Criminal Justice, Specialization in Forensic Investigation, 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.

Two specializations are available in the on-campus program: Forensic Investigation and Victims and Offenders.

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.

International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement.

Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

International Application Information

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Requirements

Required Courses (18 credits)

Electives (12 credits)

Specialization course. Select 4 specialization courses from:

Culminating Experience (0-3 credits)

Plan I (3 credits):

CRJU 6990 - Thesis Research

Plan II:

Select from: Comprehensive Exam or Portfolio

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.