Master’s Degree Programs

The School of Criminal Justice and Criminology offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) degree, with the choice of a Research Concentration (30 credit hours, Thesis Option only) or the original MSCJ program (36 hours, Non-Thesis Option only).

Program Overview

All candidates in the Research Concentration complete an oral comprehensive exam and an oral defense of the thesis or professional paper prior to graduation. Candidates in the MSCJ Non-Thesis Option program complete a comprehensive exam including both written and oral components prior to graduation. Specific course and admissions requirements vary by program.

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MSCJ Non-Thesis Option

  • Generalist degree option for those seeking to further their knowledge and skills in CJ
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE not required
  • 36 credit hours
  • 5 core courses and 7 electives
  • No thesis or professional paper
  • Written and oral comprehensive exam
  • 16-week courses in Fall / Spring, 10-week courses in Summer

MSCJ Thesis Option

  • Competitive degree option for those seeking research analyst jobs or to pursue a PhD
  • Minimum GPA of 3.25, GRE not required
  • 30 credit hours
  • 5 core courses and 3 electives
  • Thesis (6 credit hours)
  • Oral comprehensive exam
  • 16-week courses in Fall / Spring, 10-week courses in Summer
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Course Work

Our curriculum addresses a wide range of social issues and research areas, providing a foundation of knowledge necessary to excel in a challenging world.
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Have Questions? Contact Us!

MSCJ Program Coordinator
Sean Patrick Roche, Ph.D.
sean.roche@txstate.edu

MSCJ Program Administrative Assistant
Michael Soderstrom
mmsoderstrom@txstate.edu

MSCJ Program Mailbox
cjmasters@txstate.edu