Prepare to serve and influence at a higher level. Lay a foundation for leadership and career advancement through a practical, flexible curriculum tailored to your aspirations and needs.
Locations
- Statesboro Campus (In Person)
- Armstrong Campus (In Person — Cybercrime Emphasis and Executive Track Only)
- Online
Why Earn a Master’s in Criminal Justice and Criminology at Georgia Southern?
- Top 50 online master’s in criminal justice programs (U.S. News & World Report).
- Affordable tuition with graduate assistantships available.
- Flexible program options, including on-campus, online and hybrid formats.
- Executive track for working law enforcement professionals.
- 30-36 credit hours to completion.
Ready to guide teams, shape department operations or design research exploring the why and how of criminal behavior? In Georgia Southern University’s Master of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice and Criminology program, you’ll gain a broad understanding of the nature of justice administration, crime and the law and examine the field’s social, political, legal, philosophical and historical contexts both in the United States and around the world. As you expand your knowledge, you’ll also deepen your commitment to public service and ethical behavior, preparing for responsible leadership.
In addition to specialized expertise and practical skills, you’ll grow as a communicator, researcher and critical thinker, acquiring a variety of strategic tools for multiple career paths. Upon completion, your training equips you for graduate school, law school and several mid-level and higher opportunities within the criminal justice system.
Ready to Apply?
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Criminal Justice and Criminology?
The criminal justice field encompasses a range of roles, and so far, you’ve worked the beat or advocated for others. In extending your reach, Georgia Southern’s master’s program positions you to lead teams, direct research, develop or revise policy, target cyber threats or serve within a nonprofit organization, depending upon your area of focus.
Where our graduates work:
- Correctional facilities
- Federal law enforcement agencies
- Government agencies
- Military
- Nonprofits
- Police departments
- School systems
What our graduates do:
- Community advocate
- Corrections officer
- Cybersecurity investigator
- Data analyst
- Fire investigator
- Forensic examiner
- Immigration and customs officer
What You’ll Learn
In core courses, you’ll examine criminal justice systems, criminal behavior and victimology. You’ll consider both classical and contemporary theories while gaining practical insights through a thorough study of existing systems, practices and statistical data. Collectively, these concepts broaden your perspective of criminal justice and take into account the system’s dynamics and how social inequalities drive criminal behavior.
Selecting an emphasis, you’ll choose from a set of additional courses to build further expertise in cybercrime, criminal justice or criminology. For traditional track students, you’ll also select one of three capstone experiences for additional preparation aligned with your professional goals.
See the CurriculumEmphasis Areas and Tracks
This highly flexible program lets you focus your area of study for maximum career impact and select the format that best fits your schedule.
Criminal Justice
Acquire a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system, examining advanced theory, the development of public policy and current issues within the field.
Criminology
Focus on the major classical and contemporary theories of criminology, drawing on insights from multiple disciplines to analyze the nature, prevalence, causes and consequences of criminal behavior.
Cybercrime
Learn about criminal activity and law enforcement related to computers and the internet, studying applicable laws, issues of jurisdiction, cyber ethics, cyber criminology and more.
Executive Track
Elevate your knowledge and strengthen your analytical skills to advance in your organization. Designed exclusively for law enforcement professionals, this streamlined hybrid program allows you to learn while you work.
Build Your Experience
Extend your learning and customize your training to enhance your career preparation, taking advantage of strategic capstone options and our vibrant Justice Studies Club.
Practicum/Internship
Develop your practical skills and apply what you’re learning in real-world settings related to your area of focus as you build experience and connections.
Thesis
Engage in faculty-mentored independent research, exploring a question or problem that matters to you. This option provides vital experience for careers in research or further studies at the doctoral level.
Justice Studies Club
Connect with fellow students, network with criminal justice professionals and build your knowledge of the field through monthly meetings featuring guest speakers.
