA that is considerably below the preferred standards (or slightly below but without other notable strengths) will typically be denied admission.

Question: I have applied to the graduate school but I have not been notified of my admissions status. Who can I contact?

Answer: Check on admissions status with the graduate school.

Question: Outside of the traditional teaching assistantships, are there any additional opportunities to work within the department?

Answer: Yes. Periodically faculty will be awarded grants/contracts that include funding for hiring students. You are encouraged to contact the Graduate Coordinator and/or specific faculty to see if any opportunities presently exist.

Question: I have taken a few graduate courses from another institution. Can I transfer any of those credits?

Answer: Students may transfer a maximum of nine credits (only 6 credit may count toward core classes), pending certain conditions.

Question: I work full-time and I am concerned about when graduate classes are typically taught.

Answer: Typically, graduate classes begin at 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM, Monday through Thursday. Some elective classes, however, are taught at other times.

Question: Can I enroll on a part-time basis?

Answer: Yes, we accept students on both a full-time and part-time basis.

Question: I am a current student in the M.S. program and will be graduating in the next semester or so. Are there any forms that I need to complete

Answer: Yes, you will have to complete a “Application to Candidacy” form and an “Application for Graduation” form (see Graduate School forms).

Question: I am from out-of-state/international student, assuming I was offered a graduate assistantship, how much should I expect to pay?

Answer: Graduate assistantships offer in-state tuition reimbursement. This means you would be responsible for paying the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition as well as fees.

Question: How long does the program take to complete?

Answer: Students typically take between 18-24 months to complete the program. It is possible to complete the program quicker if you are an early entry student or take summer classes. Completing a comprehensive exam, rather than a thesis, can also shorten your time to degree.