Learn how to:

• Communicate effectively through oral and written formats
• Apply criminological theories, logic, and qualitative as well as quantitative analysis to criminal justice policies and issues
• Demonstrate awareness of the social, political, cultural, and historical factors that influence the field of criminal justice
• Make positive contributions to the field of law enforcement in law enforcement, court and/or correctional settings

Specialize Your Skills

The M.S. in Criminal Justice program has several areas of specialization, including:

• Administration
• Correctional counseling
• Crime control and delinquency prevention
• Criminal justice planning and research

The program complements the course curriculum through partnerships with federal, state, and local facilities, allowing graduate students to gain real world value. Coppin’s location in the Baltimore metropolitan area also allows you to take advantage of numerous field training, internship and cooperative education opportunities.

Graduate Course Load Expectations

Graduate students may enroll in the M.S. in Criminal Justice on a full- or part-time basis. A full-time course load is 9 credits per semester. Students also have an option to enroll in a part-time course load of 6 credits per semester.

Program Requirements

To graduate with a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, students must complete 33 credits in:

• Core courses (12 credits for non-thesis students or 18 credits for thesis students, not including EDUC 581 3 credits)
• Content area courses (12 credits)
• Capstone and elective courses (9 credits)

Each chart in this section explains course offerings and requirements

Core Courses (12-21 credits)

EDUC 581 is only required for students who did not receive a B or better in undergraduate statistics.

CRJU 583 and 584 are only for Thesis students.

Graduate Electives

Students can use any other graduate-level CRJU courses outside of their mandatory and specialization courses toward elective credits.

Students must obtain advisor’s permission to take non-CRJU courses as electives.

Capstone

All graduate students must complete a final capstone experience. Student can choose one of the following options:

• Comprehensive examination
• Thesis

Non-Degree Students

The Master’s program is primarily designed for degree-seeking students. However, individuals may enroll in courses on a non-degree basis under the following conditions:

Non-Degree Enrollment Approval is granted to prospective students who have not yet been formally admitted and may register for courses as non-degree students with written approval from the department chair. A maximum of 12 credits earned as a non-degree student may be earned prior to application for admission, subject to departmental approval and academic performance standards.

Advising Requirements

To ensure academic success and alignment with program goals

Initial Advising: All students—regardless of enrollment status or course load—must complete an initial advising session with the department chair.

Faculty Advisor Assignment: After the initial advising session, students will be assigned a faculty advisor for ongoing academic guidance and support. 
 

Minor Requirements

To graduate with a minor in criminal justice, students must complete 21 credit hours with a grade of 'C' or better in each minor course:

*CRJU 201 and CRJU 223 are prerequisite courses and must be taken before other CRJU courses.

Learn how to:

• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing
• Apply logic, criminological theory, and analysis (quantitative and qualitative) to criminal justice issues and policies.
• Build and demonstrate an awareness of the social, political, cultural, and historical factors that have influenced the criminal justice field.
• Make positive connections and contributions to law enforcement practice.
   

Learn New Ways to Serve

Through our program, students gain the skills to enter municipal and private criminal justice agencies directly after graduation. Partnerships with federal, state, and local facilities complement the course curriculum, allowing students to gain real world value. Coppin’s location in the Baltimore metropolitan area also allows students to take advantage of numerous field training, internship and cooperative education opportunities.

There is more information about major requirements in the Program Requirements section on this page.

Program Requirements

To earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Coppin State, students must complete 120 credit hours. These credit hours are fulfilled by completing work in General Education Requirement (GER) courses, Criminal Justice core courses, and Criminal Justice and other electives.

Core Courses (21 credits)

Each course must be completed with a grade of C or better.

Program Electives

Students must complete at least 18 credits of CRJU elective courses with a grade of C or better.