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College of Applied Arts School of Criminal Justice and Criminology
Texas State College of Applied Arts School of Criminal Justice and Criminology Degrees & Programs Master's Degree in Criminal Justice MSCJ Non-Thesis Option

MSCJ Non-Thesis Option

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) Non-Thesis Option program requires 36 credit hours of graduate-level coursework. The curriculum for this MSCJ degree option provides a broad overview of criminal justice research and practice, allowing students to develop further knowledge and skills at the graduate level. This program is suitable for those seeking additional training in criminal justice to prepare them for an array of careers within the field. 

Program Requirements

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    • CJ 5310 Administration of Justice
    • CJ 5315 Advanced Research Methods
    • CJ 5325 Statistics
    • CJ 5330 Management Principles in Criminal Justice
    • CJ 5335 Advanced Criminological Theory

  • To choose from:

    • CJ 5316 Quantitative Data Analysis
    • CJ 5319 Crime Analysis
    • CJ 5320 History and Philosophy of Justice
    • CJ 5321 Current Legal Issues in Criminal Justice
    • CJ 5322 Police in Society
    • CJ 5324 Investigations
    • CJ 5333 Race, Class, and Crime
    • CJ 5334 Sex Offenders and the Criminal Justice System
    • CJ 5350 Current Issues in Criminal Justice
    • CJ 5355 Intelligence Gathering and Operational Issues As Applied to Terrorism and Counterterrorism Operation
    • CJ 5360 Independent Studies in Criminal Justice
    • CJ 5380A Ethics and the Criminal Justice System
    • CJ 5380Q Qualitative Research Methods and Data Analysis
    • CJ 5380R Criminal Justice Policy

    For course descriptions, see Graduate Catalog. Please note some of the courses listed in the Catalog are currently not being offered. If you have any questions, please email the graduate advisor on cjmasters@txstate.edu.

  • During your last semester on the program, you will undertake your comprehensive exam, which will include both written and oral components.

Admissions Requirements

  • A baccalaureate degree in criminal justice or related field from a regionally accredited university
  • A minimum 3.0 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework (plus any completed graduate courses)
  • A resumé / curriculum vitae (CV)
  • A statement of purpose, outlining your personal career goals and how this program will assist you in advancing them (300 to 500 words)
  • Two letters of recommendation

Students applying to enter the program in Fall who meet the February 1 priority deadline are eligible to apply for graduate assistantships and scholarships.