Master of Science in Criminal Justice with Concentration in Theory and Research (MSCJ)

This is a campus-based program with courses offered at the Denton campus on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Applicants of the Master of Science in Criminal Justice with Concentration in Theory and Research at the University of North Texas must complete an application packet to be considered for admission. The complete application packet is due August 1st for Fall admission or December 1st for Spring admission. Please follow this process for completing your application packet:

1. Submit Application

Applicants must submit an application to UNT’s Office of Graduate Admissions through GradCAS. Applications are accepted for Fall or Spring terms only. Students will also be required to submit the application fee prior to the evaluation process.

2. Submit Official Transcripts

Official transcripts can either be requested from other institutions directly through the GradCAS application portal or mailed to:

UNT Office of Admissions
1155 Union Circle #311277
Denton, TX 76203-5017

Transcripts cannot be sent directly to the Criminal Justice Department for processing. Please contact the Graduate Admissions at GoGrad@unt.edu if guidance on submitting official transcripts is needed.

3. Submit Additional Application Items

In addition to the GradCAS application and submission of official transcripts, applicants are required to submit a Reference List and Personal Statement.

For the Reference List (linked below) two individuals must be listed to serve as professional or academic references of your ability to perform graduate work. All fields of the form must be completed. These references may be contacted during the application process.

The personal statement should be a typed essay with an explanation of the following: career goals, why you are pursuing a Master’s degree, prior experience in the criminal justice field, prior research experience in criminal justice, and anything in your personal background that you deem relevant to your admission decision.

Both the Reference List and Personal Statement must be uploaded in the GradCAS application portal prior to the evaluation process.

⇒ REFERENCE LIST FORM

When all application items are received, the Office of Graduate Admissions will send communication confirming that this portion of the application is complete, and that the application has been deferred to the Department of Criminal Justice for review.

Please note, international applicants may have additional requirements beyond what is listed here. Visit the International Graduate Admissions page for more information.

Incomplete applications are not reviewed for admission. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all elements of the application have been received by UNT. Applicants can track the status of their applications through the GradCAS portal.

For any additional admissions and application related questions, please send an email to MSCJAdvising@unt.edu. Please allow 5 business days for a reply when classes are in session. Replies may take longer between academic terms. We appreciate your patience.