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Master of Science in Criminal Justice
The field of criminal justice is dynamic and demanding, with an ever-increasing need for advances in forensic science, criminal behavioral analysis (including an understanding of criminal psychopathology and victimology), and administration of rapidly changing criminal justice systems and agencies (emphasizing management and crime policy).
Our Master of Science (MS) in Criminal Justice offers students a multidisciplinary, research-based, fluid transition and continuation of study from existing undergraduate emphases to the graduate level to address these critical areas. The program consists of 30 hours, or 36 hours with a thesis, in a residential setting. Graduates from the HSU MS in Criminal Justice will have chosen from one of three tracks which will prepare them for advanced service in a variety of positions within the justice system including forensics science, behavioral analysis, or justice administration and management.
Program Contact

Dr. Karin Brown
Head of Criminal Justice Department, Associate Professor of Criminal JusticeRequest Information
Degrees
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice (M.S.)
Why get an MS in Criminal Justice at HSU?

Thesis or Non-Thesis
Our 36 graduate semester hour (thesis) program leads to a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. Our 30 graduate semester hour (non-thesis) program also leads to a Master of Science in Criminal Justice.

Student Flexibility
The on-campus program consists of online, face to face, and hybrid courses to allow students some flexibility to work and study.

Excellent Jobs
Ten-year growth projections for criminal justice jobs show double-digit percentage increase for a number of categories. Median salaries for many of those jobs is between $50,000 and $88,000 per year.
Program Details
All courses and course descriptions for the Master of Science in Criminal Justice can be found in the Graduate Catalog.
36 (with thesis) graduate semester hour program leading to a Master of Science in Criminal Justice.
30 (non-thesis) graduate semester hour program leading to a Master of Science in Criminal Justice.
The on-campus program consists of online, face to face, and hybrid courses to allow students some flexibility to work and study.
All graduates will demonstrate knowledge and the ability to critically analyze theories and methodologies related to the justice system, as well as proficiency in one or more chosen tracks of specific study.
Forensic Science Track (Thesis Courses CRIJ 6300 and 6301 as needed)
Year 1 – Fall 2019 | Year 1 – Spring 2020 |
CRIJ 5314 Leadership Management in the Justice System
CRIJ 5303 Topics in Forensic Science (with Lab) CRIJ 5313 Forensic Evidence and Expert Testimony |
CRIJ 5312 Violence and Victimology
CRIJ 5311 Crime Scene Investigation BSAD 6322 Quantitative Research Methods |
May Term 2020 | Year 2 – Summer 2 2020 |
CRIJ 5340 Justice Abroad | CRIJ 6306 Ballistics and Criminalistics |
Year 2 – Fall 2020 | Year 2 – Spring 2021 |
CRIJ 6407 Forensic Entomology
CRIJ 5321 Ethics in the Justice System CRIJ 6305 Forensic Pathology and Anthropology |
CRIJ 5323 Forensic Investigation
CRIJ 6404 Forensic Analysis of Pattern, Physical and Trace Evidence |
Criminal Behavioral Analysis Track (Thesis Courses CRIJ 6300 and 6301 as needed)
Year 1 – Fall 2019 | Year 1 – Spring 2020 |
CRIJ 5314 Leadership Management in the Justice System
CRIJ 6333 Forensic Psychology CCMF 6360 Addictions |
CRIJ 5312 Violence and Victimology
BSAD 6322 Quantitative Research Methods CCMF 6354 Child and Adolescent Counseling |
May Term 2020 | Year 2 – Summer 2 2020 |
CRIJ 5340 Justice Abroad | COHD 6358 Neuroscience in Counseling |
Year 2 – Fall 2020 | Year 2 – Spring 2021 |
CRIJ 5321 Ethics in the Justice System
CRIJ 5304 Profiling Serial Offenders CRIJ 5319 Sex Crimes |
CCMF 6340 Advanced Psychopathology I
COHD 6330 Psychology of Mental Health COHD 6357 Advanced Addictions Counseling |
Justice Administration and Management Track (Thesis Courses CRIJ 6300 and 6301 as needed)
Year 1 – Fall 2019 | Year 1 – Spring 2020 |
CRIJ 5314 Leadership Management in the Justice System
MGMT 5367 Advanced Organizational Theory BSAD 6310 Issues in Management and Marketing |
CRIJ 5312 Violence and Victimology
BSAD 6322 Quantitative Research Methods |
May Term 2020 | Year 2 – Summer 2 2020 |
CRIJ 5340 Justice Abroad | BSAD 5353 Law of Human Resource Management
ECON 6330 Economic Analysis CRIJ 6323 Emergent Issues in Justice Administration |
Year 2 – Fall 2020 | Year 2 – Spring 2021 |
CRIJ 5321 Ethics in the Justice System
BSAD 6311 Business Reporting and Finance |
MGMT 6357 Management Strategy
CRIJ 6323 Justice Management and Media |
Add ISCI 6335 Topics in Cybersecurity (Elective) to each 2-year plan.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and functions of the various components within the justice system.
- Evaluate and analyze ethical, legal, and professional issues within the justice system.
- Demonstrate problem solving and ethical decision-making skills in the justice field.
- Develop knowledge and skills specific to the chosen emphasis of study (chosen track).
- Demonstrate an understanding of the application of theories related to the emphasis of study (chosen track).
- Thesis track: Demonstrate the ability to identify systemic needs and apply a cogent, research based strategic analysis to the issue.
Assessment
