Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ)

The MS in Criminal Justice consists of 36 credit hours of comprehensive coursework. Students must complete all courses with a grade of B or better while maintaining a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. The program culminates in either specialized concentration work or thesis research, allowing students to align their studies with their professional goals.

Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA (conditional admission considered for 2.5-2.99 GPA with exceptional experience)
• Professional resume or CV
• Personal statement articulating goals and commitment to criminal justice leadership
• For International Students:
  • English Proficiency Test scores
  • Foreign Transcript Evaluation

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HCU’s Unique Ethical Leadership Training

What sets HCU’s MSCJ program apart is its distinctive integration of Christian principles with advanced criminal justice theory and practice. In a field where ethical decision-making and moral leadership are crucial, graduates emerge not only as skilled administrators but as principled leaders prepared to transform their communities through compassionate service and unwavering integrity.

Criminal Justice Courses

The curriculum begins with Ethics of Police, Courts and Corrections, where students examine moral and ethical issues across the criminal justice system while developing administrative leadership skills in handling codes of conduct, ethical dilemmas and departmental liability. This foundation expands through Administrative and Management Development, exploring organizational theory, planning, budgeting and human resource management within criminal justice agencies, preparing leaders to guide law enforcement organizations effectively.

Constitutional Law in Criminal Justice advances students’ understanding of legal principles essential to criminal justice administration, focusing on civil rights, civil liberties and proper investigative procedures. The program’s distinctive Faith-Based Leadership and Crime Response course studies the intersection of Christian teachings with criminal justice practice, developing leadership approaches that integrate faith with professional service.

Policy Development and Community Policing examines the crucial relationship between departmental policy creation and community engagement, emphasizing the development of effective law enforcement strategies. Students then explore Advanced Criminological Theory, gaining deeper understanding of crime causation through biological, psychological, sociological and cultural perspectives.

Specialized Tracks

The program offers several specialized paths for advanced study. The Human Trafficking track develops crucial expertise in investigation, victim advocacy and demand reduction strategies, addressing one of Houston’s most pressing criminal justice challenges. This specialized track prepares leaders to combat trafficking through advanced research, investigation techniques and prevention strategies.

The Research/Thesis track enables students to conduct original research contributing to the field of criminal justice through advanced methodology training and faculty mentorship. This track serves those interested in advancing criminal justice scholarship or pursuing doctoral studies.

The General track offers flexibility through carefully selected electives in areas such as Advanced Penology, Crisis Intervention and Digital Forensics. This customizable track allows students to align their studies with specific career goals or areas of professional interest while maintaining the program’s high academic standards.

Career Paths and Roles

Graduates of the MSCJ program emerge prepared for impactful leadership roles across the criminal justice system. Law enforcement administration positions allow alumni to lead police departments and law enforcement agencies with enhanced management capabilities and ethical awareness. Those focused on corrections management direct corrections facilities with evidence-based practices and advanced understanding of penology and rehabilitation principles.

Policy development roles at local, state and federal levels enable graduates to shape the future of criminal justice through informed, principled decision-making rooted in Christian ethics. Specialists in human trafficking investigation lead specialized units with advanced knowledge of detection, prevention and victim advocacy. The program also prepares graduates for positions in criminal justice education, contributing to academic programs and professional training initiatives that shape future generations of justice professionals.

Program administration opportunities span both public and private sectors, where graduates manage criminal justice initiatives with sophisticated understanding of organizational dynamics and strategic planning. The program’s emphasis on ethical leadership and advanced theoretical understanding creates opportunities for graduates to influence policy and practice across the criminal justice system.

Transform Criminal Justice

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice at Houston Christian University represents more than professional advancement—it’s an opportunity to transform criminal justice through principled leadership and compassionate service. By combining advanced professional training with Christian ethical principles, graduates emerge prepared to lead positive change across the criminal justice system.