The master's degree program in criminal justice offers students the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to examine and analyze the major areas of the field, focusing on the nature of crime, law and social control, as well as the process of planning change in a system as complex as the criminal justice system.
Program director
Weston Morrow
(775) 784-4681
wmorrow@unr.edu
Start an application
Apply by Mar. 1 for priority admission for fall semester. June 1 is final deadline for fall admission. For spring admission, application deadline is Dec. 1.
Program handbook
Review the program handbook to find out if the master's program is right for you.
The program emphasizes the understanding of the ways in which theory, research and social policy interact, and the utilization of critical thinking skills to better understand this information. Students will be expected to acquire knowledge of the theories and research methods necessary for analysis of issues relevant to the criminal justice field. Within this general framework, students will have an opportunity to pursue special interests in criminal justice, the judicial system, courts and law enforcement, that are consistent with the philosophy of the program.
Have questions?
Want to know more? Complete our interest form to get connected with the graduate director today.
Research provides one of the best opportunities for students earning a criminal justice master's degree to gain in-depth knowledge in their chosen career path. Students can apply knowledge acquired in the classroom to real-life practical application. In addition to research opportunities in conducting or participating in research, students will work closely with mentors and professionals in criminal justice and related justice fields to author publications in journals and books.
This program is part of the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), a tuition-savings program that makes out-of-state graduate studies more affordable for students. Through WRGP, you will receive a reduced tuition rate, giving you more educational options for your money.
Admissions is a competitive process. You are encouraged to contact the graduate director of the master's in criminal justice program as early as possible so that you can assess your readiness for graduate school. Some students might increase their chances of being accepted by taking extra classes (e.g., taking an additional statistics class if the student performed poorly in statistics in the past). The director can help you identify ways to prepare yourself for graduate studies and increase your chances of acceptance.
Successful applicants will have a quality GPA; evidence of excellence in statistics, research, methods, writing and theory; three strong letters of recommendation from professors who can speak to the applicant's academic abilities at the master's level; quality responses to the admissions questionnaire; a quality writing sample; and a faculty member who is willing to advise the applicant.
Applications are accepted all year.
Fall admission. Admission materials must be submitted by Mar. 1 for priority admission consideration. The final application deadline is June 1.
Spring admission. Admission materials must be submitted by Dec. 1 for spring admission consideration.
Graduate Director
Department of Criminal Justice
Ansari Business Building, Sixth Floor
1664 N. Virginia St., MS/214
Reno, NV 89557-0214
The GRE examination is optional. Have your scores sent to the Graduate School if you choose to include them.
Note: The Graduate School will not consider your application complete until it has received two letters of recommendation and your transcripts. The Graduate School will not forward the application to the Department of Criminal Justice until it is complete.