M.A. in Criminal Justice

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees: US$75

Academic Requirements:

1. Bachelor's Degree: Student should hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. This degree should be relevant to the postgraduate program Student intend to pursue.

2. Academic Achievement: Student should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent, which translates to approximately 60% and above.

English Language Proficiency Requirements:

1. IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0 is often required.

2. TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 79 is accepted.

3. DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 115 or higher is required.

4. PTE (Pearson Test of English): Some programs may accept a minimum score of 58 or higher.

Wichita State University (WSU) offers several scholarships to international students to help them pursue their academic goals. These scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, and contributions to the WSU community. 

1. International Student Merit Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students based on their academic achievements. The amount of the scholarship varies depending on factors such as GPA and standardized test scores.

2. International Excellence Scholarships: WSU offers competitive scholarships to international undergraduate students who have a strong academic record and demonstrate leadership and community involvement. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs.

3. Graduate Teaching Assistantships: Graduate students may have the opportunity to work as teaching assistants in their respective departments. These positions often come with a stipend and tuition waiver, helping graduate students finance their education.

4. Athletic Scholarships: WSU provides athletic scholarships to international student-athletes who excel in sports such as basketball, track and field, and tennis. These scholarships cover various expenses, including tuition, books, and accommodation.

5. Graduate Research Assistantships: Some graduate programs offer research assistantships that provide financial support to students in exchange for their research contributions. These positions may also include a tuition waiver.

6. Private Scholarships: WSU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, including those from governments, organizations, and foundations. The Office of International Education can assist students in finding relevant scholarships.

7. Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments within WSU offer scholarships to students majoring in specific fields. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, leadership, or other criteria related to the student's chosen field of study.

8. Cultural Diversity Scholarships: These scholarships are designed to promote diversity and inclusion on campus. They are available to students from underrepresented backgrounds who contribute to the cultural diversity of WSU.

9. Conditional Scholarships: Conditional scholarships may be offered to students who meet academic requirements but require additional English language support. These scholarships often include language training as part of the package.

It's essential for international students to check the specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and scholarship amounts for each scholarship opportunity.

Wichita State University offers a highly regarded Master of Arts (M.A.) in Criminal Justice program. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in the criminal justice field, ranging from law enforcement and corrections to legal professions and research roles.  

1. Law Enforcement: Graduates can pursue careers as police officers, detectives, or federal agents at the local, state, or federal level. They play crucial roles in maintaining public safety, investigating crimes, and enforcing laws.

2. Probation and Parole Officers: Those interested in offender rehabilitation and community reintegration can work as probation or parole officers. They monitor the behavior of individuals released from incarceration and provide support to help them reintegrate into society.

3. Corrections and Rehabilitation: Opportunities exist in corrections facilities, where graduates can work as corrections officers, counselors, or administrators. They are responsible for managing inmate populations, providing rehabilitation programs, and ensuring the security of correctional facilities.

4. Legal Professions: Graduates can pursue legal careers by becoming paralegals, legal assistants, or legal researchers. They work closely with attorneys to prepare cases, conduct legal research, and assist in legal proceedings.

5. Criminal Justice Administration: Graduates can take on leadership roles within criminal justice agencies, including positions such as police chiefs, sheriffs, or correctional facility administrators. They are responsible for overseeing operations, budgeting, and policy development.

6. Victim Advocacy: Those passionate about supporting crime victims can become victim advocates. They offer emotional support, information, and resources to victims and help them navigate the criminal justice system.

7. Security Management: Opportunities exist in private security firms and corporate security departments. Graduates can work as security managers, ensuring the safety and security of organizations and their assets.

8. Homeland Security: With the increasing focus on national security, graduates can explore careers in homeland security agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), where they may be involved in counterterrorism, border security, and emergency management.

9. Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation: Graduates interested in forensic science can work in crime laboratories, analyzing evidence, and contributing to criminal investigations. They may become forensic scientists, forensic analysts, or crime scene investigators.

10. Research and Policy Analysis: Some graduates choose research and policy analysis roles within government agencies, think tanks, or research organizations. They assess criminal justice policies and practices, conduct studies, and recommend improvements.

11. Private Investigation: Graduates can become private investigators, conducting investigations for legal firms, businesses, and individuals. They may specialize in areas such as surveillance, background checks, or fraud detection.

12. Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics: With the growth of cybercrime, there are opportunities in cybersecurity and digital forensics. Graduates can work to protect organizations from cyber threats or investigate cybercrimes.

13. Social Services and Counseling: Those interested in addressing the root causes of crime can work in social services or counseling. They may become substance abuse counselors, family therapists, or counselors for at-risk youth.

14. Juvenile Justice: Graduates can specialize in working with juvenile offenders by becoming juvenile probation officers or counselors, helping young individuals reintegrate into society and make positive life choices.

15. Academic and Research Roles: Graduates interested in academia can pursue teaching and research positions at universities or research institutions. They may become professors, researchers, or policy analysts.

16. Nonprofit Organizations: Opportunities exist in nonprofit organizations focused on criminal justice reform, victim support, and advocacy. Graduates may lead initiatives, manage programs, and drive positive change.

17. Court Administration: Graduates can work in court administration, managing court operations, coordinating trials, and ensuring the efficient functioning of the judicial system.

18. Intelligence Analysis: In the realm of national security, graduates can work as intelligence analysts, gathering and analyzing information to support decision-making in government agencies.

19. Public Administration: Graduates can explore roles in public administration, serving in positions such as city managers or public policy analysts, where they shape government policies and programs.

20. Private Sector Opportunities: Graduates with expertise in criminal justice may find opportunities in the private sector, particularly in risk management, compliance, and consulting roles.