Criminal Justice Program
This 36-hour graduate criminal justice program leads to a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice.
This program will prepare you with a foundation in advanced criminal justice studies and the tools necessary to enable you to advance more rapidly in your career. With this degree, you will be prepared for success in a variety of criminal justice careers such as law enforcement, corrections, and social services. The UHV criminal justice M.A. program is online, which makes it a great option for working professionals pursuing careers in the criminal justice field or for those who live outside of Victoria, Texas.
Graduate Students Admissions and Financial AidDegree Plan Options | Master of Arts in Criminal Justice |
---|---|
Credit Hours | 36 Credit Hours |
Delivery Methods |
Victoria (traditional semesters) |
Tuition & Fees | Rates Per Semester |
Coursework
There are two tracks, thesis and non-thesis. Both tracks require 24 credit hours of core coursework. The thesis track includes 6 hours of thesis research and coursework in addition to 6 hours of elective courses. Thesis research and coursework will give students experience in inquiry and research to prepare them for advanced studies at the doctoral level or further research opportunities. The non-thesis track requires 12 hours of elective courses and includes a comprehensive examination.
The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice prepares students in a variety of careers, including:
Federal Special Agent
Intelligence Analyst
Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff
Police Officer
Department of Public Safety Officer
Juvenile/Adult Corrections Officer
Probation/Parole Officer


Program Details
Program length: 36 Credit Hours
Enrollment options: Fall, Spring
Modality: 100% online
Costs: $467/credit – Tuition Calculator
References Required: Yes - 2
Writing Sample
Other Admission Requirements: 1-2 page essay
*GRE Waiver*
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Required Coursework
CRIJ 6314 Advanced Ethics of Social Control
CRIJ 6315 History of Criminal Justice
CRIJ 6316 Race, Gender, and Justice
CRIJ 6317 White Collar Crime
CRIJ 6321 Research Methods I
CRIJ 6322 Research Methods II
CRIJ 6330 Criminological Theory
CRIJ 6332 Administration and Budgets
CRIJ 6300 Selected Topics in Criminal Justice
CRIJ 6310 American Corrections
CRIJ 6311 American Courts
CRIJ 6312 American Policing
CRIJ 6313 Advanced Crime on the Dark Web
CRIJ 6308 Master’s Thesis*
CRIJ 6309 Master’s Thesis*
*CRIJ 6308 and CRIJ 6309 are required for students on the thesis track

Academic Excellence
UHV has been recognized by many national organizations that evaluate universities, including The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Several specific academic degree programs also have drawn top rankings.

Criminal Justice Department
"Make sure you are passionate about what you are doing and open to perspectives and backgrounds other than your own. Passion will keep you going to work."
- Ashley K. Fansher, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice