The Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice (MS)
Program of Study
The program of study leading to the Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice degree consists of a total of 30 credit hours: a required core of six courses (18 credit hours) and four elective courses (12 credit hours) as listed below:
Core Courses
Required
Elective Courses
Choose any 4 courses from those below
Total Credit Hours: 30
The Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice (MS)
Lander University offers a program leading to a Master of Science degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. This is an application-oriented degree program with required courses in crisis communication; crisis leadership, mental health and first responders, and policy. These distinctive core courses give graduates preparation to serve in leadership roles within law enforcement, government, and non-profits and provide knowledge about legal and social problems that plague South Carolina such as addiction, domestic violence, and human trafficking. This master’s degree aims to assist retention efforts of law enforcement officers and help to recruit high-quality officers and specialists into the state’s law enforcement agencies, public safety departments, and correctional institutions.
All courses connect with careers in law enforcement, victim advocacy, and non-profit organizations who work with criminal justice clients. The program will most readily serve two audiences:
1) law enforcement officers and professionals in government or non-profits connected to criminal justice, social services, homeland security, and public safety; and
2) students completing an undergraduate degree in criminology, criminal justice, political science, psychology, sociology, or other social science field and wish to pursue a graduate degree for greater skills to begin their career.
Students are encouraged to apply for admission online by going to http://www.lander.edu/apply. Requests for graduate application forms may also be addressed to the Office of Admissions, Lander University, Greenwood, South Carolina 29649, 888-4-Lander, or email admissions@lander.edu.
This degree has three program objectives:
• Effective communication skills to (1) demonstrate skills as leaders in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and (2) communicate research-based and policy-oriented findings to their colleagues in a professional manner
• Enhanced application skills to (1) demonstrate understanding and application of contemporary criminological theory to policy design and implementation, (2) demonstrate understanding and application of leadership principles in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and (3) demonstrate application skills in identifying responses by survivors and first responders in crisis situations and in applying knowledge about mental health resources for assistance to these populations
• Enhanced research capacity to demonstrate how to collect and/or interpret data, utilize academic and policy-oriented research, conduct analysis, and communicate findings in a professional paper.
Development of the program's curriculum was a joint effort with prospective law enforcement, government, and security-related organizations and given greater preparation to serve in leadership roles within law enforcement, government, and non-profits. Courses relate to the needs of law enforcement professionals and first responders—such as mental health knowledge and awareness—as well as to how best to serve the public’s needs and organizational needs with courses on communication and leadership.
Admission
All applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited college or university.
Admissions decisions are made using holistic evaluation of the candidate’s academic record and relevant work experience. GRE or GMAT scores may be submitted for consideration but are not required.
Applicants may receive up to nine hours of transfer academic credit for previous graduate coursework from another accredited institutions on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should submit a letter describing any relevant prior education, along with any relevant and official documentation, to the Program Contact Official (or in application materials) for evaluation.
Grade Reports - At the end of each semester, a report of grades is posted on Bearcat Web.
Grade Appeals - Lander University’s Student Handbook includes provisions for grade appeals. Neither grade changes nor appeals for grade changes can be made after one calendar year from the time the grade was given. After graduation, no grade can be changed or appealed.
Transcripts - Requests for official transcripts of a student’s record should be addressed to the Office of the Registrar. Procedures for requesting an official transcript can be found at:
https://www.lander.edu/academics/registrars-office/transcripts
A transcript of a student’s record carries the following information: admissions data; current status; a detailed statement of the scholastic record showing courses pursued with credit hours carried, credit hours earned, grades, grade points, the system of grading, all failures, incomplete grades, and academic penalties such as academic probation, suspension, or other restrictions. A student’s official record concerns academic performance only. No partial record will be issued. No official transcript will be issued to or for a student who is indebted to Lander University.
Program Completion:
To complete the degree program, candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on all graduate work. Two grades of “C” in any graduate courses results in termination from the program. Any grade lower than a “C” must be replaced by retaking the course and earning a grade of “B” or better. Failure to earn a replacement grade of “B” or better may result in termination from the program.
All coursework for the Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice degree must be completed within a period of six years but can be completed in as little as eighteen months.