Masters of Science in Criminal Justice

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology program, offered jointly with the Department of Sociology, offers students a unique opportunity to integrate knowledge from the fields of sociology, criminology and criminal justice. The program emphasizes research methods and theoretical perspectives in criminal justice and criminology with substantive course work in international criminal justice, social control systems and criminal justice policy.

Students earning a MCJC undertake a course of study that prepares them to teach at the community college level or engage in criminal justice research in government or non-profit agencies; it also prepares them for further academic work in a doctoral degree program; or to work in the field of criminal justice as a researcher or policy analyst.

Program Information

Program Structure: For information about the program structure, please view the handbook for the program.
List of Courses: For a list of courses, please visit the course catalog.
Presentation Slides: For an overview of the program, please review the presentation slides from the 2024 orientation.
Culminating Experience: For more information on the Capstone Project or Thesis option please visit the Culminating Experience Guide.

Tuition and Fees

For more information on tuition and fees, please visit the Office of Financial Aid's page for graduate and doctoral students and the SDSU Bursar's Office. The Bursar’s page provides information on basic tuition, in-state tuition, out-of-state, and international student fees.

Additionally, for scholarships, please visit the Aztec Scholarships page and the School of Public Affairs Scholarships page.

U.S. Applicants

Apply to the University via Cal State Apply (before February 1, 2025).
- An SDSU RED ID Number will then be assigned which allows tracking of application status online.
Send transcripts to Graduate Admissions (before March 1, 2025).
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Send to:
  Graduate Admissions
  San Diego State University
  5500 Campanile Drive
  San Diego, CA 92182-7416
Visit Interfolio Apply Now and look for our department (Public Affairs) where you will upload the following (before March 1, 2025).
- View and download the Graduate Applicant Guide
- For assistance with Interfolio, please call their help desk at 877-997-8807.
Upload Letters of Recommendation (two recommendation letters from professors, relevant employers, internship supervisors, or others familiar with your academic abilities and accomplishments). We highly encourage applicants to submit letters of recommendation from academic professionals who can speak to your abilities, achievements, and potential for success in a graduate program. Ideal recommenders include professors, internship supervisors, or academic mentors who have worked closely with you. If you choose to submit a letter from a professional supervisor or employer, please ensure that the individual is able to speak in depth about your skills, work ethic, and accomplishments relevant to the field of criminal justice and criminology.
Unofficial Transcripts.
Current Curriculum Vitae that shares your academic achievements and other relevant professional experience. Please visit this website and video for more information about preparing a CV.
Upload Personal Statement (500 word essay about your professional and educational goals).
- In a statement of up to 500 words, please provide a brief description of who you are and your background, then describe and discuss your reasons for choosing the Masters of Science in Criminal Justice & Criminology program, your academic and/or professional readiness for graduate school, your professional aspirations, and indicate specific area(s) of interest in criminal justice or faculty members you might work with.
Upload a Writing Sample that displays your academic and/or professional writing skills. Examples of useful writing samples include: A paper written for a college course that demonstrates your ability to synthesize and/or analyze information or a report or or similar professional work product that showcases your writing, research or analysis skills.

International Applicants

International applicants are welcome and encouraged to apply.

For international applicants, please follow the same steps as those listed for U.S. applicants when applying to our graduate program. In addition, please visit the following pages for further information:

International Graduate Students Admissions Page – for details on applying to the university as an international student and other related information.
The International Admissions Office - to schedule a time to meet with an international admissions advisor.