“The education that I received from Georgia Southern is world-renowned, and I could not be prouder to happily tell people that I am a Double Eagle!”
Want to Learn More?
Explore essential information about our M.S. in Criminal Justice and Criminology program, including application details, accreditation status, and licensing disclosures. Gain insight into the program’s credibility and requirements to help you start your journey toward success with the knowledge you need.
The M.S. in Criminal Justice and Criminology program is open to those with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice/criminology or a related field from a regionally accredited institution with an overall GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
Note: The field of study and GPA requirements will be waived for applicants who successfully complete the Post-Baccalaureate Cybercrime Certificate.
To apply, please submit:
- An online application. (There is a $50 non-refundable application fee.)
- Official transcripts for all previous college- and graduate-level work.
- A Letter of Application detailing your: a) academic background and/or professional credentials; b) relevant research and work experience; c) career goals and reasons for enrollment in this program.
- Two letters of recommendation addressing your: 1) academic work; 2) professional experience, if any; 3) ability to handle master’s-level curriculum; and 4) how you can be expected to contribute to the program. (This application requirement will be waived for applicants who successfully complete the Post-Baccalaureate Cybercrime Certificate.)
Additional Admission Requirements for the Executive Track:
- Submit a letter of recommendation from your current criminal justice employer/supervisor (in lieu of the two letters of recommendation listed above).
- You must be a current POST-certified law enforcement officer in the state of Georgia.
Submit your Letter of Application and have letters of recommendation sent to gradadmissions@georgiasouthern.edu.
Provisional Admission
Applicants who meet two out of the three requirements outlined for GPA and GRE scores may be granted provisional admission by the graduate faculty committee based on a careful review of additional materials submitted.
Prerequisites for Admission
While an undergraduate degree in criminal justice is not a prerequisite to admission, newly admitted students must be deemed adequately prepared for graduate study in this essentially multidisciplinary area. Students who lack the necessary background may be required to complete additional undergraduate coursework.
For example, students who have not successfully completed an undergraduate statistics course may be required to do so prior to enrollment in graduate statistical analysis or research methods courses.
Application Deadlines
Students admitted to the program begin in the fall, spring or summer semester. The application deadlines are:
| Fall | Spring | Summer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional track | July 1 | November 15 | April 1 |
| Executive track | August 31 | November 15 | Does not admit |
Contact Information
Dr. Adam Bossler
Executive Master’s in Criminal Justice
Cybercrime
Email: abossler@georgiasouthern.edu
Dr. Laurie Gould
Master’s in Criminal Justice
Email: lgould@georgiasouthern.edu
At Georgia Southern, enjoy the flexibility of fully online courses that fit within your busy schedule as a criminal justice professional. Online instructors weave interactive experiences into each course, ensuring you engage at a deeper level.
About Our Online ProgramsFor All Online Programs
Federal law requires colleges and universities to make certain disclosures to prospective students of these programs. These disclosures include information on the University’s authority to operate outside of Georgia, complaint processes, adverse actions and refunds.
For required disclosures in general with regard to online programs offered by the University, visit the Office of Legal Affairs website.
Faculty Feature
With a background in military security and expertise in digital forensics, Cassandra Dodge, Ph.D., is passionate about equipping students for on-the-job success with the skills that benefit them the most.
Learn More About Assistant Professor Dodge
Related Programs
Take the Next Step
Get equipped to serve with greater professionalism, knowledge and impact. Find your flexible path forward in Georgia Southern’s master’s in criminal justice and criminology program.
Contact Us
Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology
Georgia Southern University
P.O. Box: 8105
Statesboro, GA 30460
912-478-8007
Fax: 912-478-4999
cjcrim@georgiasouthern.edu
Dr. Adam Bossler
Executive Master’s in Criminal Justice
Cybercrime
Email: abossler@georgiasouthern.edu
Dr. Laurie Gould
Master’s in Criminal Justice
Email: lgould@georgiasouthern.edu