Criminal Justice (MS) at University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida

United States of America, Orlando

University Rank:#701

The Criminal Justice (MS) at University of Central Florida is a Full Time Master program offered at the university's main campus in Orlando, United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 2 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on May 16, 2027.

About Criminal Justice (MS)

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice is designed to meet the needs of students preparing for careers in the field of criminal justice. The curriculum focuses on the traditional issues such as management, administrative and criminal justice theory, as well as basic research methods and descriptive statistics.

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice core and elective courses focus on the complex and changing world in which criminal justice systems operate in this country and abroad. This plan of study is designed to equip future criminal justice leaders to be critical consumers of criminal justice research.

The benefits of an advanced graduate degree in criminal justice are self-evident and are being increasingly recognized by employers in central Florida and throughout the United States. Federal, state, and local criminal justice agencies benefit from an informed and innovative workforce that is aware of the complex issues and problems faced by the system regardless of geographic locale. Furthermore, graduates of the program are grounded in the latest theories and learn how these theories affect each individual or organization within the system.

International applicants should be aware the program may not offer sufficient on-campus courses for F or J visa holders. Please contact the program for more information before applying.

The Criminal Justice MS program currently offers limited face-to-face courses. The program is offered primarily online. Contact the program for additional information.

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice requires 36 credit hours, including 21 credit hours of core courses, 6 credit hours of restricted electives, 9 credit hours of general electives, and a final written examination within the Proseminar or capstone course. For students electing to complete a thesis, 6 credit hours of the general elective requirements will be thesis hours.

Total Credit Hours Required: 36 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree

Please note: Criminal Justice (MS) may be completed fully online, although not all elective options may be offered online. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.

International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Only 3 of the 9 credit hours may be taken in a completely online format. For a detailed listing of enrollment requirements for international students, please visit http://global.ucf.edu/. If you have questions, please consult UCF Global at (407) 823-2337.

UCF is not authorized to provide online courses or instruction to students in some states. Refer to State Restrictions for current information.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Criminal Justice (MS) at University of Central Florida

Entry Requirements

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution recognized by UCF or its equivalent from a foreign institution AND a GPA of 3.0 or more (on a 4.0 maximum) in all work attempted while registered as an undergraduate student OR while registered as an upper-division undergraduate student (normally based on the last sixty attempted semester hours); OR, a graduate degree or professional degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or its equivalent from a foreign institution in a field related to the discipline of the program to which the student is applying.
Students applying to doctoral programs should refer to the graduate catalog requirements for their program.
Students applying to doctoral programs must also submit three letters of recommendation, a resume or curriculum vitae, and a written essay.
International students must demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. International students, except those who are from countries where English is the only official language, those who have earned a degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or those who have earned a degree from a country where English is the only official language or from a university at which English is the only official language of instruction, are required to submit a score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS before they can be admitted to the university. A computer-based TOEFL score of 220 or 80 on the internet-based TOEFL (or equivalent score on the paper-based test) or 6.5 on the IELTS is required unless otherwise specified by the program.
International students applying to master’s or doctoral programs that do not require a GRE (or GMAT), except those that have earned or will earn a Masters or Doctoral degree from an accredited U.S. institution recognized by UCF, must submit a course-by-course evaluation of their official transcripts from a credential evaluation service recommended by UCF. This course-by-course evaluation must show a GPA that is equivalent to a 3.0 from an earned degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
UCF now accepts scanned copies of official transcripts as part of your application materials. You will have the ability to upload these materials during the application process. After you have been offered admission to a graduate program and prior to the beginning of the semester term, you will be required to submit your official transcripts. When obtaining official transcripts, be sure to request that the transcripts show the degrees you have earned.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 80

English Program Requirements

those who are from countries where English is the only official language;
those who have earned a degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university;
those who have earned a degree from a country where English is the only official language;
those who have earned a degree from a university at which English is the only official language of instruction; or
those who have successfully completed UCF English Language Institute Level 8 or higher with a grade of “B” or better at UCF Global.

Career Opportunities after Completing Criminal Justice (MS)

Chief Jailer Commanding Officer Homicide Squad Correctional Officer Sergeant Correctional Supervisor Corrections Sergeant Criminal Justice Professor Criminology Professor Detective Lieutenant Detective Supervisor Meteorological Aide Penology Professor Police Lieutenant Polygraph Examiner Prison Guard Supervisor Traffic Lieutenant Traffic Sergeant

Tuition and Fee Information for Criminal Justice (MS) at University of Central Florida

Application Fee 31

Criminal Justice (MS) at University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida

United States of America, Orlando