Master of Science in Criminal Justice
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) degree program began in 2001 at BGSU. The MSCJ degree prepares students for leadership positions in criminal justice agencies, as well as prepares students for law school or a doctoral program if interested. The MSCJ curriculum integrates theory and research to help inform effective responses to contemporary challenges facing the criminal justice system. The MSCJ curriculum is taught by faculty actively involved in policy-relevant research or with a professional background in criminal justice.
Curriculum
For students in our on-campus program, two specializations are now available under the Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) degree: Forensic Investigation and Victims and Offenders. These specializations provide students with a comprehensive foundation in theory, research, policy, and ethics, while also providing students the flexibility to select elective courses that align with their professional and academic interests.
Students in our part-time online program complete the same foundational (required) courses as on-campus students, but the two specializations mentioned above are not available online at this time. Online students instead complete the elective courses offered in our highly-ranked online program.
MSCJ curriculum for on-campus and online students.
Accelerated Program
We also offer current BGSU juniors and seniors the option to become a pre-master's student under our Accelerated MS in Criminal Justice program. More information.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are required to submit: (1) scanned copies of official or unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended; (2) two letters of recommendation; (3) a personal statement (250 to 750 words) detailing one's interest in the MSCJ program and professional goals; and (4) a resume outlining relevant academic and professional experiences.
To gain regular admission to the MSCJ degree program, applicants must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or a GPA of 3.0 in at least nine credit hours of graduate coursework. It may be possible to be conditionally admitted to the program, or start as a non-degree seeking student, if the minimum GPA requirement is not met.
See this admission document for more details.
International students are encouraged to start our program in the fall semester for academic and administrative reasons.
Funding Opportunities
Funding is available through a limited number of stipends and tuition scholarships for on-campus students who qualify. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is also required for consideration.
Please see this funding opportunities document for more details.
Contact Information
Please contact Dr. Adam Watkins, Graduate Coordinator, if you have any questions concerning the MSCJ degree programs: adammw@bgsu.edu
Updated: 10/12/2023 02:06PM