The University of Maryland Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice invites Fall 2023 applications to its Master of Arts (MA) and Doctorate (Ph.D.) Programs. 

Our M.A. program is designed to teach students how to conduct research in the areas of criminology and criminal justice.  The coursework gives the students a firm grounding in criminological theory, the criminal justice system, research methods, and statistical methodologies.  By completing a master’s thesis, students gain the experience of completing a project from the beginning stages of formulating the problem, through designing the research, generating results, to drawing conclusions.  This experience helps shape them into critical thinkers who will become valuable assets as researchers in government and private non-profit agencies, research institutes, or as they continue their education in Ph.D. programs.

Our Ph.D. program is geared toward training cutting-edge researchers and leading scholars in criminology and criminal justice. We provide students with well-rounded experiences as scholars and teachers through coursework, research experience, and teaching opportunities. Our Ph.D. students are mentored by faculty as they participate in ongoing research projects, and as they develop their scholarly interests. The coursework is designed to give students a firm grounding in theory, methods, and research and to provide a background in critical past achievements in criminology and a familiarity with recent cutting-edge developments. Students are also encouraged to develop their skills as professors through teaching assistantships and the opportunity to direct their own college-level classes.

Applications for Fall 2023 admission are due Thursday, December 1 (preferred) or Friday, December 16 (final). Visit the Graduate School at the University of Maryland to start your application today. 

To learn more about us, please visit our Graduate Program page. Further questions about the program can be directed to the Graduate Program Office at criminologydept [at] umd.edu or 301-405-6838.