Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice Graduate Program at Molloy University

Ready to make a real impact in your community? Look no further. Molloy University's graduate program in Criminal Justice is your next step. Crafted and led by seasoned experts, our curriculum is based on the high standards of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.

With promising growth trends in these fields, pursuing this degree is not only a solid educational choice but also a strategic career move. And, we're thrilled to extend a 30% tuition discount to individuals actively employed in the Criminal Justice field.

Why Earn A Master's Degree In Criminal Justice?

Embarking on a Master's in Criminal Justice opens the door to a wide array of roles that are central to serving the community and upholding justice. This advanced degree is a stepping stone to diverse opportunities across the criminal justice system, including crime analysis and law enforcement, where you can make a meaningful impact.

The criminal justice field has rewarding career paths, each contributing significantly to public safety and societal well-being. Whether it's in crime analysis, aiding law enforcement with critical insights, or directly in law enforcement roles, maintaining public order and safety, each position plays a crucial role.

Financially, criminal justice careers offer competitive salaries and a consistent demand in the sector for skilled professionals. This stability makes pursuing a career in criminal justice fulfilling and a practical choice for long-term career growth.

What Our Program Offers

Molloy University's Master of Science in Criminal Justice is a 33-credit program, offering flexibility in completion time. You can opt to finish it full-time in one year or extend it over a period of up to five years, accommodating the program's deadline. The curriculum is divided into:

Core Courses (15 credits): These foundational courses focus on essential areas such as Modern American Justice, Constitutional Law, Research Methods in Criminal Justice, and Ethics and Morality in Criminal Justice. They provide the building blocks for understanding the complexities of the criminal justice system.

Elective Courses (18 credits): These are selected based on your career goals and personal interests. You'll work with an advisor to choose courses that align with your objectives, whether that's specializing in law enforcement or another area within criminal justice.

Check out the complete list of core and elective courses in the course catalog here.

Upon completing the program, you'll have the skills to:

• Analyze various criminal justice theories, giving you a well-rounded understanding of crime and punishment.
• Assess the role of judicial review and Constitutional rights, which is crucial for any role within the legal system.
• Evaluate existing criminal justice policies and research, allowing you to contribute to discussions on system reform.
• Apply ethical theories to specific situations, an essential skill for decision-making in real-world scenarios.

Choosing this program means investing in a future where you're well-prepared to enter the field of criminal justice. It's an opportunity to gain a deep understanding and practical skills that can open doors to a variety of fulfilling career paths.

Hands-On Experience: Graduate Assistantships

At the heart of our program lies a commitment to practical, hands-on learning. We offer graduate assistantships to our enrolled students that provide invaluable experience, equipping them with the skills and knowledge that make them stand out in the competitive job market. For more information on assistantships, please contact John Eterno at jeterno@molloy.edu or call 516-323-3806.

In addition to assistantships, our program takes pride in helping students secure internships tailored to their interests within the criminal justice field. You won't need to navigate the search alone; we'll align you with a criminal justice agency in the Long Island/New York area that resonates with your career aspirations. While these internships are unpaid, they offer credit for supervised fieldwork and a wealth of real-world experience.

For those situated outside the New York vicinity, our program director will endeavor to connect you with a local agency. However, please note that while we strive to accommodate all our students, placements outside our immediate area cannot be guaranteed and will depend on your location and available opportunities.

If you're already working within the criminal justice system, the internship is optional, but we strongly encourage it for anyone seeking to broaden their understanding and experience in the field. Whether you're stepping into the criminal justice arena for the first time or looking to deepen your existing knowledge, our program is designed to support your professional journey.

Graduate Admission Criteria

To be eligible for Molloy University's Criminal Justice graduate program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a Baccalaureate Degree in social sciences or related field from an accredited institution. Applicants with degrees in other fields may need additional prerequisite courses.
• Complete at least 30 credits in foundational classes covering criminal justice, sociology, psychology, and political science.
• Provide official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work to confirm academic history.
• Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission. Candidates below 3.0 may be considered on a probationary basis.
• Submit at least three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
• Engage in an interview with the Program Director to discuss qualifications and program fit.
• Up to six transfer credits are accepted, subject to grade and accreditation criteria.
• Finish the program within five years.
• Adhere to any program modifications due to educational regulations.

Read more here for further information on application criteria.

Advance Your Career in Criminal Justice

Start your journey with our dynamic program that offers adaptable study modes and a dedication to academic distinction. Dive deep into the intricacies of criminal justice, blending theory with practical application in esteemed settings. As you progress, you'll actively engage with the material, gaining skills that are immediately applicable in the field.

Become part of an energetic community of scholars and transform into a professional equipped to make a difference. Step into roles that not only enhance public safety but also advocate for ethical practices and justice.

Your journey here will not only impact the lives of those you serve but also enrich your own professional and personal growth.