Division of Social Sciences & History

Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology (online)

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology (MS-CJC) provides graduate degrees for students across several states, entirely online, emphasizing a strong foundation in criminological theory and coursework aimed at providing the skills needed to prepare the working professional to compete for lucrative promotions, seek a faculty or other training position, or advance into a doctoral program. Our faculty strive to enhance students’ analytical, writing, and presentations skills which are grounded in research and statistical methods and our faculty have expertise in cutting-edge areas of criminology and criminal justice, including student-requested topics such as terrorism, substance use, and the juvenile justice system. Delta State University is unique in that it provides students with both small class size and matches each student with a faculty advisor to oversee their progress through the program.

Our faculty know you want a high-quality education that is affordable. Delta State University does not charge out of state tuition for students and is the most affordable university in Mississippi. The estimated cost of tuition for four (4) semesters of full-time attendance in the MS-CJC program is about $16,000 (excluding course related fees. Please consult the Graduate University Catalog for an estimation of these fees). Complete details about Tuition and Fees can be found at the Student Business Services website located here: https://www.deltastate.edu/finance-admin/student-business-services/tuition-and-fees/

The Criminal Justice and Criminology Program at Delta State University offers a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees designed to provide students with a strong foundation in justice and law. Electives are available to strengthen your academic understanding of policing, corrections, the legal system, juvenile justice, and wildlife law enforcement. Many students elect to apply their classroom knowledge in real world setting.

The Criminal Justice and Criminology program at Delta State University at the graduate level provides students with a strong foundation in criminological theory with a focus on the criminal justice system in the United States and how it compares to those in other countries.

Students’ analytical skills are grounded in a strong foundation of theory, research methods, and statistical methods. A broad range of elective opportunities strengthen students’ academic understanding of policing, corrections, the legal system, juvenile justice, homeland security and terrorism, family violence, psychology in the criminal justice system, sex crimes, homicide, drugs, and gender.  Special topics courses provide additional opportunities for distinctive study.

Graduate Internship programs provide students the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in real world settings. Student interns gain valuable experience in a criminal justice field of their choosing. This experience can serve as a precursor for future employment in that field.

Individuals who are interested in social justice and wish to serve people and their communities often gravitate to this unique area of study. Social Justice and Criminology majors are prepared for employment in a range of professional settings that may include local and federal law enforcement agencies and private organizations, where they serve as victim advocates, correctional officers, substance abuse counselors, vocational instructors, parole or probation officer, juvenile probation officers, investigators, and in many other areas.

The Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology (MS-CJC) is a graduate degree designed for students who wish to pursue academic and/or professional roles in the criminal justice system.

Admission Requirements: All students will meet all general requirements for admission to Graduate School.

1. Applicants with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 may be automatically
admitted without additional requirements.

2. Applicants with less than a 3.0 undergraduate GPA must:
c) Submit a resume and a list of three references from professors and/or employers familiar with the
applicant’s academic or professional work.
d) Submit a personal statement/essay.

Degree Requirements: A candidate for the Master of Science Degree in Criminal 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.
3. Pass the comprehensive examination in the candidate’s major field administered by a committee of faculty. Each student is allowed three attempts at the comprehensive exam to be completed no later than three semesters after completing course requirements. Note: Students who elect to complete a thesis as a requirement for graduation are exempt from the final comprehensive examination.

In the first semester of graduate study, students are expected to consult with the Coordinator of the Master of Science in Social Justice and Criminology program who serves as the advisor for the students. The student will complete a Plan of Study (POS) wherein the coordinator will outline exactly what courses are to be taken and when, over the course of their tenure as a graduate student.

Contact

Program Coordinator

Dr. Donna Ossorio
P: (662) 846-4065
dossorio@deltastate.edu

Address and Mailing

Division of Social Sciences & History
College of Arts & Sciences
DSU Box 3264 Kethley 220
Cleveland, MS 38733