MA in Criminal Justice
Prepare for leadership positions in criminal justice agencies and research roles.
Why choose Rowan's criminal justice program?
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Criminal Justice prepares students for leadership positions in criminal justice agencies; for research positions in federal, state, county, city non-profit and private research institutions; and for further study in doctoral programs.
This program aims to help students develop their skills to use research to evaluate the effectiveness of programs aimed at preventing and controlling crime. Upon degree completion, graduates will have an understanding of the causes of crime, of the impact of law on society and of contemporary issues in policing, courts and corrections.
Key considerations
Quick Facts
Credits
Application Deadlines
Fall Entry Term
Spring Entry Term
Studying criminal justice at Rowan
What You'll Learn
The M.A in Criminal Justice program requires the completion of 30 semester hours (s.h.). Both a thesis and a non-thesis track are available to students pursuing the on the ground program at the Glassboro Campus. A comprehensive exam is required for the non-thesis track.
- 30 Semester Hours
- Foundation Courses: No
- Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements: Yes
Required Courses: 18 S.H.
| Course Number | Title | S.H. (Credits) |
| CJ 09510 | Contemporary Issues In Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJ 09518 | Contemporary Developments In Theory | 3 |
| CJ 09511 | Research Methods I | 3 |
| CJ 09512 | Research Methods II | 3 |
| CJ 09515 | Law And Society | 3 |
| CJ 09517 | Criminal Justice Policy Analysis | 3 |
Elective Courses: 6-12 S.H.
| Course Number | Title | S.H. (Credits) |
| CJ 09516 | Administrative Law/Ethics | 3 |
| CJ 09519 | Seminar in Criminal Justice Planning | 3 |
| CJ 09520 | Courts and Supportive Agencies | 3 |
| CJ 09521 | Prevention and Rehabilitation | 3 |
| CJ 09522 | Seminar in Violence | 3 |
| CJ 09523 | White Collar Crime | 3 |
| CJ 09524 | Police and Society | 3 |
| CJ 09525 | Altruism, Cooperation, and Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJ 09526 | Management of Criminal Justice Organizations | 3 |
| CJ 09527 | Gender & Crime | 3 |
| CJ 09528 | Seminar in Juvenile Justice and Delinquency | 3 |
| CJ 09529 | Community Justice | 3 |
| CJ 09530 | International Criminal Law Seminar | 3 |
| CJ 09531 | Sentencing: Philosophy and Policy | 3 |
| CJ 09532 | Race, Ethnicity, Class & Justice | 3 |
| Other approved graduate-level courses as approved by Academic Advisor | 3 |
Thesis Track Courses: 6 S.H.
| Course Number | Title | S.H. (Credits) |
| CJ 09601 | Master's Thesis In Criminal Justice I | 3 |
| CJ 09602 | Master's Thesis In Criminal Justice II | 3 |
Note: The courses listed above are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the Rowan Global section tally.
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.
- Completed Application Form
- No application fee required
- Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
- Current professional resume
- Typewritten statement of professional objectives (Personal statements should be well developed essays that demonstrate your ability to write at the graduate level)
- Two letters of recommendation (Academic references preferred)
- Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Submission of official GRE test results is highly recommended
- It is highly recommended applicants have successfully completed an introductory class in Criminal Justice, Research Methods, or Statistics at the undergraduate level at an accredited institution.
Tuition and Aid
At Rowan University, we pride ourselves on being vigilant and frugal about tuition. We work hard to provide quality education while seeking to reduce the barrier that college costs can present students.
We know paying for tuition can be a challenge. That is why Rowan provides students with the financial resources needed to put their education first by offering grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.
Criminal justice student stories
"This program has allowed me to learn more in-depth information about a subject that I am interested in. It has really narrowed that focus on what I want to do."
Marlo R.
Gloucester County, NJ
Upcoming virtual information sessions and events
From the blog
What Jobs Can I Get With an MSW Degree?
Is Emergency Management Right for You? 7 Signs It May Be a Good Fit
How to Choose the Right MSW Program: A Guide for Future Social Workers
