Master of Arts in Sociology and Criminal Justice Program

At Lincoln, we have a diverse body of students and our faculty is diverse. We have small classes, which are taught by full-time faculty at Lincoln who possess Ph.D.s. 

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Be eligible for jobs with community and criminal justice agencies.
• Help with promotions within existing jobs.
• Continue on in a Ph.D. program in sociology or criminal justice at another school.

REQUIRED COURSES          

• SOC 552 Data Analysis (3)
• SOC 550 Research Methods (3)
• SA 502 Sociological Theory or equivalent (3)
• 3 hours of Criminal Justice courses SOC 505 Criminology OR
• SOC 506 Juvenile Delinquency (3)
• HIS 582, Seminar in Missouri Corrections (3)
• 6 credit hours of S/A Seminars S/A 505, Seminar in Social Problems
• S/A 507 Seminar in Criminal Justice) (6)
• Four additional (3 CR) Electives from Sociology, Sociology/Anthropology or Criminal Justice (12)
• 6 thesis hours OR 6 credit hours of SA Seminars to include SA 505 Seminar in Social Problems or SA 507 Seminars in Criminal Justice (6)

Total Credit Hours (33)

• Candidates must meet the admission requirements of Lincoln University’s Graduate Studies Program.
• Candidates may be accepted conditionally with a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with a verbal score of 143 and a quantitative score of 133, plus a review of writing, after one (1) semester. May be accepted unconditionally after writing ability is demonstrated. This applies to all students, including graduates of Lincoln University with undergraduate degrees in Sociology or Criminal Justice.
• Candidates may be considered based on the strength of their recommendation letters (preferably from a faculty member with whom the applicant has worked), as well as the strength of the written statement of purpose.
• A minimum of 9 hours of undergraduate work in Sociology or Criminal Justice, plus at least 6 hours in upper division social science courses (300 and 400 level) are prerequisites for admission.
• In addition to the 9 hours, all M.A. candidates must have a general Introduction to Sociology class on their transcripts. This course is required; candidates may be admitted conditionally until this requirement is satisfied.

• Class scheduling: online
• Typical course load per semester: 6-9 credits
• Online learning platform: Canvas

1. Complete online application at LincolnU.edu
2. Submit all required documents (transcripts, letters of recommendation, goal statement, resume)
3. Pay a $30 application fee
4. Application review by Graduate Studies and program faculty 
   • Once all documents are submitted, we request 10 business days for departments to review the application packet and respond.
5. Admission decision notification
   • Applicants will receive a notification letter with information regarding their admission status via their personal email. If admitted, this letter will include information regarding their student ID and University e-mail.
6. Schedule a meeting with a School of Education advisor

Don't know where to start? Contact Grad Studies at GradSchool@LincolnU.edu for guidance.

The federal financial aid eligibility deadline is July 1

Learn more about financial aid options

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