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.
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
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
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.
“I received the best education in criminal justice and criminology in Texas. The faculty are friendly and committed to expert research.ˮ
— Nicole Kinbarovsky, M.S.C.J. ’20
Have Questions? Contact Us!
MSCJ Program Mailbox
cjmasters@txstate.edu
MSCJ Program Coordinator
Sean Patrick Roche, Ph.D.
sean.roche@txstate.edu
Administrative Assistant II
Bridgette Maddocks
maddocks@txstate.edu