Criminal Justice (M.S.)

Earn your M.S. in Criminal Justice in just one year.

Undergraduates (at RWU or other institutions) in criminal justice, psychology, and related majors may participate in a special 4+1 M.S. Criminal Justice program. 

How does it work? 

You’ll begin the M.S. Criminal Justice program by taking one graduate course in each semester during your senior year. For RWU students, each course will count for both undergraduate and graduate credit, subject to advisor approval. Once you graduate, you will complete six credits of online coursework in the summer and then complete the remainder of your studies on campus at RWU in the fall and spring.

Curriculum

Senior Fall
1 Required Course (e.g., CJS 501 Criminal Justice System Overview)

Senior Spring
1 Required Course (e.g., CJS 509 Crime and Public Policy)

Summer (Online)
1 Required Course
1 Required or Elective Course

Fall (12 credits)
2 Required Courses (e.g., CJS503 Survey of Research Methods; CJS505 Legal Issues in the United States)
2 Approved Electives         

Spring (12 credits)
2 Required Courses (e.g., CJS511 Criminological Theory; CJS513 Analysis of Criminal Justice Data)
2 Approved Electives      

How to Apply

The preferred application deadline for consideration is March 1st in the second semester of your junior year.

To apply, please submit the following items to the Office of Graduate Admission:

1. Completed application form online at grad.rwu.edu/apply
2. Letter of Intent (two double-spaced pages maximum) describing your interest in the Criminal Justice program, career goals, and how you can positively contribute to the graduate program at Roger Williams University
3. Two (2) letters of recommendation from professional sources or academic faculty attesting to your potential to succeed in graduate school
4. Please note that your academic transcripts will be obtained by the Office of Graduate Admission from the University Registrar. Do not request your transcripts. 

Your letter of intent and letters of recommendation may be emailed directly to us at gradadmit@rwu.edu. Emailed letters of recommendation must come directly from your recommenders.

Offered with the RWU School of Law. 

View our latest virtual session about RWU Dual Degree programs.

Course Requirements

Required School of Justice Studies courses that are transferable to the Law School:

CJS 503 Survey of Research Methods (3 credits)
CJS 509 Crime and Public Policy (3 credits)
CJS 511 Criminological Theory (3 credits)
CJS 513 Analysis of Criminal Justice Data (3 credits)

Remaining required School of Justice Studies courses to earn MS:

CJS 501 Criminal Justice System Overview (3 credits)
CJS 505 Legal Issues in the U.S. Justice System (3 credits)
CJS Elective or Thesis (2 courses, 6 credits total)

Up to a total of 12 credits of the below Law School courses listed below are transferable to the School of Justice Studies:

LAW 623 Criminal Law (3 credits)
LAW 627 Criminal Procedure - Investigation (3 credits)
LAW 682 Criminal Procedure - Adjudication (3 credits)
One Elective from the following: LAW 631 Administrative Law (3 credits), LAW 860 Criminal Defense Clinic (8 credits), or LSM 890 Seminar in Domestic Violence (2 credits)