Degree and Certificate Programs
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice prepares you for professional advancement, further graduate study, or teaching in a post-secondary criminal justice program. We offer several programs including a Master’s degree and multiple graduate Certificate options. Together, these programs give you the contemporary knowledge and skill needed to develop your career and prepare you for more advanced academic study or the post-secondary teaching field.
Criminal Justice Graduate Student Handbook
Criminal Justice Graduate Program FAQ
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
The non-thesis MSCJ degree program is available FULLY ONLINE. It is designed to provide you with the academic competencies needed to excel in criminal justice organizations or to provide you the foundation you need to pursue a more advance degree in the field.
Accelerated Criminal Justice, BS/ Criminal Justice, MS Program
The Criminal Justice, BS/Criminal Justice, MS accelerated program is designed to allow students interested in graduate school to begin taking graduate level courses as part of their undergraduate coursework. Students can double-count up to 12 semester hours (s.h.) of graduate level course work toward both their BSCJ and the MSCJ. Students accepted into the BS:MS Accelerated program will have the option to waive JUST 4990: Field Education and Seminar. Students interested in the program should contact Dr. Michele Stacey (staceym@ecu.edu), Graduate Program Director to discuss their eligibility and the application process.
Graduate Certificate Options
You can obtain a certificate independently or while satisfying part of the elective requirements of the Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree. There are four to choose from which range from 15-19 semester hours (s.h.) depending on the program.
Higher and Adult Education in Criminal Justice Certificate: This 15 s.h. certificate is offered to Criminal Justice, MS students, in partnership with the Department of Adult Education, interested in teaching criminal justice higher education.
Certificate in Criminal Justice Education: This 19 s.h. stand-alone certificate is designed to give you the skills you need to become an effective Criminal Justice educator and get you on your way to teaching at the community college level.
Certificate in Security Studies and Certificate in Public Management and Leadership: Offered through the Department of Political Science, these allied programs offer you additional certifications to contribute to your success as the next generation of criminal justice leaders.
The Criminology Certificate is intended for students interested in advancing knowledge of crime and offending. The certificate is a natural complement to the Criminal Justice, MS.
Advising
Contact the Graduate Program Director, Dr. Michele Stacey (mscj@ecu.edu) for academic advising.