M.A. in Criminal Justice

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

1. Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum of 60% or its equivalent in their respective grading systems. GSU recognizes a diverse range of international educational qualifications.

2. English Language Proficiency: 

   • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score below 6.
   • DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 95.
   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum score of 53.
   • TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 80 with no Bands Less Than 20.

Governors State University (GSU) offers various scholarships to help international students pursue their higher education goals in the United States. These scholarships are aimed at recognizing academic excellence, promoting diversity, and providing financial support to qualified international students. 

1. International Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students based on their academic performance. Eligibility criteria include a strong academic record and standardized test scores. The scholarship amount may vary and is renewable for multiple years.

2. Cultural Diversity Scholarship: Governors State University values diversity and encourages students from different backgrounds to apply. The Cultural Diversity Scholarship is designed to support underrepresented students. Eligibility criteria may include academic achievements, leadership, and community involvement.

3. Graduate Assistantships: GSU offers graduate assistantships to qualified international students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree. These positions provide a stipend, tuition remission, and valuable professional experience in teaching, research, or administrative roles.

4. International Global Fellowship: The International Global Fellowship is awarded to international graduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and leadership potential. It provides a substantial financial award and opportunities for global engagement.

5. External Scholarships: GSU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, such as those offered by governments, foundations, and private organizations. The university's international services office may provide guidance on identifying and applying for these scholarships.

6. Private and Institutional Scholarships: Governors State University may have additional private and institutional scholarships available to international students. These scholarships may be specific to certain academic programs, majors, or fields of study.

7. Continuation Scholarships: GSU may offer continuation scholarships to international students who maintain good academic standing. These scholarships recognize and reward consistent academic performance.

8. Eligibility Criteria: Scholarship eligibility criteria can vary and may include factors such as academic achievement, standardized test scores (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS), leadership qualities, community involvement, and financial need.

9. Application Process: International students are typically automatically considered for some scholarships upon admission to GSU, while others may require a separate scholarship application. It is important to check specific scholarship requirements and deadlines.

10. Renewability: Many GSU scholarships are renewable for multiple years, provided that students meet the renewal criteria and maintain good academic standing.

It is advisable to apply well in advance to maximize scholarship opportunities and financial aid.

Governors State University (GSU), situated in University Park, Illinois, offers a comprehensive Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (M.A.) program, providing graduates with a strong foundation in criminal justice theory, policy, and practice. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue diverse and rewarding career paths within the criminal justice system.

1. Law Enforcement Officer: Graduates of the M.A. in Criminal Justice program are well-prepared to pursue careers as law enforcement officers. They may join police departments at the local, state, or federal levels, working to maintain public safety, enforce laws, and respond to emergencies.
    
2. Criminal Investigator/Detective: With a focus on investigative skills, graduates can pursue roles as criminal investigators or detectives. They work to solve crimes, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build cases against individuals suspected of criminal activity.
    
3. Corrections Officer/Probation Officer: The program prepares graduates for roles in corrections as corrections officers or probation officers. They work in jails, prisons, or community settings, monitoring and assisting individuals who have been incarcerated or placed on probation.
    
4. Legal Analyst/Paralegal: Graduates with a solid understanding of criminal justice can pursue roles as legal analysts or paralegals. They assist attorneys in researching cases, preparing legal documents, and supporting legal proceedings related to criminal law.
    
5. Homeland Security Specialist: In an era of heightened security concerns, graduates may choose to specialize in homeland security. They work in various capacities to protect the nation's infrastructure, respond to emergencies, and address threats to national security.
    
6. Crime Analyst/Intelligence Analyst: With a focus on data analysis, graduates can become crime analysts or intelligence analysts. They analyze patterns, trends, and data to assist law enforcement agencies in making informed decisions and developing strategies to prevent and solve crimes.
    
7. Community Outreach Specialist: Graduates may choose to work in community outreach roles, fostering positive relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. This role involves community engagement, education, and collaboration to build trust and address community concerns.
    
8. Policy Analyst in Criminal Justice: Some graduates may pursue careers as policy analysts, working to shape and evaluate criminal justice policies. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or research institutions to influence policy decisions and reforms.
    
9. Private Security Consultant: Graduates with expertise in criminal justice can enter the private sector as security consultants. They provide guidance to businesses, organizations, or individuals on security measures, risk assessment, and crisis management.
    
10. Researcher in Criminal Justice: Those interested in contributing to the advancement of criminal justice knowledge can pursue careers as researchers. They may work in academia, research institutions, or think tanks, conducting studies on crime trends, criminal behavior, and justice system effectiveness.