THE MEASURE OF A LIFE IS ITS SERVICE
THE CJ
EXPERIENCE GRADUATE
See what our graduate students have to say about our master’s programs in criminal justice.
LAURIE
L. CHRISTENSEN, CFPS, FM, FEMT, TEM
Criminal Justice Leadership and Management, MS Fire Marshal, Harris County
Things in our lives come and go, but what investment you put into your education and relationships cannot be taken away. If you can commit yourself to your goal of achieving the degree in Criminal Justice from one of the most recognized colleges, you are committing to your success and generational success of those who are watching us as they progress through the ranks.
PAUL SMITHERS
Criminal Justice Leadership and Management, MS Lieutenant Investigator, Harris County District Attorney’s Office
Because of this program, I was able to progress in superior management with the agency I serve. The knowledge and leadership practices I received from the instructors have continued to manifest itself in all I do as a leader, college instructor and a father. I am indebted to Sam Houston State University and the staff that directs the instruction in the Leadership and Management Program.
GORD RYALL
Criminal Justice Leadership and Management, MS Former Sheriff, Alberta Sheriff’s Office Instructor, Justice Studies
Lethbridge College, Canada
I completed my master’s degree, Criminal Justice, Leadership and Management online. As a Canadian resident, I was supported with many resources that SHSU provided. I am proud to say that I graduated in 2019 with my Master in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management and was hired as a full-time faculty member of a Canadian College, teaching Criminal Justice in 2020. So proud to call myself an Alumni of Sam Houston State University.
JAMES BALTHAZAR
Criminal Justice Leadership and Management, MS DAGER Technology
When I began the program in 2014, I had already been working in the criminal justice field for 20 years. This program opened my eyes to new ways that I could study and examine this field and my role in it. The SHSU professors and staff are extremely knowledgeable and dedicated. I wholeheartedly recommend this program!
DEGREES VS.
Degree and certificate programs are two of the most common ways to obtain training to start your career.
There are many factors that can help you determine which program to choose, including your financial constraints, professional goals, and how much time you want to spend studying. Understanding the difference between certificate vs. degree benefits and requirements can help you decide which is more appropriate for your career goals.
A certificate is awarded after completing a shorter program that concentrates on a specific field of expertise rather than an entire course of study. Both degree and certificate programs teach candidates the knowledge and skills required to work in their field.
While degrees are typically more extensive, certificate programs also prepare candidates thoroughly for their careers. Degree and certificate programs can also help candidates develop valuable professional skills.
A degree or certificate may also help qualify you for a leadership role by demonstrating that you have a certain level of knowledge and skill in your field.
GRADUATE DEGREES IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
CRIMINAL JUSTICE LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT, MS (ONLINE)
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management degree is designed for individuals in mid to upper management positions in criminal justice agencies or those who have a reasonable expectation of being promoted to such a position.
The degree program serves practitioners whose occupations or other commitments prevent them from returning to campus as full-time students. The program was developed to allow those with full-time employment the opportunity to earn a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management in two years.
The degree is offered in an online format. Typically, the online format requires students to complete two consecutive 7.5 week courses each semester for Fall, Spring and Summer, resulting in 18 credit hours per year.
HOMELAND SECURITY STUDIES, MS (ONLINE)
The Master of Science in Homeland Security Studies is designed to help students meet the needs of the homeland security enterprise at all levels of government as well as the private sector. The broad educational objective is to develop thinkers, analysts, managers, and leaders who possess expertise in both theoretical and experiential dimensions of homeland security.
Graduates will gain factual knowledge in the field as well as develop their strategic thinking and policymaking skills. Because homeland security encompasses so many different agencies, organizations and corporations, a graduate with this degree can work in many different areas. Texas is a prime beneficiary of the program as home to two of the nation’s largest airports, 16 water ports, 29 oil refineries, national-level medical centers, and the longest border with a foreign country in the contiguous United States.
VICTIM SERVICES MANAGEMENT, MS
The Master of Science in Victim Services Management is designed to prepare graduates to work in various areas of victim services, including but not limited to, direct service provision (e.g., advocacy, etc.), organizational management, and social policy development. This degree will benefit persons with or without previous employment experience in the field of victim services.
