Criminal Justice and Criminology MA

About the Master's in Criminal Justice & Criminology at Loyola

Becoming an ethical, effective criminal justice leader requires an understanding of the “big picture,” from the causes and effects of crime to the impact of politics and policies. Through the Loyola University Chicago Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology, you will gain this understanding along with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to assume leadership roles or to pursue other advanced degrees.

This leading-edge master's degree combines criminal justice and criminology in one program so you learn both the practical and theoretical aspects of the field. With a flexible curriculum taught by experienced and renowned faculty, you will be ready to make a difference in your current or future role.

Program Structure

Loyola's criminal justice and criminology master's program can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis. Classes are held weekday evenings at the Lake Shore Campus, located on Chicago's North Side, right along Lake Michigan in a diverse and dynamic residential area.

The MA in Criminal Justice and Criminology is a 30-credit-hour program that includes five required courses and five electives. You can tailor your master's degree to your interests and goals by choosing five elective courses from the criminal justice and criminology program as well as others such as social work, psychology, women's studies, public policy, or sociology.

As part of the requirements for the MA, students will complete either a thesis or a culminating research paper.

Are you a current Loyola undergrad?

This program is eligible for an Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's degree. Earn a Master’s with only one extra year of study following the completion of your eligible undergraduate degree.

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Why Choose Loyola for Your Master's in Criminal Justice?

Gain a competitive advantage and step into the rigors of a criminal justice career through a master's in criminal justice and criminology that reflects the challenges of the real world.

Led by experienced and renowned faculty

You will learn from a diverse faculty who have experience in the criminal justice system as well as scholars who engage in cutting-edge research and policy work on everything from bail reform to firearm possession and from organized crime to race and guns.

Step into the field with confidence through a balanced curriculum that covers theory, research, policy, and practice. Build on your knowledge through electives tailored to your career goals in areas like violence and victimization, crime prevention, and bias in the criminal justice system.

With Loyola's location in Chicago, you will have a rich and diverse context to study and work in criminal justice and related fields. You will have access to internships and a variety of jobs in criminal justice throughout the Chicago area.

Gain practical experience and professional skills while networking with future employers through internship opportunities in police departments, county attorney's offices, juvenile and adult probation offices, departments of corrections, and other real-world settings.

Build a meaningful career without putting your professional and personal life on hold. On-campus courses are available in the late afternoons and evenings.

Loyola's Jesuit tradition of service and social justice informs your studies in criminal justice and criminology, and delivers an understanding of the social and moral dimensions you'll need to become an effective leader.

Criminal Justice and Criminology Department

The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology provides a comprehensive liberal arts education that prepares students for various options after they receive their degrees, including professional school, graduate school, or a rewarding career in the criminal justice field. Find stories showcasing current students and graduates from the Criminal Justice and Criminology MA program and learn more about why Loyola is right for you.

Department WebsiteDepartment News and Stories

Meet the Faculty

Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the department faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Criminal Justice and Criminology MA program.

Faculty

Curriculum and Program Outcomes

While courses for the Criminal Justice and Criminology MA program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.

Additionally, this resource will provide Criminal Justice and Criminology MA learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.

2023-2024 Catalog
Browse Academic Catalog

Costs, Scholarships, and Aid

Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.

If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.

Tuition and Costs

The estimated tuition and fees for the Criminal Justice and Criminology MA totals $34950.00, or 30 credit hours at a cost of $1,165.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.

For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.

The Graduate School Scholarships

Information about funding opportunities within The Graduate School can be found on The Graduate School website.

Appointments and Events

Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.

Schedule an Appointment

The Graduate School offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.

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With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.

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Application Process

Application Deadlines

The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Criminal Justice and Criminology MA are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.

Fall: June 1
Merit Award Deadline: March 1
Spring:
 December 1

Application Requirements

Application requirements for the Criminal Justice and Criminology MA include:

  • Official Transcripts

  • 3 Letters of Recommendation

  • 3.0 Minimum GPA

  • Statement of Purpose

  • Writing Sample

Statement of Purpose Details

Please write a brief statement describing your academic and research interests as well as your professional goals. Please note there is a writing sample requirement that needs to be completed in addition to this section.

Official Documents

Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.

International Applicant Requirements

An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived.

Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.

International Applicant Requirements
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Applying online to the Criminal Justice and Criminology MA program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.

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