Recent Employers
- George W. Hill Correctional Facility
- Delaware Valley Intelligence Center
- Montgomery County Adult Probation
- Delaware County Juvenile Probation
Graduate Program
Master's in Criminal Justice (MCJ) Degree
In our criminal justice masters degree program, you'll develop skills in criminological theory and research methods with a focus on applying knowledge through practical experience.
At a Glance
Click to Open
Offered as
Master's
100% Online
Credits
30
Avg. Time to Completion
2 Years
College/School
Explore the Master's in Criminal Justice (MCJ)
In Widener's master of criminal justice (MCJ) program, you'll sharpen effective analytical and research skills, learn from experienced leaders and practitioners in the field, and find unique opportunities to nurture a rewarding career in criminal justice.
MCJ degree topics include:
- why crime occurs
- operation of criminal justice agencies
- data analysis
- ongoing challenges faced by the criminal justice system
With options to choose a thesis or exams track, start with a certificate, complete a dual degree in clinical psychology, and more, you'll feel supported as you personalize your criminal justice education to your passions and goals.
Our master of criminal justice is accredited under Widener's accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
MCJ Degree Options & Curriculum Requirements
You'll begin with foundational courses in the nature of crime, organizational behavior in the criminal justice system, research methods, and crime and the law.
Then, begin your master's thesis track by completing four electives in your area of focus as you develop a unique empirical research project. This project will be supervised by a full-time faculty member in the program and will result in a scholarly journal article ready for publication.
View the course catalog for curriculum and coursework requirements for the MCJ degree, master's thesis track.
You'll begin with foundational courses in the nature of crime, organizational behavior in the criminal justice system, research methods, and crime and the law.
Then, begin the comprehensive exams track by choosing six graduate electives (see Specializations or choose your own). After coursework completion, you'll sit for a series of three exams on criminal justice theory, research methods, and one additional area of specialization of your choice.
View the course catalog for curriculum and coursework requirements for the MCJ degree, comprehensive exams track.
You'll begin with foundational courses in the nature of crime, organizational behavior in the criminal justice system, research methods, and crime and the law.
Then, begin the capstone course track by working closely with a faculty member to prepare a research paper, policy paper, or develop an undergraduate course.
View the course catalog for curriculum and coursework requirements for the MCJ degree, capstone course track.
If your interests lie in the political, legal, or organizational sphere of criminal justice, the interdisciplinary public administration specialization is for you. Take courses in public policy, purposeful leadership, HR management, and ethics and legality in a 100% online and synchronous format.
The specialization is designed to fit within the credit requirements for those taking comprehensive exams, not for students writing a thesis.
View the course catalog for curriculum and coursework requirements for the public administration specialization.
Develop expertise in fraud analysis and forensic accounting with a specialization in white collar crime.
Offered in conjunction with Widener's School of Business Administration, this specialization will develop your expertise for careers in local and federal law enforcement, as well as in investigative units of private corporations and industry.
The specialization is designed to fit within the credit requirements for those taking comprehensive exams, not for students writing a thesis.
View the course catalog for curriculum and coursework requirements for the white collar crime specialization.
More MCJ Program Options
If you're pursuing a career that requires clinical experience in the psycho-legal aspects of criminal justice, the dual degree in criminal justice and psychology (PsyD/MCJ) is for you. You'll graduate prepared to negotiate psycholegal issues, policy issues related to legal institutions, and administrative demands unique to courts and other criminal justice systems.
The criminal justice certificate is designed to provide an introduction to criminal justice topics for those interested in entering the field and for established professionals looking to advance their careers. After completion of the certificate program, you can apply to the master's program, and if admitted, all courses seamlessly transfer to the MCJ degree requirements.
For those specifically interested in the public administration specialization, pursuing a certificate in local government & community change is a great way to start. All credits from this certificate transfer completely to the public administration specialization credits and electives for the MCJ (not the white collar crime specialization or towards thesis track credits).
Both certificates can be pursued and stacked towards savings in the MCJ program.
