The Master of Science in Criminal Justice provides students with advanced knowledge of crime, the criminal justice system, and related policy proposals to address adverse outcomes and disparities associated with the system. The program offers rigorous training in social science theory and methods and their application in areas such as criminal justice administration, evidence-based policing, public policy reform, and victim advocacy. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to work, or advance their careers in a wide array of criminal justice and social service-related fields, gain employment in organizations that require the application of social sciences methods (e.g., program evaluation, grant writing, etc.), or continue their studies in a Ph.D. program.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| CRJU U660 | Applied Qualitative Methods | 3 |
| CRJU U665 | Applied Quantitative Methods | 3 |
| CRJU U670 | Advanced Criminological Theory | 3 |
| CRJU U675 | Critical Issues in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CRJU U690 | Capstone I | 3 |
| CRJU U695 | Capstone II | 3 |
| Law Enforcement and Social Control | |
| Special Topics in Criminal Justice | |
| Processing Offenders | |
| Treating Offenders | |
| Public Safety Administration | |
| Place and Crime | |
| Children and Crime | |
| Victim Services | |
| Violent Crime | |
| Internship | |
| Total Hours | 30 |
Admission Requirements
A Baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college or university, or at least 90 hours of completed undergraduate credit hours and concurrent undergraduate enrollment in USC Upstate. Applicants to the 2-year program should have a GPA of 3.0 or above from an accredited university. Applicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 from an accredited university may be considered for conditional admission. Applicants to the 4+1 program must have a GPA of 3.5 or above. Applications are reviewed holistically. A personal statement and letters of reference are important contributors to the decision process.
Application Requirements
1. Application, application fee, residency form with all requested information and supporting documents.
2. Transcripts: Individuals seeking admission must provide official transcripts showing all post-secondary coursework attempted and an award of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. USC Upstate students who have completed at least 90 credit hours and wish to enroll in the 4+1 program may also apply. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to USC Upstate or delivered in a sealed envelope bearing a registrar's stamp.
3. Letter of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required. Letters should be from professionals knowledgeable about the student's academic or professional potential.
4. Personal statement: Applicants are required to submit a one-page personal statement that describes their career goals and how this degree will be utilized to help attain those goals.
