Masters of Criminal Justice

A man wearing a white polo shirt hugging a girl with red hair and a grad cap.

Overview

Tarleton State University’s Master of Criminal Justice (M.C.J.) is a graduate program that can be completed 100% online or on campus. The program offers thesis (36 hours) and non‑thesis (30 hours) options, with evening, cohort‑based classes available in Fort Worth. Students study theory, research methods, administration, and applied topics across the criminal justice system.

Program Benefits

  • Two pathways: accelerated evening cohort in Fort Worth (face‑to‑face) and a flexible 100% online option.
  • Stackable graduate certificates available (Crime Analysis; Homeland Security) within the M.C.J. degree plan.
  • Optional thesis track for students planning doctoral study (e.g., Ph.D. in Criminal Justice).
  • Applied curriculum designed with field experts (crime mapping, crime analysis, grant writing, leadership).
  • Preparation for teaching undergraduate criminal justice with appropriate elective(s).
  • Direct pipeline to the doctoral program in criminal justice for those interested in research and teaching

Courses

Our career-focused curriculum is professionally designed in collaboration with Criminal Justice field experts, with an emphasis on theoretical foundations, research methods, principles of administration, innovative thinking and analysis of the major elements of the Criminal Justice system as a whole. Study topics such as forensic science, media and crime, victimology, gender and crime, global cybersecurity, domestic and international terrorism, crime mapping, grant writing and more. The optional thesis track is recommended if you’re considering a doctorate, such as our PhD in Criminal Justice, in the future. Thesis students will conduct an original research project as the capstone to their master’s degree, which can help you be more competitive and prepared for additional graduate studies.

Visit the University Catalog

More About the Program

Delivery & Locations: Courses are offered face‑to‑face in Fort Worth in an accelerated evening cohort format, and fully online for maximum flexibility. Certificates: Students may embed the Graduate Certificate in Crime Analysis or the Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security into their degree plan. Thesis Option: Students considering doctoral study are encouraged to pursue the thesis track (36 hours). Sample Topics: forensic science; media and crime; victimology; gender and crime; global cybersecurity; domestic and international terrorism; crime mapping; grant writing.

Offered Concentrations

  • Thesis - 36 Credit Hours
  • Non-Thesis - 30 Credit Hours

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain theoretical and legal principles in criminal justice administration.
  • Summarize and evaluate essential research contributions in the field.
  • Conduct and interpret research analyses appropriate to criminal justice.

Career Outcomes

  • Law enforcement leadership (e.g., lieutenant, captain, division commander).
  • Corrections, probation, or parole supervision and administration.
  • Court and judicial system administration.

Admissions Requirements

  • Meet Graduate College admission standards.
  • 2 academic/professional letters of recommendation (email to cjmasters@tarleton.edu).
  • Phone/virtual interview (after application submission).

Frequently Asked Questions

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice