M.S. in Criminal Justice

Entry requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 65

1. Academic Qualifications:

   • A completed bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
   • A minimum GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. This is equivalent to 60% and above.
      

2. English Language Proficiency:

   • IELTS: An overall IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 or higher is required with no individual band less than 6.

   • TOEFL iBT: A minimum TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT score of 80 is required.

   • DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum DET score of 105 is accepted.                                  

3. Credential Evaluation required.

Scholarships for International Students at the University of Louisville

1. International Undergraduate Scholarships: UofL offers merit-based scholarships to undergraduate international students based on their academic achievements. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are typically renewable for multiple years.

2. International Graduate Fellowships: Graduate students may be eligible for fellowships that provide financial support for their advanced studies. These fellowships often consider academic excellence, research potential, and departmental nominations.

3. The Cardinal Covenant Program: This program is designed to support international students who demonstrate financial need. It provides a combination of scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities to help cover tuition and living expenses.

4. Study Abroad Scholarships: UofL encourages international students to participate in study abroad programs. The university offers scholarships to assist them in funding these valuable experiences.

5. Assistantships: Graduate students may have the opportunity to work as teaching or research assistants. These positions often come with a stipend and tuition remission, making graduate education more affordable.

6. Athletic Scholarships: International student-athletes with exceptional skills in sports may be eligible for athletic scholarships. These scholarships can cover tuition, room, board, and other related expenses.

7. Honors Program Scholarships: Exceptional international students who are part of the Honors Program may receive scholarships that recognize their dedication to academic excellence.

8. Private Scholarships: International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship opportunities, both from their home countries and international organizations. UofL provides resources and guidance to help students identify and apply for these scholarships.

9. Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments offer scholarships to international students within specific majors or fields of study. These scholarships may be based on academic performance, research interests, or other criteria.

10. International Student Scholarships: UofL offers scholarships exclusively for international students. These awards are designed to promote diversity and support students from around the world.

It's important to note that scholarship eligibility criteria, application processes, and deadlines can vary widely.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice program at the University of Louisville is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the criminal justice system and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed for a wide range of rewarding and impactful careers in the field of criminal justice. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to tackle the complex challenges facing the criminal justice system and to make a meaningful difference in their communities.

1. Law Enforcement Officer: Many graduates of the M.S. in Criminal Justice program pursue careers as law enforcement officers. They can join local police departments, sheriff's offices, state troopers, or federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, or ATF. These positions involve maintaining public safety, investigating crimes, and upholding the law.

2. Criminal Investigator: Criminal investigators work to solve crimes by collecting and analyzing evidence, interviewing witnesses and suspects, and building cases. Graduates may find opportunities as detectives or investigators in various law enforcement agencies.

3. Corrections Officer/Probation Officer: Another career path is in corrections or probation. Graduates can work in jails, prisons, or probation departments, helping to rehabilitate and monitor offenders while ensuring compliance with court-ordered conditions.

4. Legal Professional: Some graduates choose to further their education by attending law school and becoming attorneys or legal professionals specializing in criminal law. They may work as public defenders, prosecutors, or criminal defense attorneys.

5. Security Management: Graduates can pursue careers in private security firms or corporate security departments. They may be responsible for safeguarding assets, personnel, and information, as well as developing security protocols and emergency response plans.

6. Crime Analyst: Crime analysts use data and technology to identify crime patterns, predict criminal activity, and assist law enforcement agencies in deploying resources effectively. Graduates with strong analytical skills are well-suited for this role.

7. Federal Agencies: The U.S. federal government offers numerous career opportunities for graduates, including positions in agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service, and U.S. Marshals Service. These roles may involve protecting national security or investigating federal crimes.

8. Research and Policy Analysis: Some graduates choose to work in research and policy analysis roles for government agencies, think tanks, or nonprofit organizations. They contribute to the development of evidence-based policies and practices within the criminal justice system.

9. Academia and Education: For those interested in academia, pursuing a Ph.D. after the M.S. in Criminal Justice can lead to teaching and research positions at universities or colleges, where they can influence the next generation of criminal justice professionals.