In addition to advancing your understanding and knowledge in criminal justice and criminology, an M.C.J. degree will keep you current in the field. Given the ever-changing climate of crime and justice, careers in criminal justice increasingly require an advanced degree. An M.C.J. degree will help you obtain a variety of positions in the field, including (but not limited to): federal agency (FBI, DEA, DHS), probation officer (juvenile, state and federal), careers in criminal research/analysis and investigation, security and private security management positions, advanced law enforcement positions, correctional programming, and leadership and management positions across all sectors of public safety.

• Faculty members, who are nationally recognized for contributions in the discipline, have a unique combination of practical experience in the criminal justice system and an extensive record of scholarship.
• The graduate program is more than just an extension of the undergraduate degree. Students will learn to be a master of the discipline and have opportunities to network with faculty and other professionals in the field.
• Class sizes are small and there are many opportunities for students to work one-on-one with professors through graduate assistantships.
• The innovative curriculum's blend of criminal justice theory and professional practice hones skills that can be applied right away.
• The curriculum also prepares doctoral-seeking students with appropriate theoretical, research, analytical, and critical interpretation skills.

The M.C.J. program requires 36 credit hours, which includes the culminating experience (Thesis, OR Capstone Course). For students who attend full-time (nine credits per semester), the degree takes four semesters/two years; for students who attend part-time (six credits per semester) the program takes six semesters/three years for completion. If students choose to also take courses over the summer, the degree can be completed in under two years (full-time) or two and a half years (part-time).

Classes for this program meet downtown on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus. Some courses available online.

Formats:

• Hybrid
• Online

Students study a variety of criminal justice topics, including:

• Criminology
• Criminal justice policy
• Legal and ethical issues
• Research methodology and statistics
• Victimology
• Contemporary issues in criminal justice

All students who have been accepted into the M.C.J. program are eligible to apply for a Graduate Assistantship. Applications are distributed (via the GVSU email system) every January and are due in February (be sure to check your GVSU email for information and deadlines). Graduate Assistantship awards are announced in March for the following academic year.

If you have completed courses in another, related graduate program, it is possible for these credits to be counted towards your M.C.J. degree. You will need to submit a written request and provide a syllabus from the course(s) you wish to have transferred; the M.C.J. graduate committee will review your request and make the decision. No more than (9) credits can be transferred into your degree program.

You are not assigned an academic advisor once admitted to the graduate school at GVSU. There are folks, however, who are here to help you along your journey! Feel free to contact any of the following people:

Program Director

• Jacquelynn Doyon-Martin, Ph.D. 
• (616) 331-7178

School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies

• gvsu.edu/cj
• 289C Richard M. DeVos Center
• (616) 331-7130

Graduate Admissions Office

• gvsu.edu/gradapply

Academic Resources and Retention Specialist, CECI Undergraduate Advising

• Melanie Rabine-Johnson
• 331C Richard M. DeVos Center