M.S. in Criminal Justice

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: $40

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of  6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing their education in the United States. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to the campus community, helping to make higher education more affordable and accessible for students from around the world.

Merit-Based Scholarships: UTC provides merit-based scholarships that international students can apply for, typically based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships often cover partial to full tuition and are renewable based on maintaining satisfactory academic performance.

International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are available exclusively for international students, helping offset tuition fees and living expenses. These awards may vary annually and are competitive, encouraging students to demonstrate strong academic records and involvement in extracurricular activities.

Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UTC offer scholarships targeted at students within specific fields of study. International students enrolled in areas such as Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, or Arts and Sciences can explore scholarship options through their respective colleges or departments.

Graduates of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's (UTC) M.S. in Criminal Justice program are well-equipped for a diverse array of professional opportunities across various sectors of the justice system. The advanced knowledge and research skills gained through the program prepare individuals for leadership, analytical, and specialized roles in both public and private spheres.

Police/Law Enforcement Supervisor/Administrator: Graduates can advance into leadership roles within local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies. This includes positions such as police chief, lieutenant, sergeant, or captain, where they oversee operations, manage personnel, and develop strategic initiatives to enhance public safety.

Federal Agent (e.g., FBI, DEA, Secret Service): The M.S. degree provides a competitive edge for aspiring federal agents. These roles involve complex investigations into national security threats, organized crime, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and financial fraud, demanding advanced analytical and investigative skills.

Probation/Parole Officer (Supervisor/Manager): Graduates can work in community corrections, supervising offenders on probation or parole. With a master's degree, they are better positioned for supervisory or managerial roles, developing rehabilitation plans, connecting individuals with community resources, and ensuring compliance with court orders.

Correctional Administrator/Manager: Opportunities exist in correctional facilities (jails, prisons, reformatories) at supervisory or administrative levels. This involves managing staff, ensuring security, overseeing inmate programs, and contributing to the overall effective operation of correctional institutions.

Criminal Justice Policy Analyst: Graduates can work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or research institutions, analyzing criminal justice data, evaluating existing policies, and recommending evidence-based strategies to improve the efficiency and fairness of the justice system.

Criminologist/Researcher: For those with a passion for understanding the root causes of crime, a master's degree opens doors to roles as criminologists or researchers. They conduct studies, analyze crime trends, and contribute to academic and policy discussions on crime prevention and social control.

Victim Advocate/Services Coordinator: Graduates can work with victims of crime, providing support, guidance through the legal process, and connecting them with essential resources. These roles are often found in non-profit organizations, district attorneys' offices, or victim services units.

Forensic Science Technician/Specialist: While often requiring a strong science background, a criminal justice master's can complement forensic science skills. Graduates might work in crime labs, analyzing evidence, or at crime scenes, collecting crucial information to aid investigations.

Intelligence Analyst: In both government and private sectors, intelligence analysts gather, interpret, and disseminate information related to criminal activity, terrorism, or other security threats. This role requires strong critical thinking, research, and data analysis abilities.

Criminal Justice Educator/Instructor (Adjunct/Community College): A master's degree can qualify graduates to teach criminal justice courses at community colleges or serve as adjunct professors at universities, sharing their expertise and shaping the next generation of criminal justice professionals.