Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Criminology and Criminal Justice [M.A.]


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Revised Program [Fall 2021]


The M. A. in Criminology & Criminal Justice program provides students with a multidisciplinary understanding of crime and justice within the framework of broader social processes. The program is designed to develop students’ research, program planning, and policy evaluation in criminology and criminal justice. These skills will strengthen the professional qualifications of people already employed in the industry. The curriculum will also prepare students for post-secondary education or doctoral study in behavioral or social science. The analytical skills stressed by this program enable students to identify and assess the oftentimes conflicting objectives of criminal justice and investigate basic issues and practical problems in criminology and the administration of criminal justice.

Objectives

  1. Attainment of advanced education for persons who wish to enter careers in post-secondary education.
  2. Development of skills in research in criminology and criminal justice.
  3. Strengthening of the professional qualifications of persons employed in the fields of criminal justice.
  4. Preparation for doctoral study in behavioral or social science.

The analytical and evaluative skills stressed by this program enable students to identify and assess the often conflicting objectives of criminal justice and investigate basic issues and practical problems in criminology and the administration of criminal justice.

Program Admission


Graduate School Application

After reviewing the admission requirements below, please select the appropriate application. The University is transitioning application platforms; pay close attention when selecting the application below.

The program you are applying to may not accept applicants every semester.

For additional information regarding the application process, please see Graduate Admissions or International Admissions.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution. In addition, a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program, is required for full admission. Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission. See International Admissions for international applicant requirements.

Applicants must also meet the following program requirements:

  • Submit a two-to-three-page personal statement highlighting how past academic, employment, volunteer, or other relevant personal experiences have shaped their interest in a master’s degree in criminology and criminal justice. Applicants should also discuss how this degree will enhance their future career plans.
  • Submit two letters of reference from either academic or employment sources.
  • Submit a full resume.
  • Have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA.

Department Information


Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology | Julian Murchison, Ph.D.Department Head | 712 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.0012, jmurchi1@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Brian Sellers, Ph.D., 713B Pray-Harrold, 734.487.0012, bseller3@emich.edu

Degree Requirements: 31 hours


The MA in Criminology and Criminal Justice requires the completion of 31 hours of course work to be distributed among required courses, program area courses, elective courses and cognate courses as follows

Restricted Elective Courses: 12 hours


Restricted elective courses must be selected in consultation with the graduate coordinator. In sociology, criminology, or anthropology, any graduate-level course is eligible for elective credit (except for those counted as required courses). Cognate courses (graduate courses taken outside of the department) may be considered as substitutes with the graduate coordinator’s permission.

Thesis/Non-Thesis: 6 hours


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    Option I - Thesis: 6 hours

    In addition to the course work outlined above, thesis students must complete a thesis on a subject determined in consultation with their departmental thesis committee, as per Graduate School guidelines. The completed thesis must be approved by the student’s departmental thesis committee, as per departmental guidelines. To assist with the completion of the thesis, students must complete the following hours:

  • 3 hrs
  • 3 hrs
  •  

    Option II - Non-Thesis: 6 hours

    In addition to the course work outlined below, non-thesis students must complete two additional elective courses that deal with either methodological, substantive, or theoretical issues in criminology and criminal justice. These courses must be selected in consultation with the graduate coordinator. 

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