May 11, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

Criminal Justice, MSCJ


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The Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) program offers educational opportunities for individuals who seek a broader understanding of the criminal justice process and the link between research and policy. The MSCJ program also serves those seeking additional credentials for promotion and career enhancement, students interested in pursuing doctoral work in criminal justice, and those in related fields who are interested in criminal justice issues or careers. The MSCJ degree can be earned in three semesters (one year) of full-time study in the on-campus program.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master’s degree, students are expected to be able to:

  • Integrate theory and research with criminal justice practice.
  • Develop effective programmatic or policy responses to emerging criminal justice issues.
  • Appraise the general quality of criminal justice research and propose methods for improving this research.
  • Write and effectively communicate at a level expected of someone in a criminal justice leadership position.

Admission Requirements

  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume
  • Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement of 750 words or less outlining interests in graduate study, expectations, and future goals.

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

International Application Information

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Requirements


Culminating Experience (0-3 credits)


Plan I (3 credits):

Plan II:

  • Requires passing a comprehensive exam or portfolio in final semester of study

Minimum Total Credits (30 credits)


Additional Requirements


  • Minimum of 3 credits of 6990 required for Plan I master’s students.  Maximum of 6 credits may be applied toward degree requirements. 
  • Minimum 3.0 graduate cumulative grade point average
  • Minimum of 18 credits must be at the 6000-level or higher
  • Minimum of  24 credits must be earned at BGSU
  • All requirements must be completed within six years from the end of the earliest course used to fulfill degree requirements.

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