You may transform the legal system at the administrative, operational, and community levels by gaining the skills necessary with an M.A. in criminal justice. With an emphasis on system change management, self-evaluation and strengthening of leadership capabilities, and leadership theory and practices, our program helps you advance your skills. Throughout the criminal justice process, problem-solving strategies are emphasized in courses, with a foundation in community engagement.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $13788 |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Living Expenses | $12510 |
| Personal Expenses | $2000 |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline for Summer | |
| Application Deadline for Fall | |
Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Course Guides
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VISA & Work Study
VISA
GSU is authorized under federal law to sponsor nonimmigrant alien students studying on an F-1 visa. Although applicants on J-1 visas may enrol, the university does not currently participate in the exchange visitor program and is not authorized to issue form DS-2019, which is required for GSU to sponsor the J-1 visa status.
Applicants on F-1 visas, or any other temporary visas, are not eligible to be classified as residents of the State of Illinois for tuition purposes, regardless of the actual length of residence in the State of Illinois, unless otherwise authorized by The Office of the Registrar and The Office of International Services.
The applicant on an F-1 student or J-1 student visa must plan to pursue a full-time program of academic study at Governors State University (6 credit hours per term for doctoral students, 9 credit hours per term for master’s degree students, and 12 credit hours for undergraduate students).
All transcripts, letters, financial documents and other admission material become the property of GSU.
NOTE: Governors State University requires that all F-1 and J-1 students have health insurance that meets the U.S. Department of State standards.
Career and Placement after Course
Working in a range of contexts, such as federal and state agencies, correctional facilities, local and private law enforcement agencies, and educational institutions, is one way that a criminal justice master's degree might help create a more equitable society. Gain knowledge of cutting-edge computer security and digital forensics technologies, which will open doors to career options in investigative journalism. Alternatively, concentrate your studies on how public policy innovations and research might improve administrative effectiveness.
Our Criminal Justice M.A. program focuses on developing your leadership abilities and original approaches to problem-solving so that you can advance in your criminology profession.
Data collected in 2023 by Salary.com reported that the median annual salary for Police Chiefs at $119,600 with an average range of $112,900 – $126,800. They also reported that as of 2024, Chicago’s median salary for Police Chiefs is $125,400.
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,000/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| R&D Systems Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,500/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| QS Connect Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 5,000/Yr$5,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 3,500/Yr$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |













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