Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements. A candidate for the Master of Science Degree in Social Justice and Criminology is required to:

1. Fulfill the general requirements for a graduate degree at Delta State University.

2. Complete a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate work as specified. At least one half of major field courses must be at 600-level. 

3. Earn a grade point average of at least 3.0 in the major field and overall.

4. In the first semester of graduate study, students are expected to choose a major professional/advisor from the graduate faculty teaching in criminal justice within the Division of Social Sciences. Prior to choosing the major professor/advisor, the Coordinator of the Master of Science in Social Justice and Criminology program will serve as the advisor for the student. With this major professor/advisor, the student will complete a Plan of Study (POS) wherein the student will outline exactly what courses are to be taken and when, over the course of their tenure as a graduate student.

5. Pass an oral and/or written examination in the candidate's major field administered by a committee determined by the student with the advisor's guidance. Note: Students who elect to complete a thesis as a requirement for graduation are exempt from the final comprehensive examination.