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.

Program Objectives

1. Provide students with the skills to apply concepts, theories, and empirical evidence within criminal justice and social service agencies.
2. Prepare graduates to conduct and utilize applied research in criminal justice and social services to meet workforce needs.
3. Provide students with the necessary skills to effectively communicate empirical research finding and theoretical implications.

Student Learning Objectives

1.1 Critically evaluate empirical evidence, especially as it relates to criminal justice and social services.
1.2 Apply abstract concepts and theories to address issues within criminal justice and social services.
2.1 Design and complete an original research project that could inform criminal justice or social service agencies.
2.2 Apply empirical data to address issues in a particular area of criminal justice or social services (e.g., law enforcement, victim advocacy, etc.).
3.1 Effectively communicate original research findings and theoretical implications in written and oral form.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
I. Required Courses
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
II. Electives (12 credits) Select four courses from the following:		12
CRJU U610	Law Enforcement and Social Control
CRJU U615	Special Topics in Criminal Justice
CRJU U620	Processing Offenders
CRJU U630	Treating Offenders
CRJU U635	Public Safety Administration
CRJU U640	Place and Crime
CRJU U645	Children and Crime
CRJU U650	Victim Services
CRJU U655	Violent Crime
CRJU U680	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.

Suggested Student Course Sequence for Degree Completion: 4+1 Program 

Year 1 (While enrolled as an undergraduate)

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Hours
NA
	Hours	0
Spring
CRJU U660	Applied Qualitative Methods	3
	Hours	3
Summer
Elective		3
Elective		3
	Hours	6
Second Year
Fall
Elective		3
CRJU U665	Applied Quantitative Methods	3
CRJU U670	Advanced Criminological Theory	3
CRJU U690	Capstone I	3
	Hours	12
Spring
Elective		3
CRJU U675	Critical Issues in Criminal Justice	3
CRJU U695	Capstone II	3
	Hours	9
	Total Hours	30

 Suggested Student Course Sequence for Degree Completion: 2-Year Program*

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Hours
CRJU U660	Applied Qualitative Methods	3
CRJU U670	Advanced Criminological Theory	3
Elective		3
	Hours	9
Spring
CRJU U665	Applied Quantitative Methods	3
CRJU U675	Critical Issues in Criminal Justice	3
Elective		3
	Hours	9
Second Year
Fall
Elective		3
CRJU U690	Capstone I	3
	Hours	6
Spring
Elective		3
CRJU U695	Capstone II	3
	Hours	6
	Total Hours	30