Criminology (MA)

A graduate of our M.A. in the Criminology program will be able to:

Articulate the central theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts of the discipline.

Apply criminological theories and methods to conduct research on complex questions and societal problems.

Demonstrate a capacity to communicate research findings to academic, policy, and lay audiences.

Incorporate ethical principles and practices into their subsequent work environment.

Recognize the cultural basis of criminology and acknowledge their own standpoint, with respect for the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Employ social science research and strategies to resolve challenges and empower people, and advocate for social justice and equity.

Program Policy Document:

Please see the Program Policy Document for more information.

Requirements For The Degrees

Requirements:

All new students are required to take a non-credit one-hour pro-seminar.

1) M.A. in Criminology with Thesis Option

SOCI 605 - Data Collection and Analysis Credit(s): 3
SOCI 606 - Qualitative Methodology Credit(s): 3
SOCI 612 - Development of Sociological Theory Credit(s): 3
SOCI 835 - Theoretical Criminology I Credit(s): 3

One course from the following:

SOCI 614 - Advanced Data Analysis Credit(s): 3
SOCI 625 - Advanced Social Statistics Credit(s): 3
SOCI 676 - Advanced Qualitative Methods Credit(s): 3
PSYC 878 - Hierarchical Linear Modeling Credit(s): 3
Another course approved by the department methods comprehensive exam committee.

Elective Courses:

Students must take three elective courses in which the student invokes criminological-, law and society-, or criminal justice -related work from at least two substantive areas to assuresbreadth in criminology. Substantive areas include: Race, Gender, Disasters and the Environment, Criminology, Law and Society, Health, Methods, and Theory.
- We encourage students to pursue courses outside of the department. However, no more than two of the elective courses outside of the department will count towards degree.
- Independent studies do not count as elective courses.

MA Thesis:

Six (6) credits need to be completed for this course. These credits may all be taken during one semester, or divided between two terms. It cannot be taken pass/fail– Candidates without a thesis committee may not accumulate more than three credits in SOCI 869.

SOCI 869 - Master’s Thesis Credit(s): 1-6

2) M.A. in Criminology with Master’s Examination Option

If a student chooses not to pursue a thesis, he/she can complete the M.A. in Criminology with a Master’s Examination Option. However, this is for a terminal M.A. only.

SOCI 605 - Data Collection and Analysis Credit(s): 3
SOCI 606 - Qualitative Methodology Credit(s): 3
SOCI 612 - Development of Sociological Theory Credit(s): 3
SOCI 835 - Theoretical Criminology I Credit(s): 3

One of the following:

SOCI 614 - Advanced Data Analysis Credit(s): 3
SOCI 625 - Advanced Social Statistics Credit(s): 3
SOCI 676 - Advanced Qualitative Methods Credit(s): 3
PSYC 878 - Hierarchical Linear Modeling Credit(s): 3
Another course approved by the department methods comprehensive exam committee.

Elective Courses:

Students must take five elective courses in which the student invokes criminological-, law and society-, or criminal justice -related work from at least two substantive areas to assure breadth in criminology. Substantive areas include: Race, Gender, Disasters and the Environment, Criminology, Law and Society, Health, Methods, and Theory.
- We encourage students to pursue courses outside of the department. However, no more than two of the elective courses outside of the department will count towards degree.
- Independent studies do not count as elective courses.

Criminology (MA)

Program Policy Document:

Requirements For The Degrees

Requirements:

1) M.A. in Criminology with Thesis Option

One course from the following:

Elective Courses:

MA Thesis:

2) M.A. in Criminology with Master’s Examination Option

One of the following:

Elective Courses:

Credits to Total a Minimum of 30

Last Revised for 2025-2026 Academic Year