Master's Degree Program | Criminology and Criminal Justice | SIU

Master of Arts Program

Admission Requirements

Application to the Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJ) MA program entails a holistic review of your overall strengths. Preferably, you should have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) from the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework for those who have completed their bachelor’s degree, or from the last 45 hours for those still completing their degree.

Applicants without an undergraduate degree in CCJ are encouraged to complete a minimum of 15 credit hours in criminology, criminal justice, sociology, psychology, social work, political science, or public administration. Students from other academic backgrounds are advised to inquire prior to applying. Other documented strengths that indicate potential for success in the program may also be considered. These may include prior research or professional experience in the criminal justice field, demonstrated resilience, or unique experiences or perspectives that can contribute meaningfully to the program.

You must submit a completed graduate school application, the contact information for three references who can provide letters of recommendation that address your academic abilities and potential for success in a master’s program, official transcripts, and a personal statement. The personal statement should highlight academic achievements, outline goals for pursuing graduate education in CCJ, and explain how the program and its faculty will help achieve these goals.

The admissions committee evaluates the complete set of submitted materials to determine whether you are a strong fit for the program, while also considering program capacity and available resources. This holistic review process allows the faculty to identify students who best align with the program’s academic offerings and research priorities.

International student applicants are encouraged to consult with the Graduate School for additional requirements, including satisfaction of the English language requirement. 

Accelerated Master's Degree Program

The Accelerated Master of Arts (AMA) degree is designed for highly motivated and successful students to obtain both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJ) within five years. Nine credit hours of CCJ coursework will count toward both degrees, enabling you to save time and money. 

Admission Requirements

Students interested in the AMA program must complete CCJ 316 Introduction to Criminal Justice Research and CCJ 317 Introduction to Criminal Justice Statistics before the start of their fourth year. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 is required to apply.

Third-year students must submit the following by March 15 for priority consideration:

• Official transcripts
• The contact information for three references who can provide letters of recommendation that address the applicant’s academic abilities and potential for success in a master’s program
• A personal statement that highlights academic achievements, outlines goals for pursuing graduate education in CCJ, and explains how the program and its faculty will help achieve these goals.

Assistantships/Scholarships

In addition to the many opportunities for scholarships based on both academic performance and service to SIU, fellowships and assistantships are available for graduate students in the criminology and criminal justice program. Assistantships offer tuition waivers and a stipend in exchange for work assignments in the criminology and criminal justice program.

Graduate students with outstanding performance in coursework and high GPAs may apply for one of the competitive fellowship opportunities that offer financial assistance at SIU. Other fellowships offered are based on a combination of academic achievements, leadership abilities and overcoming diversity.