Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

Is the Criminal Justice Program Right for You?

Do you want to make a difference in your field and become a leader in your profession? Do you have a desire for understanding current issues facing the criminal justice system ? Do you believe critical thinking and decision making are crucial parts of the learning process? Are you looking for an online degree that gives you the flexibility you need in a master’s degree program? If so, then USFSM’s master degree in Criminal Justice might be the right fit for you.

This online degree program focuses on contemporary issues in criminal justice management and the current challenges facing the field. As a graduate degree, it allows students to apply principles, theories and research in the field of criminal justice to “real world” issues affecting the criminal justice system.

Criminology is a fascinating field and a degree in Criminal Justice can enable you to explore the reality behind headlines on TV, develop work-related skills and give you a head start on your career trajectory. Overall, this program is designed to develop graduates for careers within the criminal justice field and related industries.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Criminal Justice online program develops in qualified students the skills to apply principles, theories, and research in the field of criminal justice to “real world” issues.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the M.A. in Criminal Justice, the students will be able to:

Demonstrate a critical understanding of classical and contemporary criminological theories. Critically assess current issues related to crime and criminal justice using sound research tools. Produce clear, concise, and convincing theoretically informed evidenced-based solutions to problems related to crime and the criminal justice system. Critically evaluate the extent and causes of crime.

Each of these learning outcomes will prepare graduates for careers within the criminal justice field and related industries.

Program Overview

The program consists of ten (10) graduate courses, 33 credits.

• Five (5) core courses, which must be taken in sequence
• Five (5) variable topics courses
• For optimal progression through the program, students should take at least one course of the sequenced core each fall and spring; core courses may not be offered in the summer.

Eligibility Requirements

• Students must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university.
• Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.00 in upper-level courses of the undergraduate degree.
• Students with an undergraduate GPA of below 3.00 in their upper-level course work may still be eligible if they take the GRE and achieve a combined verbal and quantitative score of 1000 or higher if taken before August 1, 2011, OR 300 or higher on new GRE taken after August 1, 2011. The GRE can be taken multiple times to achieve the required score.
• If not admitted, students may take three (3) courses in the program as a non-degree seeking student. If they receive a B or better in each course, they may be reconsidered for, but not guaranteed, admission into the program. (Note: Financial Aid does not apply for courses taken as a non-degree-seeking student.)

Future Careers

With a degree in Criminal Justice, graduates can enter careers as:

• Criminologists
• Police Officers
• Crime Analysts
• Detective and Criminal Investigators
• FBI Agents
• US Marshals
• Probation Officers
• Social Workers
• Insurance Fraud Investigators
• Security Specialists

Welcome to the University of South Florida. Though a relatively young university, founded in 1956, we have rich traditions – traditions of access and opportunity for students, of academic excellence, of ground breaking research, of serving our communities.

USF is situated in the vibrant and diverse Tampa Bay region, with campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee. Together, our campuses serve more than 50,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist and professional degrees. Across our 13 colleges, undergraduates choose from more than 200 majors, minors and concentrations, from business and engineering to the arts and USF Health.