Overview

The Criminal Justice programme at New Mexico State University provides a comprehensive foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of the justice system. This advanced degree is designed to equip students with the analytical tools necessary to evaluate crime, law, and social justice issues. By integrating high-level research with policy analysis, the curriculum prepares graduates for leadership roles within various legal and administrative frameworks.

Students can choose between two distinct pathways to complete their degree: a Thesis Option or a Focused Coursework Option. The Thesis track requires 33 credits and involves original research under faculty supervision, culminating in a formal defence.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 19050 per year
National fee: USD 19050 per year
Local fee: USD 6200 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is built upon a core of essential subjects that explore the complexities of the legal system. Modules may include:

Research Methods in Criminal Justice
Statistics in Criminal Justice
Nature of Crime
Advanced Race, Crime, and Justice
Issues in Ethics, Law, and Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice Policy Analysis and Planning
Family Violence and the Law
Immigration & Justice
Juvenile Justice Systems

Careers with Criminal Justice

Graduates of this programme are prepared for diverse professional trajectories within the public and private sectors. The advanced focus on research and ethics makes candidates suitable for roles in law enforcement administration, policy development, and social advocacy. Many alumni pursue careers as researchers, legal consultants, or administrative leaders within governmental organisations and non-profit agencies dedicated to justice reform and community safety.

The programme also serves as a robust foundation for those intending to pursue further doctoral studies or specialised legal training. By mastering the nexus of theory and policy, students gain the competitive edge required for high-level positions in criminal justice planning and evaluation. The skills acquired in statistical analysis and ethical decision-making are highly transferable to various roles within the broader legal and social service industries.

Accreditation

Criminal Justice Graduate Program is ranked 18th in 2014 amongst all graduate programs in the country based solely on ratings and reviews from current or recent graduate students.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Nature of Crime

Advanced Race, Crime, and Justice

Issues in Ethics, Law, and Criminal Justice

Research Methods in Criminal Justice

Seminar in Criminal Justice Policy Analysis and Planning

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-15 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-15 00:00:00 , International

More details

There are no fixed deadlines

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

33 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Las Cruces, United States

Disciplines

Criminal Justice View 334 other Masters in Criminal Justice in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

At least a 3.0 undergraduate grade-point-average, coursework in research methods and statistics, and possess a bachelor’s degree. Those not meeting these requirements may be admitted conditionally and required to make up deficiencies at the outset of their program of study.

A personal statement that includes a discussion of your interest in the field and reasons for wanting to pursue the degree (1-2 pages).

Students not meeting the minimum GPA requirement may be asked for additional materials, including letters of recommendation.

The GRE is NOT required for admission into the MCJ program. The MCJ Graduate Committee may require a student to complete additional English writing coursework.

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

19050 USD / year

≈ 19050 USD / year
Out-of-State

19050 USD / year

≈ 19050 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

6200 USD / year

≈ 6200 USD / year

Living costs

Las Cruces

United States

806 - 1259 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

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.

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 Criminal Justice.

Available Scholarships

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

On this page

About

Overview

Accreditation

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

Living costs

Las Cruces

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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