Master of Science in Criminal Justice (M.S.C.J.)

(30 credits)

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice is a graduate professional degree designed to prepare students to assume the growing number of professional and leadership positions within the criminal justice system.

The program allows students to pursue concentrations in corrections administration or healthcare management. Students in the program may opt to gain experience by completing an internship in a criminal justice agency, and all students are required to complete a three credit thesis project applicable to their concentration.

Upon completing the program of study in Criminal Justice, students will:

• Demonstrate advanced critical thinking, reading, and communication skills.
• Demonstrate advanced understanding of legal concepts.
• Demonstrate ability to apply criminological theory to real life situations.
• Demonstrate the capacity to make informed ethical decisions in their chosen profession.
• Demonstrate the preparedness to pursue a career in a criminal justice related field.

Admission Requirements

• A completed application form and a non-refundable $50 application fee.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution approved by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions attended that are accredited and recognized by the USDE or CHEA.
• Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in Criminal Justice and 2.8 in all other undergraduate coursework.*
• Completion of at least 18 undergraduate credits in criminal justice.
• Proficiency in essential software and tools, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), data analysis tools (such as Excel or statistical software), and communication platforms (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet).
• For non-native English-speakers, a minimum TOEFL score of:
  • 550 (paper-based)
  • 80 (internet-based)
  • 213 (computer-based)
• Proof of identity.
• Applicants using VA benefits may be required to submit additional documentation, such as a Certificate of Eligibility, upon matriculation to the school certifying official.

• An essay (of 500-600 words, double-spaced) on their professional career interests, reasons for entering the program and expectations of the program
• Two letters of recommendation from former professors or professional associates.

* Applicants who do not meet the above GPA. requirement may be admitted to the program on a provisional basis. You may be required to complete preparatory courses or to earn a 3.0 cumulative GPA before being fully admitted to the program.

Transfer Credits

Albertus Magnus College will accept a maximum of 6 graduate hours from accredited institutions approved by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) toward satisfying the program requirements. Such credits must have been completed prior to entrance into the program and must satisfy degree requirements. Transfer credits must have been completed with a minimum grade of 3.0 within the last five years. Transfer credits will be considered on an individual basis. Students must submit an official transcript showing proof of completion of the course(s) to be transferred. All requests to transfer credits must be completed prior to starting the program. Internal transfer students from other Albertus graduate programs must complete at least 50% of their requirements (15 credits) in the Albertus M.S. in Criminal Justice program.

Tuition and Fees

For tuition and fees, visit https://www.albertus.edu/admission-aid/business-office/accelerated-degree-program/graduate-tuition-fees.php.

• Application Fee: $50.00
• Tutorial Surcharge: $500.00 (for student requested tutorial)

• Thesis Continuation Fee: $250.00 per registration period (within seven years of matriculation) until completion of the thesis.

Fees and rates are subject to change.

Accreditation

Albertus Magnus College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice is accredited by the State of Connecticut Office of Higher Education.

Program Format

Classes are offered in five, eight-week modules during the calendar year. All classes are fully online. 

Academic Advisement

Admitted students are assigned a faculty advisor, typically the program director. Together the student and advisor will develop a program of study. Throughout the program the advisor will assist students with course planning, registration and regular academic review.

Course Load

Students may register for no more than 6 credits per mod.

Graduation Requirements

Students are responsible for reviewing the program requirements for their specific catalog year, fulfilling those requirements, and maintaining regular communication with the program director. To earn a graduate degree from Albertus Magnus College, students must successfully complete all program requirements and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. All requirements must be completed within seven years of matriculation, beginning with the module or semester in which the student starts their first course in the program. Graduate courses that exceed the time limit no longer count toward meeting program requirements, including transferred courses.

Graduation with Honors

Master’s degree candidates who have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.90 are awarded honors and will have the notation included on their transcript and diploma.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

Criminal Justice, M.S. - Correctional Administration

REQUIRED CORE (15 credits)

CJ 510 - Criminology
CJ 512 - Contemporary Issues in the Criminal Justice System
CJ 514 - Research Methods and Statistics
CJ 516 - Criminal Justice Ethics
CJ 661 - Criminal Justice Thesis

CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS (15 credits)

CJ 521 - Probation, Parole and Community-Based Corrections
CJ 530 - Issues in Correctional Supervision
CJ 536 - History and Future of American Corrections

Select two (6 credits): Criminal Justice (CJ) courses in consultation with the Program Director.

Criminal Justice, M.S. - Correctional Healthcare Management

REQUIRED CORE (15 credits)

CJ 510 - Criminology
CJ 512 - Contemporary Issues in the Criminal Justice System
CJ 514 - Research Methods and Statistics
CJ 516 - Criminal Justice Ethics
CJ 661 - Criminal Justice Thesis

CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS (15 credits)

MB 646 - Healthcare: Law, Policy and Systems
MB 647 - Financial Management of Healthcare Organizations
MOL 501 - Leadership in Theory and Practice

Select two (6 credits): Criminal Justice (CJ) courses in consultation with the Program Director.

4+1 BS in Criminal Justice/MS in Criminal Justice

The 4+1 BS in Criminal Justice/MS in Criminal Justice program is designed for high-achieving traditional undergraduate students who seek to complete both a bachelor's and master's degree in an expedited timeframe. This program offers a streamlined pathway to advanced criminal justice education, enabling students to complete both degrees efficiently while receiving comprehensive academic support and preparation for leadership roles in law enforcement, corrections, policy, and related fields.

Students admitted to a 4+1 program complete the requirements for both degrees, typically totaling at least 150 credits, including a minimum of 120 undergraduate credits and 30 graduate credits. During the senior year, students may enroll in up to two graduate-level courses, one in the fall and one in the spring semester, which may be applied to both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. These are the only credits that may be double-counted between the two programs.

Admission Requirements
Students must apply to a 4+1 program during the junior year a upon completion of no more than 90 credits. Admission is competitive and requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, unless otherwise specified by the program. Applications submitted after the junior year may not be considered. Final acceptance is granted by the graduate program. 

Enrollment and Advising
Upon acceptance, students are assigned a graduate advisor in addition to their undergraduate advisor. Students remain classified as undergraduate students until the bachelor’s degree is conferred.

Academic Standards and Progression
To continue in the 4+1 program, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and earn a grade of B or higher in all graduate-level coursework. Students may not exceed the maximum number of graduate credits permitted prior to completion of the bachelor’s degree, as defined by the program.

Tuition and Financial Aid
Graduate courses taken during the undergraduate phase are billed at the undergraduate tuition rate when included as part of a full-time undergraduate course load (12–18 credit hours per semester), unless otherwise noted; in these cases, no additional tuition is charged for the graduate coursework. After the bachelor’s degree is awarded, students are charged graduate tuition rates for all remaining coursework. Financial aid eligibility may change upon transition to graduate status and is subject to federal, state, and institutional regulations.

Program Completion
Students are expected to complete all graduate degree requirements within a defined timeframe following conferral of the bachelor’s degree, typically within one year, unless otherwise specified by the program.

Withdrawal or Dismissal
Students who withdraw from or become ineligible to continue in a 4+1 program may apply completed graduate coursework toward their undergraduate degree as elective credit, where applicable, provided a passing grade is earned. If a student later regains eligibility and is formally readmitted to the graduate program, previously completed graduate coursework in which a passing grade was earned may be applied toward the graduate degree, subject to program approval and applicable time limit requirements.

Eligibility
4+1 programs are limited to full-time, matriculated traditional undergraduate students in designated majors.