MSCCJ Program Benefits
Career Advancement
Graduates are prepared to advance in their current position, pursue higher-level roles and increase their earning potential.
Convenient Course Offerings
Classes meet once a week in the evenings with some online options, providing a flexible learning experience.
Networking & Mentorship
Expand your professional network through collaboration with peers and nationally recognized faculty mentors.
Why Pursue a Criminology and Criminal Justice Master's Degree
The MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice (MSCCJ) offers opportunities to develop skills in written and oral communication, research, critical thinking, problem solving and leadership. Graduates are prepared for roles in community and organizational leadership, as well as for continued study at the PhD level. Smaller class sizes allow for more individualized attention from faculty and opportunities to network with other students. Our nationally recognized faculty are active researchers and regularly support students through mentorship. Learn more about our MSCCJ faculty below!
What You'll Learn
This 36-credit hour program is designed for both traditional students and working professionals, with all courses conveniently offered once a week in the evening. Core courses like Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis prepare students to interpret data and contribute to evidence-based policies. Gain an in-depth understanding of institutional structures and theoretical frameworks through courses such as The Criminal Justice System, Criminal Justice Policy and Criminological Theory. Students also develop a global perspective through the exciting Study Abroad: International Crime and Justice course, and apply knowledge to real-world challenges through our Capstone Course.
See What Our Students Say
When you choose UT San Antonio, you join a community of talented scholars and professionals being taught by award-winning faculty. Are you curious about the many facets of Criminology and Criminal Justice? Destyne Simmons talks about her graduate school experience.
Admission & Application Requirements
Applications are submitted through the UT San Antonio Graduate Application. Please upload all required documents (listed below) on your UT San Antonio Graduate Application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure completion and submission of the application, a nonrefundable application fee, and all required supporting documents are on file with UT San Antonio by the appropriate application deadline.
| Criminology and Criminal Justice (MS) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Admission is only available for the Fall semester | ||
| Required Degree | Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or have proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution. | |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) Departments may consider GPA of last 60 semester credit hours | |
| Coursework | Completed adequate credit hours or foreign institution equivalent coursework as preparation for the program. | |
| Transcripts* | Required from all institutions attended; international transcripts must be recorded/translated to English | |
| Credential Evaluation | Required if you have earned university-level credit from foreign institutions. Submit an evaluation of your transcripts from FCSA or any NACES-approved credential evaluation agency. | |
| English Language Proficiency | 550 TOEFL Paper / 79 TOEFL Internet / 6.5 IELTS / Duolingo 100 | |
| Purpose Statement | Required | |
| Resume | Required | |
| Letters of Recommendation | 2 academic or professional reference(s) demonstrating your attributes for successful completion of this program (you will request these through the Graduate Admissions Application; let your recommenders know of your deadline to ensure submissions are on time) | |
| *Unofficial transcripts will be taken into consideration for admissions; however, if admitted into the program, you must submit official transcripts to the University. | ||
Application Deadlines
Applicants are encouraged to have their admission file completed as early as possible. All applications, required documents and letters of recommendation, if applicable, must be submitted by 5:00 PM U.S. Central Time on the day of the deadline. Deadlines are subject to change.
| Criminology and Criminal Justice (MS) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing on Admission Decision: Completed applications will be reviewed for admission on a rolling basis. Decisions generally will be made and sent to applicants within 4 to 6 weeks of receiving the application. | |||
| Application Deadlines for: | Priority | International | Domestic |
| Fall 2026 | June 1 | June 1 | |
| Spring | Not Available | Not Available | |
| Summer | Not Available | Not Available | |
Funding Opportunities
Our students can apply for graduate assistantships to work with faculty and financially support their program of study. Additionally, both Bexar County and the City of San Antonio offer tuition assistance to provide financial support for employees. Find more information about the City of San Antonio Tuition Assistance Program here!
University scholarship opportunities can be found here:
Career Options
UT San Antonio prepares you for future careers that are in demand. The possible careers below are based on data pulled by a third-party tool called Emsi, which pulls information from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, other government databases and more to give you regional and national career outlook related to this academic program.
Our department has a proven track record of placing graduates in a variety of local, state, and federal roles and boasts strong connections throughout San Antonio and beyond. Our alumni have successful careers both in Academia and at agencies such as:
Local
- San Antonio Housing Authority
- Child Protective Services
- San Antonio Police Department
- USAA
- Community Supervision & Corrections Department
State/Federal
- Federal Bureau of Intelligence
- National Security Agency
- Texas Department of Public Safety (Crime Analysis)
- Texas Office of the Attorney General
- Central Intelligence Agency
- Homeland Security
Program Benefits:
- Advancement in current job and broaden new job opportunities
- Increase salary potential
- Evening classes at the downtown campus
- In-person and online class offerings
- Networking with like-minded students and professionals
- Work closely with faculty, who are nationally recognized experts
- Financial support through graduate assistantships
This Esmi widget is a third-party tool that provides data on potential career pathways
