Please read the MCJ Handbook:
The Department of Criminal Justice at New Mexico State University provides two program options for earning the Master of Criminal Justice degree (MCJ):
1. the campus-based program; and
The online program is intended to serve students who are unable to relocate to Las Cruces or are in professions that prevent them from completing the traditional campus-based MCJ program. Please click the link for information about the Online MCJ Program.
There are two options for earning the MCJ degree:
- Coursework Option and
- The Thesis Option — CAMPUS-BASED STUDENTS
PAY RESIDENT TUITION RATE, CHECK OUT: http://www.wiche.edu/wrgp
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) allows master’s, graduate certificate, and Ph.D. students who are residents of the WICHE member states to enroll in some 450 high-quality programs at 61 participating institutions outside of their home state and pay resident tuition.
Admission into the MCJ Program
All applicants to the MCJ program must declare in writing to the Director of the MCJ program if the application is for the campus-based MCJ program or the online MCJ program.
All applicants should submit a statement and CV/resume.
This declaration of intent should be included in your written essay, which is part of the application process.
Admission into the MCJ program is competitive. Class cohorts are limited in size, and there are frequently more applicants than there are openings in the program. Applicants are admitted for the Fall semester only, and admission is based on the strength of a student’s application packet and the number of positions available for admission in any given semester.
Application Process
The minimum requirements for admission into the MCJ program are:
1. a minimum overall undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for your last 60 hours of earned credit;
2. after reading through our graduate handbook, provide a brief personal statement discussing your interest in the field and reasons for wanting to pursue the degree (1 – 2 pages). All applicants should submit at least a statement and CV/resume.
3. if the student doesn’t meet the minimum GPA requirement, three letters of recommendation are welcomed to help supplement the application.
All materials should be submitted with the application.
We accept late applications for the Fall (July 15) and Spring (November 1) semesters!
The priority deadline to be considered for scholarships and assistantships, when available, is February 1 for fall admission and September 1 for spring admission. All materials are due by the listed deadline, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.75 is required.
If you are an international applicant, please apply through the Office of International Student and Scholar Services.
$250 Discount Per Credit Hour for Active Law Enforcement Officers
We offer active-duty law enforcement officers a tuition discount for our online bachelor's and master's programs.
Eligible officers can now receive a $250 discount per credit hour for our Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice. This significant reduction is part of our commitment to supporting those who serve and protect our communities.
Program Details:
Delivery Format: 100% online with optional synchronous sessions available
Program Credits: 36 credits
Program Length: 1.5 years full-time; 2 years part-time
Cost Per Credit Hour: $444.40*
Active Law Enforcement Cost Per Credit Hour: $250*
How to Apply:
Apply Online: All applicants should apply online for the Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
Submit a Memo: Along with the admissions documents, submit a memo on your police department’s letterhead, signed by your leader, stating that you are an active-duty officer.
FAQ
Am I eligible for a Graduate Assistantship?
NMSU provides the Department of Criminal Justice with a small number of graduate assistantships each year. Each spring, these graduate assistantships are awarded to students for the upcoming academic year on a competitive basis. If you wish to be considered for a graduate assistantship award, you must indicate in writing your desire to be considered for a graduate assistantship. For full consideration, the MCJ director must receive all materials for admission, including your written request to be considered for a graduate assistantship, by March 1. The formal allocation of graduate assistantships occurs after the Graduate School informs the Department of Criminal Justice of the number of graduate assistantship allocations. Only campus-based students are eligible for the Department of Criminal Justice Graduate Assistantships. Students with full-time jobs are ineligible for a TA position.
Please fill out the application for TA and email it to Dr. Hyunin Baek at h0baek01@nmsu.edu
How do I register for a course(s)?
Once the admission process is complete and you have been formally admitted into the program, you will be able to enroll/register for specific courses offered in a given semester. You may register online by following the instructions provided at that location. If you encounter difficulties in completing the course registration process, you should contact the following places for assistance in order: the NMSU Graduate School at or (575) 646-2736 or the Director of the MCJ program, Dr. Hyunin Baek at (575) 646-5162 or h0baek01@nmsu.edu.
How much does it cost to be a MCJ student?
All students (in-state and out-of-state) registering for six credit hours or less per semester are charged the in-state tuition rate. Out-of-state students registering for seven or more credit hours per semester are charged the non-resident tuition rate with the following exceptions: Students on active military duty are charged the resident tuition rate.
How do I pay for my courses?
Students have a variety of options for paying tuition. Students have the option of paying in person, phoning the automated credit card payment system at 646-1680 (from Las Cruces) or 1-888-PAY-NMSU (toll-free), accessing the World Wide Web by using the ‘PAY-NMSU online‘ option or mailing a payment to NMSU Accounts Receivable-MSC 4570, PO Box 30001, Las Cruces, NM 88003. Our phone, credit card, and online payment systems are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Note: All payments made after 5:00 pm Mountain Time are processed on the next business day.
Is financial aid available?
Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarship Services.
How do I get textbooks and other required materials?
Textbooks can be ordered online through the NMSU bookstore.
There are a variety of online retailers specializing in textbooks, making it possible to do comparison shopping once you have determined the exact textbook(s) required for your courses.
Is the Thesis required?
No. There is the Comprehensive Exam Option.
If you are contemplating pursuing the Ph.D. after completing the MCJ, it is highly advisable that you pursue the Thesis option.
For more information, please consult the:
Myths and Misconceptions about the Thesis Option
Note: You must have completed all five core classes by the time you take the COMPREHENSIVE exams. See MCJ Student Handbook.
