To gain admittance you must:

• Demonstrate a sound understanding of criminological theory and the criminal justice system.
• Have knowledge gained through experience within the justice system, by specialized training or by completing graduate or undergraduate studies in a related field.
• Apply by March 15 for best consideration. Students begin the program in the fall term. (The online program allows full-time students to being in the fall and part-time students to begin in the spring.)

• Prepare for advanced positions in federal, state, and local law enforcement and corrections; federal and county probation and parole; juvenile justice, and more.
• Develop a foundation for doctoral study to become a future college and university professor and researcher.
• Engage in the rigorous study of criminology theory, legal issues, organizational dynamics, research methodology, quantitative analysis, and ethical and philosophical issues in criminology.