Learning will be assessed within individual courses including the required courses and the courses taken to complete the desired track or emphasis of study. Additionally, graduate students will sit for Comprehensive Oral and Written Examinations that are track specific. Thesis track students will be required to defend their thesis.
To be eligible for admission to the MS in Criminal Justice Program, a candidate must hold or be pursuing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester hours and a 3.0 in the undergraduate major. Students may hold an undergraduate degree in any field. A writing sample and a written statement of professional purpose and goals must be provided. No GRE required.
Conditional acceptance may be granted by the Program Director to applicants whose GPA in their last 60 semester hours is less than 3.0 with a minimum of 2.75. Conditional students must achieve a 3.0 GPA after completing four courses approved by the Program Director by the end of their second semester of graduate student to be granted full admission standing.
Undergraduate HSU students may receive up to 6 hours graduate course credit for courses taken toward their academic plan with Program Director and instructor approval. Students taking the courses for graduate level credit must complete extra assignments involving additional research, writing, and oral presentations. Final requirements to be determined by the course instructor.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth throughout this decade is projected to occur in law enforcement, private investigators, correctional, probation, and parole officers, and forensic science technicians. Our MS in Criminal Justice prepares you for any of these careers:
- Forensic Science Lab Technician in a Law Enforcement Center
- Child victims’ forensic interviewer
- Consulting or Investigation of Criminal Cases
- Organization and management of Victims Advocacy Centers
- Direct services provision for crime victims
- Social policy development
- Director or administrator of various local, state, or federal justice agencies
- Federal law enforcement agent
- Advancement or added specialization in the chosen field of study
- Leadership or command position in law enforcement or security
Potential Employment Opportunities
Career Field | Potential for Employment | Salary Potential |
Forensic Science Technicians | 2016-2026 17% growth (much faster than average) | Median Pay $56,750 per year |
Private Detectives and Investigators | 2016-2026 11% growth (faster than average) | Median Pay $48,190 per year |
Police and Detectives | 2016-2026 7% growth (as fast as average) | Median Pay $61,600 per year |
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | 2016-2026 6% growth (as fast as average) | Median Pay $50,160 per year |
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | 2016-2026 7% growth (as fast as average) | Median Pay $88,400 per year |
Victim Advocacy Center Manager | 2016-2026 18% growth (much faster than average) | Median Pay $64,680 per year |
Human Service Worker/Victim Advocate | 2016-2026 16% growth (much faster than average) | Median Pay $34,811 per year |
Federal Law Enforcement Agent | 2016-2026 7% growth (as fast as average) | Median Pay $78,730 per year |
Child Forensic Interviewer | Median Pay $38,818 per year | |
2018 Criminal Justice Job Announcements | 3/13/2018 and 03/19/2018 | |
Abilene and Surrounding Communities | 13 Total | |
Indeed-Forensic Science Technician | 0 | |
Indeed-Private Detective/Investigator | 0 | |
Indeed-Police Officer/Detective | 8 | |
City of Abilene-Police Officer | 1 | |
Indeed-Child Forensic Interviewer | 0 | |
Taylor County-Probation Officer | 0 | |
Coleman County-Constable | 1 | |
LinkUp-Police Chief or Supervisor | 0 | |
LinkUp-Victim Advocacy Center Manager | 0 | |
State of Texas Abilene area-Victim advocate/Human Service Worker | 3 | |
USAJobs-Federal Law Enforcement Agent | 0 | |
Regional-Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma | 156+ Total | |
Indeed-Forensic Science Technician | 2 | |
Indeed-Private Detective/Investigator | 10 | |
Indeed-Police Officer | 80+ | |
Indeed-Child Forensic Interviewer | 3 | |
Monster-Probation Officer | 14 | |
LinkUp-Police Chief or Supervisor | 1 | |
LinkUp-Victim Advocacy Center Manager | 0 | |
State of Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma-Victim advocate/Human Service Worker | 24 | |
USAJobs-Federal Law Enforcement Agent | 22 | |
Nationwide | 357+ Total | |
Indeed-Forensic Science Technician | 1 | |
Indeed-Private Detective/Investigator | 50+ | |
Indeed-Police Officer | 100+ | |
Indeed-Child Forensic Interviewer | 16 | |
Monster-Probation Officer | 50+ | |
LinkUp-Police Chief or Supervisor | 7 | |
LinkUp-Victim advocate/Human Service Worker | 30 | |
USAJobs-Federal Law Enforcement Agent | 100+ |
The study of the justice system in an environment enlightened by faith begins with an understanding of the foundational role practitioners play in facilitating ethical and just responses at all levels. The integrity of the system is heavily reliant upon the character of the women and men serving within it. Equal treatment under the law is a core principle within this framework.
This multidisciplinary approach provides graduate students with the opportunity to enhance their broad knowledge base as well as specialize in an area of focus. The overall objective is to equip students to master competencies necessary for service in this dynamic and demanding field, encouraging them to face challenges through the lens of acting justly, seeking to be merciful, and walking humbly.