M.A in Criminal Justice – Take Your Career to the Next Level

You do not have to just take our word for it that the M.A. in Criminal Justice program at GSU is topnotch, but listen to what other professionals have to say about the program.  Daniel Martin, Chief of the New Lenox police department, states, "This program provides criminal justice professionals a great opportunity to give something back to their communities…It's an excellent program."  And Kenneth O'Keefe, the criminal justice program coordinator at Prairie State College, adds that, "The Criminal Justice M.A. Program at Governors State University is practical and academically rigorous."

As a graduate student in our innovative Criminal Justice program, you will be taught by a faculty with an extensive history of applied and theoretical experience in the criminal and juvenile justice fields.  Together they have developed a broad array of networks to provide our students the opportunity for exceptional hands-on experiences in this dynamic program.

As an interdisciplinary field of study, students may apply to the M.A. in Criminal Justice degree program at GSU with a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited university. However, we do recommend that students take undergraduate courses in the following areas: criminal or juvenile justice, general social science or criminal justice research methods, introductory statistical analysis, survey courses in the criminal justice system, juvenile justice, policing, court and judicial systems, race and gender studies, policy issues and policy analysis.  Please refer to our website for the complete program requirements and information or contact a department advisor. 

At GSU we remain committed to providing flexible, adult education opportunities.  The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice is another one of our programs that is now available at a convenient off-site location.  As of Spring 2015, the program is offered at the Triton College River Grove Campus, (2000 Fifth Avenue, River Grove, IL).    Check with us for details.

Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program epitomizes GSU’s mission to promote social and ethical responsibility in our community through real-world applications of problem-solving and leadership. We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals.