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 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 four required courses. You can tailor your master's degree to your interests and goals by choosing six elective courses from other programs such as social work, psychology, women's studies, public policy, or sociology.

You also have the choice to complete a thesis or a 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 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 education 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 crime prevention, restorative justice, and human trafficking.

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 $33750.00, or 30 credit hours at a cost of $1,125.00 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.

Visit and Connect With Us

Take advantage of a variety of different visit opportunities to find your place in our Loyola community. Loyola 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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Connect with an Enrollment Advisor to help find your fit.

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The Graduate School
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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. We encourage you to apply early as decisions may take longer during busy periods.

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

Application Requirements

Application requirements for the Criminal Justice and Criminology MA include:

  • 3 Letters of Recommendation

  • 3.0 Minimum GPA

  • Personal Statement

  • Writing Sample

International Student Requirements

Additional information regarding the application process for international students can be found on the International Student Requirements page.

Additional Details

For general information and a step-by-step guide to applying for graduate and professional study, please visit our Admission Process page.

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