The CJ Graduate Experience

See what our graduate students have to say about our master’s programs in criminal justice.

Laurie L. Christensen, CFPS, FM, FEMT, TEM Criminal Justice Leadership and Management, MS Fire Marshal | Harris County

The opportunity to attend college with a group of adults who like me were juggling family, work, daily stress, and then adding in the additional task of college material was daunting. Attending once a month turned into a weekend of not just an education from books but, the knowledge from seasoned professors and fellow classmates who I still call and visit whether for professional or personal reasons.

Obtaining a Master’s Degree is an accomplishment, yet building relationships, lifelong friendships, and developing a sense of pride in accomplishment is so much more. If you can commit yourself to your goal of achieving the degree in Criminal Justice from one of the most recognized colleges, you are committing to your success and generational success of those who are watching us as they progress through the ranks.

Paul Smithers

Criminal Justice Leadership and Management, MS Lieutenant Investigator | Harris County District Attorney’s Office

As a distinguished graduate of the prestigious Master of Science Program in Criminal Justice in Leadership and Management weekend program, me and my fellow colleagues and classmates are in an elite class. The friendships, the meeting of highly respected professionals and the leadership of our program instructors, truly left an unwavering respect, love, correct knowledge and understanding of the importance of leadership and management in the criminal justice system. Because of this program, I was able to progress in superior management with the agency I serve. The knowledge and leadership practices I received from the instructors have continued to manifest itself in all I do as a leader, college instructor and a father.

Gord Ryall, M Sc.

Criminal Justice Leadership and Management, MS Former Sheriff | Alberta Sheriff’s Office Instructor | Justice Studies Lethbridge College, Canada

I completed my master’s degree, Criminal Justice, Leadership and Management online. The faculty, admin staff, and other students were so welcoming. I was soon embraced by the Texas hospitality, even in the online environment. As a Canadian resident, I was supported with many resources that SHSU provided. Their library staff was so supportive and assisted me in succeeding throughout my program. Their professors were knowledgeable with respect to public safety, as well as many other attributes. So proud to call myself an alumni of Sam Houston State University.

James Balthazar

Criminal Justice Leadership and Management, MS

DAGER Technology

The SHSU MS Program in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management is a fantastic way to make positive changes in both your career and your personal growth. When I began the program in 2014, I had already been working in the criminal justice field for 20 years. This program opened my eyes to new ways that I could study and examine this field and my role in it. The SHSU professors and staff are extremely knowledgeable and dedicated. My fellow students in the weekend cohort were an amazing group of experienced professionals; we learned with, and from, each other and became great friends during the two-year journey. I wholeheartedly recommend this program!

Degrees vs. Certificates

Degree and certificate programs are two of the most common ways to obtain training to start your career. There are many factors that can help you determine which program to choose, including your financial constraints, professional goals, and how much time you want to spend studying. Understanding the difference between certificate vs. degree benefits and requirements can help you decide which is more appropriate for your career goals.

A certificate is awarded after completing a shorter program that concentrates on a specific field of expertise rather than an entire course of study. Both degree and certificate programs teach candidates the knowledge and skills required to work in their field. While degrees are typically more extensive, certificate programs also prepare candidates thoroughly for their careers. Degree and certificate programs can also help candidates develop valuable professional skills.

A degree or certificate may also help qualify you for a leadership role by demonstrating that you have a certain level of knowledge and skill in your field.

Graduate Degrees in Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice Leadership and Management, MS

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management degree is designed for individuals in mid to upper management positions in criminal justice agencies or those who have a reasonable expectation of being promoted to such a position.

The degree program serves practitioners whose occupations or other commitments prevent them from returning to campus as full-time students. The program was developed to allow those with full-time employment the opportunity to earn a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management in two years.

The degree is offered in two delivery formats: a weekend cohort program and an online program. For the weekend program, participants attend approximately five on-campus classes offered on Saturday and Sunday each spring and fall semester and during the combined summer sessions. A student in full-time attendance earns six credit hours in each of the fall and spring semesters and combined summer sessions, totaling 18 credit hours per year. Typically, the online format requires students to complete two consecutive 7.5 week courses each semester, resulting in 18 credit hours per year.

The completion of the program [Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management] has created an avenue to many opportunities that were not previously available to me. I have been offered Adjunct Instructor’s positions at several Texas Community Colleges since my graduation.

- Odunaen Lawrence Igbinomwanhia Texas Ranger, Lieutenant Texas Department of Public Safety

Homeland Security Studies, MS

The Master of Science in Homeland Security Studies is designed to help students meet the needs of the homeland security enterprise at all levels of government as well as the private sector. The broad educational objective is to develop thinkers, analysts, managers, and leaders who possess expertise in both theoretical and experiential dimensions of homeland security. Graduates will gain factual knowledge in the field as well as develop their strategic thinking and policymaking skills.

Because homeland security encompasses so many different agencies, organizations and corporations, a graduate with this degree can work in many different areas. Texas is a prime beneficiary of the program as home to two of the nation’s largest airports, 16 water ports, 29 oil refineries, national-level medical centers, and the longest border with a foreign country in the contiguous United States.

Victim Services Management, MS

The Master of Science in Victim Services Management is designed to prepare graduates to work in various areas of victim services*, including but not limited to, direct service provision (e.g., advocacy, etc.), organizational management, and social policy development. This degree will benefit persons with or without previous employment experience in the field of victim services.

Students have the opportunity to work with faculty who are passionate about issues pertaining to victimization and care about sharing that interest and their knowledge with students. Students in the graduate program will take courses that directly relate to victims. Students also have the opportunity to participate in research with faculty and become involved in the community through civic engagement projects in courses. This degree is offered online to fit the busy schedules of working professionals and can be completed within one year. Students may enroll in four courses for the fall, spring and summer or two courses per semester for six semesters including summer terms.

*Select courses meet National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP) standards.

Criminal Justice, MS

The online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is geared toward working professionals pursuing careers in the criminal justice field seeking career advancement, allowing students to complete their degree in two years.

This degree program works well for nontraditional students who have full-time jobs because it is available via distance education. Courses are sequenced so that students can complete the degree in no more than two years, including summer semesters, but may be able to do so in less time. The degree program prepares students to work in various areas of the criminal justice system including, but not limited to, field positions, administration, organizational management, and social services. Through quality programming offered by the college and strong faculty relationships with local, state, and national criminal justice agencies, graduates have secured careers in criminal justice ranging from judges, chief probation officers, police administrators, victim advocates, federal law enforcement agents, and more throughout the country.