HPU | Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Training Leaders in Criminal Justice

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) degree is designed for those who want to advance in the field of criminal justice and seek a deeper understanding of criminal justice issues for application in related fields. This MSCJ Program looks at the complex issues that surround crime and justice and helps students develop the skills and techniques used by criminal justice leaders.

You will gain a deeper understanding of the principles of leadership in organizational settings, as well as an extensive understanding of law enforcement, the judicial system, and corrections at the managerial levels. Get started on your journey to becoming a leader in the criminal justice field! 

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Complete in 12 months as a full-time student

Flexible course options Available

Discounted rates for military & partners

Curriculum and Courses Tailored to Career Pathways

  • MSCJ is available fully online and in hybrid lectures designed for working professionals and full-time students.
  • Work with experienced professionals and academics from the criminal justice field.
  • Learn using real-world problems and case studies.
  • Earn the credentials needed to enter management and leadership roles.
  • This master's degree is a 1-year program if students take 2 courses each in the six 8-week terms.

Fall Entry

Fall 1st 8-week term (6 credits)

  • CJ 6710 - Civil Liability and Civil Rights Challenges
  • CJ 6750 – Administrative and Constitution Procedures for Professionals

Fall 2nd 8-week term (6 credits)

  • CJ 6700 – Leadership and Ethics
  • CJ 6740 – Media and the Criminal Justice Professions

Spring 1st 8-week term (6 credits)

  • PADM 6000 - Introduction to Public Administration and Public Service
  • PADM 6300 - Statistical Analysis for Effective Decision Making

Spring 2nd 8-week term (6 credits)

  • CJ 6720 - Criminal Justice Organizations
  • Elective 

Summer 1st 8-Week term (6 credits)

  • CJ 6605 - Practical Research in Criminal Justice
  • CJ 7001 - Professional Paper I 

Summer 2nd 8-Week term (6 credits)

  • CJ 7002 - Professional Paper II
  • Elective

Spring Entry

Spring 1st 8-week term (6 credits)

  • CJ 6710 - Civil Liability and Civil Rights Challenges
  • PADM 6300 – Statistical Analysis for Effective Decision Making

Spring 2nd 8-week term (6 credits)

  • CJ 6720 – Criminal Justice Organizations
  • Elective 

Summer 1st 8-week term (6 credits)

  • CJ 6605 - Practical Research in Criminal Justice
  • CJ 7001 - Professional Paper I

Summer 2nd 8-week term (6 credits)

  • CJ 7002 - Professional Paper II
  • Elective

Fall 1st 8-Week term (6 credits)

  • CJ 6750 - Administrative and Constitution Procedures for Professionals
  • Elective 

Fall 2nd 8-Week term (6 credits)

  • CJ 6700 - Leadership and Ethics
  • Elective

Summer Entry

Summer 1st 8-week term (6 credits)

  • CJ 6605 - Practical Research in Criminal Justice
  • PADM 6000 – Introduction to Public Administration and Public Service

Summer 2nd 8-week term (6 credits)

  • PADM 6300 – Statistical Analysis for Effective Decision Making
  • Elective

Fall 1st 8-week term (6 credits)

  • CJ 6710 - Civil Liability and Civil Rights Challenges
  • CJ 6750 - Administrative and Constitution Procedures for Professionals

Fall 2nd 8-week term (6 credits)

  • CJ 6700 - Leadership and Ethics
  • CJ 7001 - Professional Paper I

Spring 1st 8-Week term (6 credits)

  • Elective
  • CJ 7002 - Professional Paper II

Spring 2nd 8-Week term (6 credits)

  • CJ 6720 - Criminal Justice Organizatons
  • Elective

Apply to Earn your MSCJ at Hawaiʻi Pacific University

Admissions requirements:

  • Apply online hpu.edu/apply ($55 app fee)
  • Official transcript/s (bachelor’s degree or higher)
  • Resume
  • English proficiency score report required for International applicants. More information can be found online at hpu.edu/gradintl

Optional:

  • Personal Statement/Essay
  • Letters of Recommendation

Priority Application Dates

Fall Entry

July 1

Spring Entry

November 1

SUmmer Entry

April 1

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