Do I need an undergraduate degree in criminal justice in order to be admitted to the MJA Program?
No. Students applying to the MJA program are not required to have an undergraduate degree in criminal justice in order to qualify for acceptance to the program.
What is the minimum GPA I need to have to be considered for admission into the MJA program?
For Full Admission to be granted, an entering MJA student’s official transcript must reflect a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. For Conditional Admission to be granted, an entering MJA student’s official transcript must reflect a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.6-2.99 on a 4.0 scale.
How long does it take to complete a Master's program?
The answer is, “it varies.” Our programs are designed to accommodate working adults, and a lot depends on how quickly you choose to pursue the program. A 31 credit hour program can be completed in as little as 12 months.
How long do I have to complete the MJA degree?
The program of study for the MJA degree must be completed within four (4) years of enrolling in the first course of the program. Any request for extension of this time limit must be approved by the Program Director.
Will I be able to transfer coursework completed at another institution?
The Master of Science in Justice Administration program accepts transfer of credit from a variety of properly credentialed academic and professionally-affiliated institutions and programs, including- but not limited to-the schools and organizations identified below. Please inform your Graduate Admissions Counselor if you have coursework you would like evaluated during the admissions process. All graduate academic course work must reflect a minimum grade of "B" to be eligible for transfer. Documentation received is reviewed by the MJA Director, MJA faculty, and the UC Registrar. Upon completion of the review process the student will be notified of the decision regarding what credit has been determined to be eligible for posting as credit to the student’s graduate degree plan and/or graduate transcript.
- Kentucky Law Enforcement Council
- Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training
- Southern Police Institute (SPI)-University of Louisville
- Lexington-Fayette Division of Police- Sgt. Academy
- FBI National Academy
- North Carolina State University- AOMP
- Police Law Institute- North Carolina Justice Academy
- Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command- Northwestern University
- National Criminal Justice Command College (NCJCC)- University of Virginia
- National Forensic Academy- University of Tennessee
- National Forensic Academy Collegiate Program- University of Tennessee at Martin
- Department of Homeland Security (BITAC)
- State POST Councils
- Police Executive Research Forum (PERF)
- National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI)
Criminal Justice Certifications Accepted for Graduate Students
- CLEE (Certified Law Enforcement Executive) - (9 credit hours)
- CPM (Certified Public Manager) - (6 credit hours)
- LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor) - (6 credit hours)
- LCDC (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor) - (6 credit hours)
- CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor) - (6 credit hours)
- GCFE (GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner) - (6 credit hours)