Penn's unique Master of Science in criminology program aims to shape criminal justice "change agents," preparing students to spend their career applying criminological research in public and non-profit domestic and international organizations. It is also designed for those research-oriented students who are preparing themselves for graduate or professional education at leading research universities.
Penn's unique interdisciplinary program combines solid academic learning at one of the nation's top research universities with practical knowledge that can enhance careers in research and in criminal justice-related policy and practice settings. Students also gain knowledge of the criminal justice system through meeting weekly with guest visitors who work in the justice system. Students work under a faculty member on a semester-long crime analysis project, using their analytical and research skills, to address a specific crime problem. Students present their final masters' projects during a poster session at Penn's Criminology Day in April, through an oral defense of their project, and as a written research article.