The Master of Science (MS) in Criminal Justice is a 30-credit hour graduate program offered in a fully online asynchronous format. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of the integration of theory, policy, and research within leadership and administrative roles in criminal justice systems. The MS cultivates critical thinking in examining the synthesis of social and legal systems, structures, and institutions in implementing and evaluating outcomes.
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice prepares students for careers as administrators in public and private criminal justice settings including advocacy, probation and parole, re-entry, prosecution and enforcement, correctional facilities, and court systems, and much more.
UK’s program is unique in emphasizing the application of perceptual frameworks, articulating the importance of culturally relevant practice, and connecting critical examination and succinct, meaningful communication. Our MSCJ program emphasizes transdisciplinary processes and problem solving to ensure that graduates develop job-ready, employability skills to address and implement best practices in criminal justice settings.
The MSCJ program is offered fully online, allowing flexible MSCJ completion from anywhere. Online students have access to the same support and services as on campus students.
All MSCJ Advisors have a certificate of appreciative advising, which means that they are well-equipped to help you optimize your educational experiences and achieve your goals for your career in Criminal Justice.
CoSW is home to several unique research centers and labs, including the Training Resource Center, Interdisciplinary Research Center on Children and Families, Kentucky Kinship Resource Center, Self-Care Lab, Suicide Prevention and Exposure Lab, and Military Behavior Health Lab. Students can leverage these entities for unique learning and research opportunities.
MSW students have the option to earn specialized certificates in Clinical Social Work, Child Welfare, Military Behavioral Health, Rural Population Wellbeing, and Substance Use Disorder, to name a few.
KY Rank for Graduate licensing Pass Rates
Student Field Placement Options
Student who receive some type of aid
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a […]
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you […]
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a […]
Relatives Raising Kin is a community of kinship caregivers who come together for support, friendship, and information. Our goal is to connect families with one another to find resources, get […]
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a […]
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training is required for any faculty, staff, and students who are involved in research activities, enrolled in UK CoSW doctoral studies, paid on grant, and/or […]
Raising your grandchildren and parenting again later in life can be especially challenging in today’s culture. Navigating this change in roles–moving from grandparents to being parents again–can be both confusing […]
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a […]
College of Social Work advisors host monthly certificate information sessions via Zoom on the second Tuesday of each month. These sessions are designed for current MSW students who want to […]
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you […]
Turn Your Goals into Reality Explore our Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is at the end of the event listing, under 'Website'. […]
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training is required for any faculty, staff, and students who are involved in research activities, enrolled in UK CoSW doctoral studies, paid on grant, and/or […]
We understand how difficult it can be trying to parent your kinship children. Parenting a child that belongs to a family member or a friend is especially difficult for you […]
Join us via Zoom on April 10 from 4-5:00 pm for an impactful discussion featuring UK CoSW alumna Dr. Annie Snow (she/her), a suicidologist and certified sexologist. Her research has […]
This group is an opportunity for kinship caregivers to come together to find support, community, and resources in the care of relative and fictive children. This group will focus on […]
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a […]
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a […]
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you […]
Relatives Raising Kin is a community of kinship caregivers who come together for support, friendship, and information. Our goal is to connect families with one another to find resources, get […]
Explore our Master of Social Work (MSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is below, under 'Website' The UK Difference Our MSW program is an Advanced Generalist program […]
Is your child or teen struggling with challenging behaviors? Do you feel overwhelmed and unsure how to respond effectively? This webinar will provide you with practical strategies and insights to […]
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a […]
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training is required for any faculty, staff, and students who are involved in research activities, enrolled in UK CoSW doctoral studies, paid on grant, and/or […]
Raising your grandchildren and parenting again later in life can be especially challenging in today’s culture. Navigating this change in roles–moving from grandparents to being parents again–can be both confusing […]
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you […]
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a […]
Please join us as we discuss the upcoming Master of Science in Criminal Justice program! This info session will be held virtually over Zoom. Please register by using the link […]
Are You Wildly Passionate About Social Work? Explore the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program during an online info session. REGISTER HERE The UK Difference Graduates from our […]
Pursue your Passion for the Greater Good Explore College of Social Work’s newest Criminal Justice program during our online info session! REGISTER HERE The UK Difference Graduates from our […]
We understand how difficult it can be trying to parent your kinship children. Parenting a child that belongs to a family member or a friend is especially difficult for you […]
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a […]
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training is required for any faculty, staff, and students who are involved in research activities, enrolled in UK CoSW doctoral studies, paid on grant, and/or […]
Join us for the DSW Capstone Showcase, a three-day event where Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) candidates share their groundbreaking research and innovative contributions to social work practice. These scholar-practitioners […]
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you […]
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a […]
Join us for a Reading Days Support and Snacks to prepare for finals This event is designed for students looking for a quiet, supportive environment to focus on their studies. […]