Applied Criminology (MS)
With a master’s degree in applied criminology, you will be prepared for a rewarding career in public safety.
Build a Safer World
Careers in criminal justice serve a vital public safety function. That's why we've created a comprehensive master's degree in Applied Criminology to prepare you for every challenge. At East Texas A&M, we’re proud to offer a challenging and sought-after program that is ranked one of the best online graduate degrees in the country. Our highly qualified faculty will guide you through each eight-week course, helping you thrive along the way. Whether you're just starting your career or are a professional looking to level up, this fully online degree has what you need. The agency leaders, security analysts and policymakers of the future start here.
Careers
Become a highly respected and valuable member of any team. Our graduate program prepares you for careers in criminal justice management, homeland security, investigations and much more.
Career Possibilities and Current Median Salaries
US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022
See Yourself Succeed
With a Degree in Applied Criminology
Dedicated Faculty
Work alongside our faculty as you study the complexities of criminal, delinquent and deviant behavior. You’ll learn the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for success.
Quality Learning
Our programs are designed to equip you with problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Learn what it means to be an engaged citizen and globally aware scholar through studying social theory, constructs and the criminal justice system.
An Academic Experience
Gain a deeper understanding of the historical, geopolitical and sociological issues that surround our culture. You'll learn to recognize the need for social justice and what we can do to make our society better.
Career Readiness
Employers are looking for critical thinkers and effective communicators. The College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts is dedicated to providing you the knowledge and resources you need to excel in the workforce.
What You Will Learn
A master’s degree in applied criminology will offer you the opportunity to:
- Gain a deeper understanding of law enforcement, crime and the criminal justice system
- Work in the U.S. or abroad while earning your degree
- Enjoy the flexibility of accelerated online courses from an industry-leading university
- Learn how to collect and interpret data to make informed decisions
- Engage with experienced and professional faculty as they guide you to success
Focus Your Passion
The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice offers four tracks towards earning your master's degree. Explore what option works best for your career interests and research goals.
General Criminology
Gain a broader understanding of the discipline with our General Criminology track. You will take courses in criminal causality, criminal law, police management, and correctional settings. We pride ourselves in providing the comprehensive information you need to become a more critical thinker and problem solver.
Total credit hours: 36
Criminal Justice Administration and Management
Are you ready to lead your team to success? The Administration and Management track not only tests your skills but prepares you for the challenges ahead. Learn how to effectively manage your resources, analyze complex policy issues, and make informed decisions.
Total credit hours: 36
Forensic Accounting
Combine accounting knowledge and the criminal justice profession. This track will prepare you for careers in forensic accounting with accounting services, law enforcement agencies, government organizations, or financial institutions. Whether you are new to criminal justice or currently working in the field, this track is designed for you.
Total credit hours: 36
Homeland Security
Learn how to work on a grand scale with our Homeland Security track. You will gain a broad understanding of Homeland Security issues while enhancing your leadership capabilities. This track will arm you with the critical thinking skills you need to address security challenges within the United States.
Total credit hours: 36
Internship opportunities
Internship experience provides the foundation employers are seeking. Although not required for your degree, internships are an important part of your educational experience. These are just a few of the companies that offer opportunities for applied criminology students.
Course Delivery
Designed for full-time students and working professionals, our flexible degree is offered 100% online. Each course lasts only eight weeks so you can complete the program in as little as 18 months.
Please check the schedule of classes for locations and times. Locations and times are subject to change.
Student Profiles
Student Organizations
East Texas A&M proudly hosts the Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society and the Sociology and Criminal Justice Society (SACS). Both organizations strive to promote academic excellence, community service, educational leadership and unity. Joining a student organization opens doors to networking, presenting at conferences and more.
PROGRAM COSTS
Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents.
Admissions
Your Path to Becoming a Lion
Deadlines
Deadline for admission for Fall semester: August 1
Deadline for admission for Spring semester: December 1
Deadline for admission for Summer semester: May 1
Note: International students are not accepted at this time.
Graduate Step 1 Part 1
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select Texas A&M University-Commerce
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “Applied Criminology, MS” as your “Program.”
Domestic Application Fee 395064
- Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Graduate Coordinator Rebecca Stevens 395100
Your Graduate Coordinator
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
Request one signed, and dated letter of recommendation; on official agency or organization letterhead, preferably from a past professor, college instructor, or from a professional who currently supervises the applicant or who has in the past and can attest to their academic preparedness to succeed in the program. That individual should:
- Email the letter to your graduate coordinator or
- Send the letter to you. Then, you will utilize the upload system: myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores
If you are unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
Submit a personal essay that describes who you are, where you are in life (professionally and educationally), what your future goals are, and how earning a master’s in Applied Criminology will help you to achieve your future goals. 2 pages or less.
Submit a brief writing sample on a criminal justice or criminology topic of your choice (5-7 double-spaced pages), with in-text citations of academic sources such as peer-reviewed journal articles or book chapters, to support facts and assertions. Our program is research and writing intensive; therefore, make sure to summarize findings from the latest peer-reviewed academic research on your topic. Include a reference page for the citations, demonstrating your ability to write at a graduate level.
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Graduate Enrollment Specialist Jennifer Faunce
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
Featured Courses
WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
Contact Us
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice
- 903.886.5332
- 903.886.5330
- [email protected]
