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Program at a Glance

Program
Master
College(s)
College of Community Innovation and Education
Department(s)
Criminal Justice
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The Master of Science in Criminal Justice is designed to meet the needs of students preparing for careers in the field of criminal justice. The curriculum focuses on the traditional issues such as management, administrative and criminal justice theory, as well as basic research methods and descriptive statistics.

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice core and elective courses focus on the complex and changing world in which criminal justice systems operate in this country and abroad. This plan of study is designed to equip future criminal justice leaders to be critical consumers of criminal justice research.

The benefits of an advanced graduate degree in criminal justice are self-evident and are being increasingly recognized by employers in central Florida and throughout the United States. Federal, state, and local criminal justice agencies benefit from an informed and innovative workforce that is aware of the complex issues and problems faced by the system regardless of geographic locale. Furthermore, graduates of the program are grounded in the latest theories and learn how these theories affect each individual or organization within the system.

International applicants should be aware the program may not offer sufficient on-campus courses for F or J visa holders. Please contact the program for more information before applying.

The Criminal Justice MS program currently offers limited face-to-face courses. The program is offered primarily online. Contact the program for additional information.

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice requires 36 credit hours, including 21 credit hours of core courses, 6 credit hours of restricted electives, and 9 credit hours of general electives. For students electing to complete a thesis, 6 credit hours of the general elective requirements will be thesis hours.

Total Credit Hours Required: 36 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree

Please note: Criminal Justice (MS) may be completed fully online, although not all elective options may be offered online. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.

International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Only 3 of the 9 credit hours may be taken in a completely online format. International applicants should be aware the program may not offer sufficient on-campus courses for F or J visa holders. Please contact the program for more information before applying. For a detailed listing of enrollment requirements for international students, please visit UCF Global. If you have questions, please consult UCF Global at (407) 823-2337.

UCF is not authorized to provide online courses or instruction to students in some states. Refer to State Restrictions for current information.

Application Deadlines

Spring
December 1
Summer
April 1
Fall
July 1
Spring
July 1
Summer
November 1
Fall
January 15

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University of Central Florida Colleges