Overview

Applied Criminology and Police Leadership from University of Pennsylvania, a central focus of the program is fostering fair, equitable, and procedurally just policies and practices that strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Unique among degrees in the US, the MCPL is designed specifically for senior police personnel leadership development and draws on the expertise of Penn’s Department of Criminology faculty. The program’s low-residency executive format offers greater flexibility for students inside and outside the Philadelphia area to complete an Ivy League degree while continuing to work full time.

Key facts

The program’s objective is to guide police policy and practice through an education focused on theories of crime, analytic methods, and policy analysis. The curriculum combines practical, real-world skills and knowledge with exposure to award-winning faculty and police leaders. A required capstone course offers an opportunity for students to beneﬁt their own police department by completing a mentored change project, grounded in evidence-based policing (EBP), within their agency. Students who successfully complete the Master of Applied Criminology and Police Leadership will understand how theories of crime and EBP can inform policy and planning in police agencies.

The MCPL is oﬀered as a combination of weekly synchronous online class meetings, monthly required in-person courses held on campus Friday evenings and full-day Saturday sessions throughout fall and spring, and a week-long summer boot camp.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Policing in Practice
Evidence-Based Policing (EBP)
Practical Theories for Policing
Leadership in Criminal Justice
Research Methods for Policy Analysis
Policing Master\’s Capstone

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-31 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Credits

8 alternative credits

course units

Delivered

Blended

Campus Location

Philadelphia, United States

Disciplines

Criminology Leadership View 813 other Masters in Leadership in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

Applications must contain all of the following in order to be considered complete:

Completed online application
Current resume
Nonrefundable $75 application fee
A personal essay: Explain your interest in learning about evidence-based policing, your motivation for pursuing a graduate education, and how the program aligns with your professional goals. (750 word limit)
Unofficial transcripts from each post-secondary school attended must be uploaded through the online application system
Two letters of recommendation—one from a current employer and another from a former employer, academy instructor, or academic mentor (see below)
TOEFL scores

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

12500 USD / module

≈ 12500 USD / module
Out-of-State

12500 USD / module

≈ 12500 USD / module
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12500 USD / module

≈ 12500 USD / module

Additional Details

Tuition fee per 2 course units

Living costs

Philadelphia

United States

1313 - 2284 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

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Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Applied Criminology and Police Leadership.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Key facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Philadelphia

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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