M.S. in Criminal Justice

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 70

Academic Requirements:

1. Bachelor's Degree: To be eligible for postgraduate studies at CSUS, international students are typically required to hold a recognized bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution.

2. Minimum GPA: Most postgraduate programs at CSUS require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. This is equivalent to a "B" average.  

English Language Proficiency: 

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

2. TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 80 is required.

3. PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum PTE score of 65 is required.

Graduate Admission Exams:

1. GRE (Graduate Record Examination):  A minimum GRE score of 300 is required.

California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and diverse achievements, making education more accessible to deserving students from around the world.

1. International Student Scholarship: CSUS offers merit-based scholarships to outstanding international students. These scholarships are available to both undergraduate and graduate students and provide partial tuition waivers. Eligibility criteria vary, but they typically consider academic achievements and potential contributions to the campus community.

2. American English and Culture Program (AECP) Scholarships: CSUS's AECP offers scholarships to international students who demonstrate exceptional English language proficiency and academic potential. These scholarships can cover a portion of the program's tuition costs.

3. Graduate Equity Fellowship: This fellowship is designed to support underrepresented graduate students, including international students, by providing financial assistance for their education. It aims to enhance diversity and inclusivity on campus.

4. Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments within CSUS offer scholarships to students based on their field of study. International students may be eligible for department-specific scholarships that recognize achievements and contributions within a particular academic area.

5. Private Scholarships: CSUS encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities from foundations, organizations, and government agencies. These scholarships can be awarded based on factors such as nationality, academic performance, and community involvement.

6. Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships: CSUS values diversity and offers scholarships that celebrate students from different backgrounds, cultures, and identities. International students who contribute to creating a diverse and inclusive campus environment may be eligible for these scholarships.

7. Global Education Scholarships: These scholarships are specifically designed for international students to help cover educational expenses. They recognize students' commitment to their education and their potential to make a positive impact on the global community.

8. Study Abroad Scholarships: CSUS provides opportunities for international students to participate in study abroad programs. Scholarships are available to support students who wish to study in different countries and gain diverse academic experiences.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary from year to year.

The M.S. in Criminal Justice program from California State University, Sacramento, opens a spectrum of impactful career avenues for graduates.

1. Guardians of Order: Graduates can step into roles such as investigators, detectives, and crime analysts in law enforcement agencies. They play a pivotal role in maintaining public safety and upholding legal norms.

2. Rehabilitation Champions: Careers as parole or probation officers involve guiding individuals towards reintegration into society. Graduates contribute to rehabilitation efforts and aid in personal growth and transformation.

3. Legal Virtuosos: The program prepares graduates for careers as legal researchers, court administrators, or legal assistants. Their expertise bolsters the legal system's functionality and adherence to due process.

4. Policy Shapers: Equipped with policy analysis skills, graduates can shape criminal justice policies. Their insights contribute to evidence-based policy changes that address societal challenges and promote equity.

5. Criminal Profilers: Graduates can specialize in criminal profiling, assisting law enforcement agencies in decoding behavioral patterns and providing valuable insights to aid investigations.

6. Criminological Experts: With their research proficiency, graduates can excel as criminologists, investigating crime patterns, analyzing trends, and informing preventive measures and interventions.

7. Champions of Justice: Graduates can engage with non-governmental organizations, advocacy groups, and community organizations, advocating for social justice and policy reforms.

8. Security Strategists: Opportunities abound in private enterprises as security managers, responsible for ensuring asset protection, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance.

9. Academic Pioneers: Graduates may choose to pursue doctoral studies or teach criminal justice courses, contributing to academia by advancing research and educating future justice professionals.

10. Administrative Architects: Graduates are prepared for roles in public administration, where their comprehensive understanding of criminal justice equips them to manage programs and policies effectively.