Our graduate program in criminal justice prepares students for leadership positions in the field of criminal justice and provides a strong foundation for students who anticipate advanced study at the doctoral level.

The curriculum offers criminal justice professionals a broad foundation for understanding criminal justice policy. Legal, organizational, political and behavioral frameworks are used to analyze the operation of the U.S. criminal justice system. Students are introduced to advanced knowledge on the nature and causes of crime, the justification and means of social control, the administration of the justice system, and the evaluation of criminal justice programs.

Summer 2020 through Summer 2021:

Curriculum and Degree Requirements:

COURSE # COURSE NAME CREDITS
CRM JST 713 Measuring Crime and Analyzing Crime Data 3
CRM JST 756 Analysis of Criminal Justice Research 3
Administrative Leadership 702, 710, or 787 Leadership in Educational Organizations, Organizational Change and Team Leadership, or Administration of Adult Education Programs 3
CRM JST 773 Perspectives on Crime and the Criminal Justice System 3
CRM JST 920 Criminal Justice Masters Capstone Seminar 3
CRM JST Electives (4) 12
Electives (2 CRM JST or outside electives with advisor’s consent) 6
TOTAL 33
Summer 2020 Online Cohort
This chart is not intended to substitute for academic advising. For suggestions about specific courses and other schedule options, students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisors.
  • 2020
    Summer 2020
    CRM JST 970 Criminal Evidence and Investigation 3 cr
    Outside Elective 3 cr
    TOTAL 6 credits
    fall 2020
    CRM JST 756 3 cr
    CRM JST 713 3 cr
    CRM JST 970 3 cr
    TOTAL 9 credits

  • 2021
    Spring 2021
    CRM JST 773 3 cr
    CRM JST 920 3 cr
    Outside Elective 3 cr
    CRM JST 421 3 cr
    TOTAL 12 credits
    Summer 2021
    Outside Elective 3 cr
    CRM JST Elective 3 cr
    TOTAL 6 credits

Fall 2020 through Fall 2021:

Curriculum and Degree Requirements:

COURSE # COURSE NAME CREDITS
CRM JST 713 Measuring Crime and Analyzing Crime Data 3
CRM JST 756 Analysis of Criminal Justice Research 3
Administrative Leadership 702, 710, or 787 Leadership in Educational Organizations, Organizational Change and Team Leadership, or Administration of Adult Education Programs 3
CRM JST 773 Perspectives on Crime and the Criminal Justice System 3
CRM JST 920 Criminal Justice Masters Capstone Seminar 3
CRM JST Electives (2) 6
Electives (4 CRM JST or outside electives with advisor’s consent) 12
TOTAL 33
Fall 2020 Online Cohort
This chart is not intended to substitute for academic advising. For suggestions about specific courses and other schedule options, students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisors.
  • 2020
    Fall 2020
    CRM JST 713 3 cr
    CRM JST 756 3 cr
    Outside Elective 3 cr
    TOTAL 9 credits

    SPRING 2021
    CRM JST 773 3 cr
    CRM JST 920 3 cr
    AD LDSP 702, 710, or 787 3 cr
    TOTAL 9 credits

  • 2021
    SUMMER 2021
    CRM JST Elective or Outside Elective 3 cr
    CRM JST Elective or Outside Elective 3 cr
    TOTAL 6 credits

    FALL 2021
    CRM JST Elective 3 cr
    CRM JST Elective 3 cr
    CRM JST Elective or Outside Elective 3 cr
    TOTAL 9 credits

Admission Requirements
  •   Undergraduate degree from an accredited university in criminal justice, a related social science, or other relevant educational experience.
  •   Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.00 (for good-standing admission).
  • Applicants with an undergraduate cumulative GPA between 2.75-2.99 may also be considered for admission but must submit satisfactory scores on the verbal and quantitative sections of either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). (Due to COVID-19 testing restrictions, the GRE or MAT exams may be waived for students applying for Fall 2020.)
  •   Two letters of recommendation from those familiar with applicant’s academic record and suitability for graduate work.
  • It is recommended that applicants have completed a research methods course and a statistics course at the undergraduate level prior to beginning the program.
How to Apply
  • Submit the following through the  Graduate School: 1) Graduate School application, 2) official transcripts, 3) GRE or MAT scores (if required – see above under “Admission Requirements”), and 4) application fee.
  • Submit 2 letters of recommendation to the Criminal Justice Program:
  • Mary Russell
    Academic Department Specialist
    Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology
    University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
    russelme@uwm.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
  • May current or former supervisors provide recommendations?
    Yes! In addition to your professors, current or former supervisors may also provide recommendations.
  • How long does it take to complete the online MSCJ degree?
    Students in the Summer 2020 cohort will finish at the end of Summer 2021. Students in the Fall 2020 cohort will finish at the end of Fall 2021.
  • Do I have to have a bachelor’s in criminal justice in order to apply for this program? If not, will I be at a disadvantage?
    Students with a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as a social science or administration, are encouraged to apply. Students entering without a bachelor’s in criminal justice are not at a disadvantage, and will learn core concepts about the criminal justice system and criminology along the way.
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