The Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) is designed to develop the essential knowledge and skills needed to become an effective practitioner or supervisor within the criminal justice system. The MSCJ program is designed for, but not limited to, people currently working in the criminal justice system or closely related fields. The MSCJ program is delivered entirely online.

The MSCJ provides students with advanced academic training, special expertise in advanced issues within the criminal justice system, supervisory and administrative proficiency, and the methodological and statistical skills necessary to understand research and new developments in criminal justice. The program increases abilities in critical thinking, problem-solving, oral and written communication, and understanding of the criminal justice system in the U.S. It presents an integrated program of study that is academically rigorous and practically oriented. It is appropriate for students who:

• are currently working in the criminal justice system and seeking to move into higher supervisory roles
• are currently working in the criminal justice system and seeking to broaden their skills by obtaining job-related knowledge and expertise
• are seeking to broaden their skills and knowledge in order to secure employment in the criminal justice system

Students will be guided through an intense, supervised course of study of the history and current issues in criminal justice, criminal justice policies and practices, and ways to improve those practices. This program also requires work in qualitative and quantitative methodologies, statistical analysis, and research design sufficient to make graduates proficient in consuming and understanding research that may be needed in management positions. All coursework builds toward a policy thesis, which demonstrates an understanding of a criminal justice issue and the policy implications of that issue. Graduates of this program will be expected to continue their work in the criminal justice field, be prepared to handle increasing responsibilities in their jobs and gain promotions to the highest levels of their organizations. The program is offered fully online and is built around eight-week courses each term throughout the year.

For more information, visit the program’s website.

Admission Requirements

Application requirements for admission to the MSCJ program are as follows. Students should submit all undergraduate transcripts and other materials to the UALR Graduate School. Admission decisions are made based on a total file review, Exceptions of those applying include the following:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 (4.0 scale). A 3.0 or higher is preferred.
• An online questionnaire will be required.
• One letter of recommendation.

Conditional Admission

Conditional admissions are possible for low test scores but not low GPAs. Conditional admissions will be determined by the MSCJ graduate coordinator in consultation with the Graduate School.

Students not meeting the standardized test score requirements may be admitted conditionally at the discretion of the program coordinator. Students admitted conditionally must earn grades of at least B in the first 12 hours and may not receive a grade of (I) incomplete within the first 12 hours of the program.

MSCJ Admissions Process

• Complete an online application and submit other Graduate School requirements. An application fee of $40 will be required.
• Mail official transcripts from undergraduate institution(s) and copies of MAT or GRE scores.

University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Graduate School
2801 S. University Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72204-1099

International Students

International students may apply for the MSCJ program. They should follow the steps on the international prospects webpage.

Program Requirements

The MSCJ program is delivered entirely online. Lectures may take the form of material presented by the professor (text, PowerPoint, etc.), guided lectures with voice-over visual material, or video presentations students download and watch. Students will be required to participate in courses through presentations and discussions on the class discussion list. Students will also be required to complete writing assignments associated with the course, ranging from short concept papers to more extensive term papers. Required courses establish the foundation of knowledge in criminal justice and include information all students should posses when they graduate.

Two options are available for graduation from the MSCJ program: capstone and comprehensive exam. Both options require 36 hours to successfully complete the program. The capstone requires CRJU 7330   Capstone and an elective. The comprehensive exam option requires CRJU 7395 Master’s Comp Prep and CRJU 7396 Master’s Comprehensive Exam. Before enrolling in graduate classes, students must consult with the program coordinator to declare the comprehensive exam option by the end of their second semester.

The capstone project requires a comprehensive literature review, critique of the literature, and direction for future study and policy on the topic.

The comprehensive exam requires the student to complete the CRJU 7395 and CRJU 7396 courses. In CRJU 7396, the student will complete multiple comprehensive exam questions from key topic areas for their program of study. A total of six hours of CRJU7395 and CRJU 7396 must be completed.

Electives may be taken from criminal justice or education, gerontology, history, applied communication studies, journalism, psychology, public administration, social work, and professional and technical writing.

Courses with grades of B or greater may not be repeated; grades below C are not accepted in the minimum hours requirement. Courses cannot be dropped from the study plan because of low grades. Students may receive a maximum of two Cs in the program of study. Upon receiving a third C, the student will be removed from the program. Students receiving a D or an F in any graduate course will be removed from the program.

Conditional students must earn grades of at least B in the first 12 hours and may not receive a grade of incomplete (I).