Applied Criminology (MS)
A master's in applied criminology offers the tools to analyze crime, understand its causes, and contribute to safer, more informed communities.
- Offered 100% Online.
- 18 months
- 36 credit hours
- No thesis required
- No foreign language credits required
Build a Safer Society
Interested in shaping the future of public safety? Our program blends research with real-world application, helping you examine the complexities of the criminal justice system and explore strategies for addressing crime and improving community well-being.
Spring 2026 Graduate Flex Term.
What Are My Job Opportunities?
A master's in applied criminology provides a strong foundation for exploring roles in law enforcement, policy, corrections, research and crime prevention.
Careers and Salaries
Current Median Salaries from US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023
Program Details
Our program offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends theory, research and practical skills to prepare you for leadership roles in the criminal justice field.
What Will I Learn?
You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a number of key areas.
Data-Driven Crime Prevention
Explore techniques for analyzing crime data to develop evidence-based strategies for preventing and responding to criminal activity.
Criminal Behavior Theories
Explore contemporary theories of criminal behavior and apply them to real-world situations to better understand the causes of crime.
Policy Analysis and Reform
Learn to evaluate and influence criminal justice policies, advocating for reforms that improve fairness and public safety.
Technology and Crime
Understand how modern technology transforms crime prevention and investigation strategies, from digital forensics to surveillance systems.
Taking Classes
Our flexible master’s in applied criminology program is offered 100% online, providing the convenience of pursuing your degree from anywhere. Each course is structured in an accelerated 8-week format, allowing you to progress quickly and complete the program in as little as 18 months. This unique schedule enables you to balance your academic goals with personal and professional responsibilities, making it ideal for individuals who are juggling multiple commitments.
For an up to date list of current course offerings, please check the schedule of classes, which is subject to change.
Curriculum
Our program offers four tracks toward earning your master's degree. Explore which option best suits your career interests and research goals.
General Criminology
Gain a broader understanding of the discipline with our general criminology track. You will take courses in criminal causality, criminal law, police management and correctional settings. We pride ourselves in providing the comprehensive information you need to become a more critical thinker and problem solver.
Criminal Justice Administration and Management
Are you ready to lead your team to success? The administration and management track tests your skills and prepares you for the challenges ahead. Learn how to effectively manage your resources, analyze complex policy issues and make informed decisions.
Forensic Accounting
Combine accounting knowledge and the criminal justice profession. This track will prepare you for careers in forensic accounting with accounting services, law enforcement agencies, government organizations or financial institutions. Whether you are new to criminal justice or currently working in the field, this track is designed for you.
Homeland Security
Learn how to work on a grand scale with our homeland security track. You will gain a broad understanding of homeland security issues while enhancing your leadership capabilities. This track will arm you with the critical thinking skills you need to address security challenges within the United States.
Adding Value with Certificates
Earn a graduate certificate to enhance your master’s degree and boost your career potential.
Criminal Justice Management Graduate Certificate
This certificate is designed to attract student practitioners seeking to advance within the decision-making and leadership roles within their field. The courses in this plan focus on management and policy issues. This certificate is ideal for you if you wish to specialize in management issues, such as evaluating, planning, organizing, staffing, directing, coordinating, reporting and budgeting.
Criminal Justice Studies Graduate Certificate
If you are seeking to gain general knowledge in the field, whether you are new to concepts in criminal justice or are currently working in the criminal justice field, this might be the best fit for you. The flexibility of this certificate allows for a great deal of latitude in customizing courses to suit individual professional interests.
Homeland Security Graduate Certificate
This certificate is designed to attract members outside traditional criminal justice fields. Through this program, you will gain a broad understanding of homeland security issues while enhancing leadership capabilities among those who currently work in local, state and federal government and others who are interested in gaining greater knowledge about the field of homeland security. This certificate focuses on homeland security concepts, applicable management principles, policy analysis and the enhancement of critical thinking skills necessary to successfully address security challenges within the United States.
Finding My Community
We believe that education thrives in an environment where collaboration, support, and mutual respect flourish. Our community of students and professors embodies these values, creating an enriching and dynamic atmosphere for learning and growth. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the table. Our professors are experts in their respective fields and dedicated mentors committed to guiding and nurturing the next generation of scholars.
Michael McCann
Alum
Serdar San, Ph.D.
Faculty
James “Alex” Purdon, Ph.D.
Faculty
Student Organizations
East Texas A&M proudly hosts the Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society and the Sociology and Criminal Justice Society (SACS). Both organizations strive to promote academic excellence, community service, educational leadership and unity. Joining a student organization opens doors to networking, presenting at conferences and more.
I’m Looking For Something Different
Is this program close, but still not right for you? Check out our related degrees!
Financing My Future
Financial Aid
Financial aid includes a variety of programs, like scholarships, federal and state grants, and federal and state work-study programs. Find out how you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, loans and/or a graduate assistantship. Financial Aid and Scholarships
Back to menuOn-Campus Employment Opportunities
Enhance your expertise through on-campus employment opportunities.
Graduate Assistant/Research/Teaching
Graduate assistant teaching (GAT), graduate assistant research (GAR), and graduate assistant non-teaching (GANT) assistantships at East Texas A&M offer financial support and professional development for graduate students. Assistantships are available in academic and non-academic departments.
Back to menuCost Before Financial Aid
East Texas A&M is one of the most affordable colleges around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Our tuition rates are some of the most competitive in Texas.
$3,669
for Texas residents
/
$7,341
For non-residents
Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents. But don’t worry: there are
Back to menuAdditional Fees May Apply
- Online Courses ($50 per hour)
- Remote Locations ($20 per hour)
- Lab Fees ($5 – $30 per course)
How Do I Get Started?
If you have not already done so, complete the Request Information form. You will be connected with your enrollment specialist, who can answer your questions. When you’re ready, go ahead and follow the steps below to apply.
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission, you must first meet the following criteria.
- GPA minimum 2.5
- Master’s degree from an accredited university
Admission Process
Note: International students are not accepted at this time.
Deadlines
Deadline for admission for Fall semester: August 1
Deadline for admission for Spring semester: December 1
Deadline for admission for Summer semester: May 1
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “Applied Criminology, MS” as your “Program.”
- Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- Within two business days of your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Your Graduate Coordinator
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.
We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.
- If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
- If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
Submit a personal essay that describes who you are, where you are in life (professionally and educationally), what your future goals are, and how earning a master's in Applied Criminology will help you to achieve your future goals. 2 pages or less.
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Submit a brief writing sample on a criminal justice or criminology topic of your choice (5-7 double-spaced pages), with in-text citations of academic sources such as peer-reviewed journal articles or book chapters, to support facts and assertions. Our program is research and writing intensive; therefore, make sure to summarize findings from the latest peer-reviewed academic research on your topic. Include a reference page for the citations, demonstrating your ability to write at a graduate level.
Request one signed, and dated letter of recommendation; on official agency or organization letterhead, preferably from a past professor, college instructor, or from a professional who currently supervises the applicant or who has in the past and can attest to their academic preparedness to succeed in the program. That individual should:
- Email the letter to your graduate coordinator or
- Send the letter to you. Then, you will utilize the upload system: myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores
Review the Application Packet for more information.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
I Still Have Questions
We are here to help! Send us an email. We can answer your questions and assist you in the application process.
Contact the Department
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice
- 903.886.5332
- 903.886.5330
- [email protected]