Program Track

Thesis Track:

Designed for students considering law school or pursuing future research and a doctoral degree. Students in this track generally pursue higher education teaching opportunities upon completion of this degree. There are 33 hours of coursework plus a thesis required to earn the Master of Science in criminal justice in this track.

Nonthesis Track:

This program is tailored to emphasize leadership and administrative skills and knowledge and requires completion of 36 hours of coursework. Nonthesis track students are seeking professional development opportunities and are generally already working within the criminal justice field.

Master of Science in criminal justice students with qualifying GPAs are eligible to join the Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society. Graduate courses are offered in the traditional as well as online/blended environments in order to make our programs as accessible as possible to full-time professionals.

Alpha Phi Sigma

Any student with a qualifying GPA is eligible to join Alpha Phi Sigma, the national Criminal Justice Honor Society. Opportunities also exist for networking with practitioners at the federal, state, and local level; completing a system-related internship; and assisting faculty with undergraduate teaching and research.

Tuition Discount

All active and retired First Responders/Public Safety personnel (Certified/Sworn Local, State and Federal Officers) enrolling in a degree program at Charleston Southern University are eligible for a 20% First Responders/Public Safety Tuition Discount. In order to qualify for the discount, all admission requirements must be completed, and applicants must provide proof of service or employment by submitting of their employment ID card, or other proof of employment. 

For online undergraduate and graduate criminal justice and public safety students only.

Deadline: One week prior to the start of the term.