Southeast Missouri State University

Program Description

Getting a Master's in criminal justice online is a cooperative program offered by Southeast Missouri State University and Missouri Southern State University. Courses focus on the practical application of assessing programs and policies, conducting evaluative research and understanding complex legal issues relevant to the field of criminal justice. This degree is ideal for those wishing to work in law enforcement. 

Unique Features

• Assess and understand criminal justice problems and issues.
• Conduct basic and applied research in criminal justice, particularly evaluation research.
• Use computer technology to locate information and use statistics and software to analyze problems, particularly with respect to criminal justice agencies.
• Understand legal issues which affect criminal justice professionals.
• Integrate the findings concerning the psychological, sociological, economic and cultural roots of crime.

Admissions Requirements

• An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• If a student without a prior criminal justice degree wishes to apply, they still may do so upon completing 12 hours of preliminary coursework. Courses may include: Introduction to Criminal Justice, Methods of Research, or Criminology Theory and Statistics. 
• In addition, applicants must submit an APA style letter of intent addressing preparation for graduate study, ability to succeed at the graduate level and professional goals and objectives. The letter should be typed, a maximum of 750 words in length, and be addressed to the Director of Admissions.
• 2 letters of recommendation are required. 

"Graduating from the criminal justice program has helped shape me into the state trooper I am today. Even now, coming up three years as a state trooper, I am constantly going back to my time as a graduate student and dissecting and learning from everyday situations" - Officer Sanchez