Master of Criminal Justice at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    Master of Criminal Justice at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    Master of Criminal Justice at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    The Criminal Justice is a Master degree offered by University of Nevada, Las Vegas at its main campus in Paradise , United States of America. The program is delivered on campus as a Full Time course in English and requires approximately 2 years to complete. Students study at the university's main campus while gaining the knowledge and practical experience expected for this area of study. The next intake is available from August 28, 2027.

    About Master of Criminal Justice

    The Criminal Justice Master of Arts degree is a broad-based graduate program. The program addresses issues of crime and criminal justice within an analytical framework and emphasizes theory and research and their implications for social policy. The curriculum is grounded in the social and behavioral sciences and in legal approaches to crime and social control. It draws from contemporary research and theoretical developments across a spectrum of academic disciplines. The criminal justice master's degree is designed to prepare students for doctoral studies in the field and in related areas of the social and behavioral sciences, assume teaching positions at the community college level, and serve the needs of professionals currently working in justice-related agencies by providing the knowledge and skills to enhance their performance in current positions and/or prepare them for career advancement.

    Available Options

    • Thesis Track

      Students who complete a master's thesis in criminal justice will conduct a research project and data analyses relating to an issue of theoretical and empirical significance. Students are expected to display the ability to integrate the elements of the core courses and related programs of study into their thesis projects.

    • Comprehensive Examination Track

      Students who complete a master's comprehensive examination must pass a written test designed to assess their ability to synthesize and apply the knowledge learned throughout the criminal justice M.A. program curriculum.

    By the end of the Criminal Justice Master's Degree Program, students should be able to:

    • Demonstrate advanced theoretical knowledge of the nature of crime and patterns of criminal activity.
    • Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the law and the legal system, as well as decision-making in the criminal justice process, the social and political context of the legal system, important constitutional issues, and how criminal law differs from other forms of law.
    • Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of criminal justice institutions and processes, and current criminal justice policy.
    • Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of research methods, statistics and program evaluation.
    • Demonstrate the basic theoretical, empirical, and substantive knowledge and skills required for graduate education at the doctoral level, teaching at the community college level, and for research, social policy positions, and professional positions in criminal justice-related fields.

    Disciplines

    Greenspun College of Urban Affairs

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Criminal Justice at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    Entry Requirements

    While each graduate program has unique admissions standards, the Graduate College maintains minimum standards for graduate admission. All advanced degree and certificate program applicants must meet these eligibility requirements to be considered for admission. Immigration status does not impact admission to UNLV.

    1. Bachelor’s Degree – You must hold a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, or an approved international equivalent.
    2. Grade Point Average – You must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 (4.00=A) for your bachelor’s degree, or a minimum 3.00 (4.00=A) for the last two years (60 semester hours).
    3. Additional Requirements – Factors that may also be considered by the academic department to which you are applying include test scores (like the GRE or GMAT), the type of course work completed during undergraduate studies, letters of recommendation, writing samples or portfolios, and any other supporting documents your department/program may ask you to submit to complete your application.
    4. International Applicants: Proof of English Proficiency – The application process for international students is the same as for domestic students, with the exception of submitting proof of English Proficiency.
    5. Transcripts – All applicants are required to submit a transcript from each postsecondary institution attended, showing all degrees and coursework, the dates awarded, and grades received. If the institution is outside the U.S., a foreign credential evaluation may be required. Please review our foreign credential evaluations page for additional guidelines, information, and requirements.
      Credentials not in English must be accompanied by an English translation certified as true by a university official, an official representative of a United States embassy or consulate, the United States Information Service, the United States Education Foundation, or an approved professional translating service. Notarized copies of originals or translations are not considered official.

    Credentials from China: Students who have completed a degree in China must provide copies of the original language transcripts and a copy of their Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate. Documents verified by the Center for Student Services and Development (CSSD) or the China Academic Degree and Graduate information Center (CDGDC) are also accepted. 

    Credentials from India: Consolidated marks sheets are acceptable if yearly mark sheets are not available. Mark sheets must also be issued by the degree-granting institution. Mark sheets from affiliated colleges, are not acceptable or considered official. Students who have completed a degree in India must also provide a copy of their Provisional Certificate.

    Please note that the aforementioned requirements are the minimum requirements established and monitored by the Graduate College. Meeting the minimum admissions requirements is a necessary but not sufficient condition of admission. Admission decisions are based on applicants meeting the minimum Graduate College requirements and a more extensive and holistic departmental review, which considers a combination of factors, including indicators of success based upon academic degrees and records, the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores, relevant work experience, and the like.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 65
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 80

    Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Criminal Justice

    Individuals with a Criminal Justice background have a wide range of career opportunities.

    Law enforcement

    • Federal Agent (FBI, DEA, Immigration, Secret Service, Federal Air Marshal, etc.)
    • State of Local Police Officer
    • Park Ranger
    • Private Security
    • Private Investigator
    • Campus Police Officer
    • Military Officer
    • Cooperate Loss Manager

    Investigation

    • Arson Investigator
    • Gaming Investigator
    • IRS Special Agent
    • Postal Inspector
    • Coroner

    Courts

    • Attorney
    • Law Clerk
    • Paralegal
    • Court Administrator
    • Pre-Trial Services Officer
    • Forensic Psychologist
    • Drug Court Coordinator
    • Crime Scene Investigator

    Corrections

    • Correctional Officer
    • Correctional Treatment Specialist
    • Warden
    • Parole Officer
    • Juvenile Detention Officer

    Technical Support and Analysis

    • Crime Analyst
    • Forensic Technician
    • Ballistics Expert

    Social Services

    • Social Worker
    • Youth Advocate
    • Victim Advocate
    • Teacher

    Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Criminal Justice at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    Application Fee 95

    How to Apply for Master of Criminal Justice at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    1. Review Admission Requirements – Review requirements for advanced degree and certificate program applicants. Be sure to check your department of interest as well because departmental requirements vary. Please note that only degree-seeking students are eligible for I-20/student visas and graduate assistantships. Certificate programs are not considered degree-seeking. However, with proper approval students may be enrolled concurrently in both degree and certificate programs.
    2. Application Procedures – To apply to the Graduate College, submit the following admission materials for consideration:
      • A completed application. Complete the application online.
      • A nonrefundable admission application fee of $95, payable online by credit card or by check/money order, to the Board of Regents, UNLV.

        *Note: Applications and materials will not be processed until the application fee is received. Applicants to any UNLV graduate program must pay the admission application evaluation fee for each application filed. Denied applicants, who later seek admission to the same or other UNLV degree program, are required to pay an additional application fee.
    3. Additional Graduate College Application Materials – If needed, send any additional Graduate College admission materials (for example: your admission receipt with your check payment; your transcripts if you did not upload them into your online application; or your official transcripts upon admission; etc.) to:

      Office of Admissions

      University of Nevada, Las Vegas
      Mail Stop: 1021
      4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.
      Las Vegas, NV 89154

    4. Additional Materials for your Department & Degree Program Application – Submit any additional department-required admission materials by uploading them into your online application. Please check with your graduate program of interest and refer to the application checklist on the Home tab of your Grad Rebel Gateway account in order to determine their specific admission requirements prior to submitting your online application.
    5. Financial Certification Requirement – Submit Financial Certification form and Bank Letter to the Graduate College.
      Before an I-20 can be issued, all international students must submit a completed Financial Certification form and bank letter. Even if you anticipate receiving a Graduate Assistantship, you must submit the Financial Certification form and bank letter.
      • Confidential Financial Certification
    Master of Criminal Justice at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    United States of America

    United States of America, Paradise

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