Master of Criminal Justice at Temple University

    Master of Criminal Justice at Temple University

    Master of Criminal Justice at Temple University

    Study Criminal Justice at Temple University, a Master degree offered at its main campus in Philadelphia, United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 2 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for August 28, 2027.

    About Master of Criminal Justice

    Expand your knowledge and build upon your academic foundation in the criminal justice system with the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University. 

    Temple's Criminal Justice MA is ideal for students who already work in the criminal justice field, for those who seek to sharpen critical skills in a criminal justice-related field and for those who seek an entry point for a competitive job in the area of criminal justice. Students entering the program have experience in a variety of areas related to criminal justice, including

    • counseling,
    • geography,
    • political science,
    • psychology
    • social work and 
    • sociology. 

    Other students pursue their master's degree with an interest in continuing their education and research in a doctoral program. Department of Criminal Justice students and faculty are highly involved in local and national research activities. Learn more about the Department of Criminal Justice faculty.

    The Criminal Justice MA program allows students to take electives and pursue research in several different areas, based on their personal and professional interests. Examples of these areas of interest include 

      • corrections, 
      • crime and the physical/social environment,
      • criminal justice reform and policymaking,
      • criminal law,
      • cybercrime,
      • crime mapping,
      • drug policy/substance use and misuse
      • law enforcement,
      • juvenile justice,
      • gun violence and community crime reduction,
      • prisoner reentry,
      • public health and criminal justice,
      • socialization and deviant behavior, and
      • terrorism and violent extremism.

    The interdisciplinary 30-credit master's program is structured around a set of core requirements that provide a strong grounding in decision-making and operational aspects of the criminal justice system, and a legal, methodological, policy and theoretical foundation for understanding crime and society. 

    Students have three years to satisfy their program requirements on a part- or full-time basis. Classes are completed at Temple's Main Campus.

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Criminal Justice at Temple University

    Entry Requirements

    University degree requiring four years of study.

    Request one certified copy of official transcripts from every college and university you have attended, even if only one course was taken. International degrees must be assessed for equivalency with a U.S. degree based on the characteristics of the national educational system, the type of institution attended and the level of studies completed. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is ordinarily required for admissions consideration. If unofficial transcripts are submitted during the application process, submission of official academic records will be required by the end of your first term of graduate study if you are admitted and subsequently enroll at Temple University.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 53
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 79

    Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Criminal Justice

    The advanced skills gained from a graduate degree in the College of Liberal Arts are highly relevant in today's rapidly evolving world. You will form expertise through rigorous coursework and research to meet your professional and personal goals. 

    Temple's Criminal Justice MA graduates have secured positions with local, state, and federal law enforcement and criminal justice agencies such as the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

    Others have gone on to pursue further graduate studies here at Temple and elsewhere. For those interested in continuing their education, Temple offers a Criminal Justice PhD program.

    Examples of career options available include the following. 

      • Correctional officer 
      • Court reporter
      • Crime prevention specialist
      • Crime scene investigator
      • Criminal justice policy advisor
      • Criminal law paralegal
      • Criminal defense lawyer
      • Digital forensics examiner
      • Forensic science technician 
      • Police officer 
      • Private detective
      • Probation officer 
      • Security guard 
      • Secret service agent

    Criminal Justice Career Fair

    The College of Liberal Arts' Criminal Justice Department hosts an annual career fair every spring for Criminal Justice majors. Representatives from over 40 local, state, federal and private criminal justice-related organizations gather to recruit Temple students for competitive internships and careers.

    Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Criminal Justice at Temple University

    Application Fee 60

    How to Apply for Master of Criminal Justice at Temple University

    There are important details to keep in mind as you complete and submit your application to Temple University.

    1. Apply using one of two methods.

    Choose one of the following two methods to apply.

    1. Online Application

    Submit an online application and pay the nonrefundable $60 application fee online using either a credit card or a bank account drawn on U.S. funds.

    2. Paper Application

    Download the PDF application and save it to your device. (Adobe Acrobat is required for access.) You can write on the form, save the final version, and then print for mailing. If you have questions while completing the paper form, refer to the application instructions. Before mailing, enclose a check or money order made payable to Temple University, in the amount of $75, drawn on a U.S. bank. The application fee cannot be refunded.

    2. Ensure you use the same name on your application and standardized tests.

    Use the exact same name on your application that you used when registering for your standardized tests. Slight differences in your name can cause your application to go unmatched with your reported test scores and delay the processing of your application.

    3. Submit all supporting credentials.

    Submit the documentation you have been gathering for your application. You can find the correct mailing address or alternate electronic submission information on the degree program’s "Contacts" page in the Graduate Bulletin. All application materials, including portfolios and exhibits, become the property of Temple University and will not be copied, forwarded to another institution or returned.

    4. Contact the department with any questions.

    If you have any questions about your application, contact the program or department directly. Admissions decisions are made by the department based on your complete application profile, which includes grades, test scores, recommendations, statement of goals, research interests, past employment, portfolio and more.

    5. Check the status of your application.

    Remember that your application is reviewed only after it is complete. You can check the status of your application and materials by returning to the application system through which you applied.

    Master of Criminal Justice at Temple University
    Temple University
    Temple University
    United States of America

    United States of America, Philadelphia

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