Applied Criminology (MS)

With a master’s degree in applied criminology, you will be prepared for a rewarding career in public safety.

Where It Is Offered
Online
Duration 18 months
Total Credit Hours 36 credit hours
Thesis Requirements No thesis required
Foreign Language No foreign language credits required

Build a Safer World

Careers in criminal justice serve a vital public safety function. That's why we've created a comprehensive master's degree in Applied Criminology to prepare you for every challenge. At A&M-Commerce, we’re proud to offer a challenging and sought-after program that is ranked one of the best online graduate degrees in the country. Our highly qualified faculty will guide you through each five-week course, helping you thrive along the way. Whether you're just starting your career or are a professional looking to level up, this fully online degree has what you need. The agency leaders, security analysts and policymakers of the future start here.

woman with three men discussing files around conference table

See Yourself Succeed

With a Degree in Applied Criminology

faculty member speaking while bystander records via phone.

Dedicated Faculty

Work alongside our faculty as you study the complexities of criminal, delinquent and deviant behavior. You’ll learn the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for success.

Criminal justice students in a classroom.

Quality Learning

Our programs are designed to equip you with problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Learn what it means to be an engaged citizen and globally aware scholar through studying social theory, constructs and the criminal justice system.

Young man speaking to audience at a veterans vigil.

An Academic Experience

Gain a deeper understanding of the historical, geopolitical and sociological issues that surround our culture. You'll learn to recognize the need for social justice and what we can do to make our society better.

Faculty member smiling with woman at desk while pointing to papers.

Career Readiness

Employers are looking for critical thinkers and effective communicators. The College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts is dedicated to providing you the knowledge and resources you need to excel in the workforce.

A female student showing a male student something on the computer.
Two men around conference table.

Focus Your Passion

The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice offers four tracks towards earning your master's degree. Explore what option works best for your career interests and research goals.

General Criminology

Gain a broader understanding of the discipline with our General Criminology track. You will take courses in criminal causality, criminal law, police management, and correctional settings. We pride ourselves in providing the comprehensive information you need to become a more critical thinker and problem solver.
Total credit hours: 36

Criminal Justice Administration and Management

Are you ready to lead your team to success? The Administration and Management track not only tests your skills but prepares you for the challenges ahead. Learn how to effectively manage your resources, analyze complex policy issues, and make informed decisions.
Total credit hours: 36

Forensic Accounting

Combine accounting knowledge and the criminal justice profession. This track will prepare you for careers in forensic accounting with accounting services, law enforcement agencies, government organizations, or financial institutions. Whether you are new to criminal justice or currently working in the field, this track is designed for you.
Total credit hours: 36

Homeland Security

Learn how to work on a grand scale with our Homeland Security track. You will gain a broad understanding of Homeland Security issues while enhancing your leadership capabilities. This track will arm you with the critical thinking skills you need to address security challenges within the United States.
Total credit hours: 36

View Full Curriculum

What You Will Learn

A master’s degree in applied criminology will offer you the opportunity to:

  • Gain a deeper understanding of law enforcement, crime and the criminal justice system
  • Work in the U.S. or abroad while earning your degree
  • Enjoy the flexibility of accelerated online courses from an industry-leading university
  • Learn how to collect and interpret data to make informed decisions
  • Engage with experienced and professional faculty as they guide you to success

Internship opportunities

Internship experience provides the foundation employers are seeking. Although not required for your degree, internships are an important part of your educational experience. These are just a few of the companies that offer opportunities for applied criminology students.

The Office of the Texas Governor emblem.
Credit Union National Association.
Cato Institute.

Careers

Become a highly respected and valuable member of any team. Our graduate program prepares you for careers in criminal justice management, homeland security, investigations and much more.

Career Possibilities and Current Median Salaries

Private Detective and Investigator
$50,510
Police and Detective
$65,170
Information Security Analyst
$99,730
Forensic Science Technician
$59,150
Emergency Management Director
$74,590

US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2018

Featured Courses

Counterintelligence CJ 516

This course will introduce the students to the concept of counterintelligence (CI) and its importance in the U.S. today. This course will examine various aspects of CI including what is CI, CI operations (both offensive and defensive), case studies and CI in the age of the internet.

Drugs and Society CJ 534

Our focus in the course will be on the social reality of drug use and drug users within contemporary society. It will include a historical analysis of the social construction of drug use, drug users, abuse and addiction.

Gender and Crime CJ 533

This course is designed to explore the important and under-studied intersection between gender/women and crime. We will explore the nature and extent of women as victims, offenders and workers in the criminal justice system.

View Full Curriculum In The University Catalog
A applied criminology student sitting down at a desk, taking notes and looking at the screen of a laptop.

Course Delivery

Designed for full-time students and working professionals, our flexible degree is offered 100% online. Each course lasts only five weeks so you can complete the program in as little as 18 months.

Student Profiles

A&M-Commerce provided me with the opportunity to attend college, as a full-time student, while balancing the responsibilities at work and at home.

Michael McCann
Lieutenant, Administration at Seguin Police Department

Student Organizations

A&M-Commerce proudly hosts the Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society and the Sociology and Criminal Justice Society (SACS). Both organizations strive to promote academic excellence, community service, educational leadership and unity. Joining a student organization opens doors to networking, presenting at conferences and more.

Learn More

PROGRAM COSTS

Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents.

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Applied Criminology (MS) :: Program Admission Requirements US

Admissions

Deadlines

Deadline for admission for Fall semester: August 1

Deadline for admission for Spring semester: December 1

Deadline for admission for Summer semester: May 1

Note: International students are not accepted at this time.

Submit Application

  • Select “Create a new graduate school admissions application.”
  • Select “Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)” as your “Target University.”

  • Select “Applied Criminology, MS” as your “Major.”
  • Pay the $50 application fee.

Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.

  • After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.

Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.

Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to [email protected].

  • We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.

All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.

We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.

  • If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
  • If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.

If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:

Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011

We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Request one signed, and dated letter of recommendation; on official agency or organization letterhead, preferably from a past professor, college instructor, or from a professional who currently supervises the applicant or who has in the past and can attest to their academic preparedness to succeed in the program. That individual should:

If you are unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:

Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011

Submit a personal essay that describes who you are, where you are in life (professionally and educationally), what your future goals are, and how earning a master’s in Applied Criminology will help you to achieve your future goals. 2 pages or less.

Submit a brief writing sample on a criminal justice or criminology topic of your choice (5-7 double-spaced pages), with in-text citations of academic sources such as peer-reviewed journal articles or book chapters, to support facts and assertions. Our program is research and writing intensive; therefore, make sure to summarize findings from the latest peer-reviewed academic research on your topic.  Include a reference page for the citations, demonstrating your ability to write at a graduate level.

Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.

Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status

  • Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.

  • Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
  • Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
  • Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.

Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.

  • View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
  • To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.

Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.

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Applied Criminology (MS) :: Program Admission Requirements Intl.

The Applied Criminology MS is not available to international students at this time.

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WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Alum Amanda Grant Graduate Enrollment Specialist for College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts/Adjunct Faculty
Rebecca Stevens Graduate Student Services Coordinator: College of Business, College of Humanities Social Sciences and Arts, and Non-Degree
Alum Willie Edwards, Ph.D. Associate Professor and Department Chair
Mike Tapia, Ph.D Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator of Criminal Justice

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