Criminology and Criminal Justice
(CRIM)
Abstract
The program of graduate study leading to Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in the area of Criminology and Criminal Justice is intended to prepare students for research, teaching and professional employment in operational agencies within the field of criminal justice. This program combines an intensive background in a social science discipline such as criminology, criminal justice, sociology, psychology and public policy with graduate-level study of selected aspects of crime and criminal justice.
In addition, the Department offers a joint J.D./M.A. degree with the School of Law of the University of Maryland, located in Baltimore, and a Traditional M.A. in Criminal Justice.
A recent study of Department M.A. and Ph.D. alumni reveals that master's degree graduates have found employment in both public and private institutions in virtually every kind of activity associated with the criminal justice system: research; teaching; federal, state and local law enforcement; courts; corrections; private security; and funded programs. Ph.D. graduates have found employment mostly in teaching, research, and government agency administration.
Admissions Information
In addition to the general Graduate School rules, special admission requirements include the Graduate Record Examination (GRE - General exam), a major in a social science discipline and nine hours of coursework in appropriate areas of criminal justice.
Application Deadlines
Type of Applicant Fall Spring Domestic Applicants; US Citizens and Permanent Residents with foreign credentials; International Applicants seeking admissions under A, E, G, H, I and L visas and immigrants
Deadline: December 15
Preferred: December 1International Applicants seeking admission under F (student) or J (exchange visitor) visas
Deadline: December 15
Preferred: December 1
Application Requirements
- GRE General Exam
- Personal Statement of Goals/Purpose
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
Degree Requirements
Master of Arts (M.A.)
For the M.A. applicant, the undergraduate major must have included at least one course each in theory, statistics and research methods. The general plan of study for the Traditional M.A. is as follows: 30 semester hours of courses consisting of: 1) five required courses that must be passed with a "B" or better (including two statistics courses); 2) six hours of thesis credit; and 3) three elective courses.
Master of Arts and Doctor of Jurisprudence (M.A./J.D.)
Please contact the program for more information.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
The Ph.D. applicant who has already earned an MA/MS degree must have completed two statistics, two research methods, and two theory courses, one of each being at the Master's level. At the discretion of the Graduate Admission Committee of the Department, deficiencies in some of the above areas may be made up by non-credit work at the beginning of the program. Students whose highest degree is a BA/BS may choose to apply for entry either into the Traditional Masters program or directly into the Ph.D. program. Students admitted directly into the Ph.D. program will complete the requirements of the Traditional Masters program before beginning Ph.D.-level work.
In addition to the general Graduate School requirements, competence in research methodology and in quantitative techniques is expected for the completion of the Ph.D. degree, as well as competence in theory and the criminal justice field. The necessary coursework is determined on the basis of the student's previous preparation, needs and interests. The candidate is also required to pass comprehensive examinations.
Facilities and Special Resources
The Department houses the Maryland Justice Analysis Center. In addition, faculty maintain ongoing, funded research programs. These resources provide numerous opportunities for students to engage in policy development, research, and professional activities.
Financial Assistance
Graduate research and teaching assistantships and fellowships are available. Only those students whose applications are received by December 1st will be considered for funding. In addition to the application for admission, students must complete the application for departmental funding found on the department's website www.ccjs.umd.edu.
Contact Information
A brochure describing the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice and its programs is available upon request. Inquiries should be directed to: criminologydept@umd.edu
Graduate Program Coordinator
2220 LeFrak Hall
MD
20742
Telephone: (301) 405-4699
Fax: (301) 405-4733
criminologydept@umd.edu
http://www.ccjs.umd.edu