Students have the opportunity to work with faculty who are passionate about issues pertaining to victimization and care about sharing that interest and their knowledge with students. Students in the graduate program will take courses that directly relate to victims. Students also have the opportunity to participate in research with faculty and become involved in the community through civic engagement projects in courses. This degree is offered online to fit the busy schedules of working professionals and can be completed within one year. Students may enroll in four courses for the fall, spring and summer or two courses per semester for six semesters including summer terms.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE, MS (ONLINE)
The online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is geared toward working professionals pursuing careers in the criminal justice field seeking career advancement, allowing students to complete their degree in two years. This degree program works well for nontraditional students who have full-time jobs because it is available via distance education. Courses are sequenced so that students can complete the degree in no more than two years, including summer semesters, but may be able to do so in less time. The degree program prepares students to work in various areas of the criminal justice system including, but not limited to, field positions, administration, organizational management, and social services. Through quality programming offered by the college and strong faculty relationships with local, state, and national criminal justice agencies, graduates have secured careers in criminal justice ranging from judges, chief probation officers, police administrators, victim advocates, federal law enforcement agents, and more throughout the country.
OBTAINING A MASTER’S DEGREE IS AN ACCOMPLISHMENT, YET BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS, LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS, AND DEVELOPING A SENSE OF PRIDE IN ACCOMPLISHMENT IS SO MUCH MORE.
Laurie L. Christensen Criminal Justice Leadership and Management, MS
GRADUATE CERTIFICATES IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT (ONLINE)
The online Criminal Justice Leadership and Management Certificate is an 18-hour program catering to working professionals currently in the field of criminal justice. The certificate provides an opportunity for students to advance professional growth and career development while maintaining their occupational responsibilities. The certificate is structured to allow students to complete the program in one year, enrolling in two 7.5 week courses per semester. Completion of the online Graduate Certificate also advances students halfway towards a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management.
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION (ONLINE)
The online Graduate Certificate in Critical Infrastructure Protection is an 18-hour program catering to working professionals currently in law enforcement, public safety, private security, and other fields related to emergency management and homeland security. The certificate provides an opportunity for students to advance professional growth and career development while maintaining their occupational responsibilities. The certificate is structured to allow students to complete the program in one calendar year, enrolling in two courses per semester.
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (ONLINE)
The online Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management is an 18-hour program catering to working professionals currently in law enforcement, public safety, private security, and other fields related to emergency management and homeland security. The certificate provides an opportunity for students to advance professional growth and career development while maintaining their occupational responsibilities. The certificate is structured to allow students to complete the program in one calendar year, enrolling in two courses per semester.
BECOME A BEARKAT
GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
1 2 3 4 5
Complete the online application at shsu.edu/apply
→ Pay the $50 non-refundable application fee.
Submit official transcripts
→ All transcripts from colleges or universities attended.
An acceptable undergraduate GPA
→ A cumulative undergraduate degree GPA of 2.5 or 2.8 for the final 60 baccalaureate credits for degrees in any online CJ graduate program.
Current resume
→ Evidence of current employment in a criminal justice related agency with a minimum of three years of criminal justice experience for the MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management.
Personal essay
→ Personal essay regarding career background and goals required for the MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management. See department website for requirements.
TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID
Scholarships
Need-based or merit-based free money that does not have to be repaid. While not all scholarships require a FAFSA on file, it is recommended you complete one.
Grants
Need- or merit-based free money that does not have to be repaid.
Loans
Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.
FINANCIAL AID
→ shsu.edu/finaid | 936.294.1774
A variety of financial aid resources are available to assist with funding your education. Federal, state, school, and private funds are available to those who qualify.
SCHOLARSHIPS
→ shsu.edu/scholarships | 936.294.1774
Many nonprofit and private organizations offer scholarships to help pay for college. You must be an accepted student to SHSU to apply for scholarships. To review your scholarship eligibility, you must complete the general application in the Scholarships4Kats portal. After you complete your profile, you are automatically considered for all relevant scholarships.
VETERAN BENEFITS
→ shsu.edu/veterans | 936.294.4921
The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) is available to assist students with Veterans Affairs educational benefits and the Hazlewood Act Waiver.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
→ shsu.edu/registrar | 936.294.1040
Tuition reimbursement may be obtained as an employee benefit through certain employers. An employer may pay a pre-determined amount of continuing education credits or college coursework to be applied toward a degree. Contact your employer to see if you qualify for this benefit.