Career Outlook & Outcomes for Criminal Justice Students
Why Study Criminal Justice at Widener?
Build a Network of Industry Insiders
Your education will stretch beyond the classroom with the opportunity to join various clubs and organizations, including the Criminal Justice Organization, the Alpha Phi Sigma - Criminal Justice Honor Society, and many more.
You'll build relationships with accomplished guest speakers, driven classmates, engaged alumni, and expert criminal justice faculty who infuse their teaching with the latest trends, technology, and thinking. As you get to know these industry insiders, you'll create a meaningful network of connections that will follow you long after graduation.
Fuel Career Growth
Looking to move up in your career but aren't ready to commit to graduate study yet? The criminal justice and/or local government & community change certificates are excellent places to start. All credits from the certificate programs transition fully into the MCJ (some restrictions apply).
Because certificate courses are offered at a significantly reduced rate, starting with the certificate enables you to cut the cost of your graduate degree while you decide if a master's is right for you.
Student Stories
Our Faculty
I enjoy mentoring students inside and outside the classroom. It is a pleasure to watch individuals grow from being criminal justice students to criminal justice professionals, influencing and bettering the system. Seeing their success as alumni is so rewarding for me! In addition, our flexible curriculum allows students to direct their academic career in a way that makes the most sense for their career goals. I am also excited about our accelerated 4+1 program that allows strong students to complete an undergraduate and graduate degree in five years.
"Our criminal justice programs provide students with one-on-one individualized attention to nurture the student's growth academically and professionally. I enjoy the small class sizes and teach by facilitating discussions and welcoming diverse worldviews. This pedagogy fosters student participation, listening, and critical thinking skills."
Recent News
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At Widener, students are engaged across campus in various on-campus jobs that enhance professional development and create a sense of community beyond their classroom experience.
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions Information
Applying online is easy—and it's secure.
What you'll need to apply:
- Completed online application
- $35 application fee
- Personal statement (see below for prompt)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- GMAT or GRE scores will be considered but are not required
Personal Statement
Please explain why you wish to do graduate work in the field you have selected with particular emphasis on your proposed area of specialization. Please limit this essay to no more than one typewritten page.
We review applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply.
Widener transfer applicants follow the same application process as general applicants. After you apply, our admissions team will work with you to determine whether completed undergraduate and graduate coursework will count towards foundation/core courses that can be waived or substituted.
Widener University accepts up to 6 transfer credits for its criminal justice program which may be applied as electives. To be eligible, the courses must've been completed within the last 5 years and the grade received myst be a B or higher.
Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.
Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.
How to Apply as a Graduate International Student
- Complete your online application
- Submit your official transcripts from all college/university post-secondary institutions. A course-by-course credential evaluation completed by a NACES certified organization will be accepted if the transcript is not in the English language.
- Fulfill the English Proficiency requirements
- If you require an F-1 visa, you must provide written proof you have adequate funding available to meet the expenses incurred while studying in the United States
Financial Aid
Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
You might be surprised how much we are able to offer.
Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.
In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
Learn more about applying for financial aid as a graduate student
Paths to Savings
85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Save up to 50% on Your Master's by Stacking Certificates
Widener's stackable certificates enable you to achieve your master's or doctoral degree by saying yes to one affordable certificate at a time. Here, you'll follow a more relaxed timeline and course load while earning certificate credits at a significant cost saving. Most of our certificate courses cost 50% less than master's courses.
Learn more about stacking certificates
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
20% Discount for Widener Alumni
(some restrictions apply)
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
Program Cost
Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.
Graduate Admissions Office
-
Hyatt Hall
14th St
Chester, PA 19013 - 610-499-4282
- gcs@widener.edu
Criminal Justice Graduate Program
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Kapelski Learning Center, Room 334
- 610-499-4651
- slmaier@widener.edu
Shana L. Maier
Director of MCJ Program
-
Kapelski Learning Center
Room 333 - (610) 499-4651
- slmaier@widener.edu