College of Sciences and Humanities
Department of Sociology and Criminology
www.kent.edu/sociology

About This Program

Deepen your understanding of crime and justice with Kent State’s Criminology and Criminal Justice M.A., where advanced coursework explores the social and psychological forces behind criminal behavior. Designed for both emerging and experienced professionals, this flexible program gives students the research, analytical and leadership skills needed to advance in law enforcement, public policy and related fields. Read more...

Contact Information

• Will Kalkhoff | wkalkhof@kent.edu |
  330-672-3712

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Three letters of recommendation (preferably academic)
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 65 PTE score
  • Minimum 120 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
• Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a practical understanding of criminological theory by using it to better understand crime, criminal behavior and criminal justice policy.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the significant empirical findings in the major areas of criminology and criminal justice.
3. Demonstrate an appreciation of the use of the scientific method in the study of crime and criminal justice practices.
4. Develop a practical understanding of research methods and statistics used in the field, including with respect to crime control and policy evaluation.
5. Develop basic skills in evaluating empirical research in criminology and criminal justice, and use these skills to inform and evaluate policy.
6. Effectively communicate knowledge of criminology and criminal justice and produce clear and concise analyses of research, issues and policies in the field.

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice is designed to challenge experienced and aspiring professionals who want to expand their scope of knowledge and move into career and leadership positions. The program prepares graduates as next-generation leaders in this complex, global and interconnected field. The flexible online program is structured to fit the lives of full-time working professionals.

Courses in the major span a wide range of topics central to criminology and criminal justice, allowing students to build a diverse foundation of skills and knowledge for use in their careers.