FAQs

1. How are admissions decisions made?

The admissions committee reviews all applications and takes a holistic approach, considering undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.

2. Do I need to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)?

No, the GRE is not required. Students may submit their GRE scores, however, if they help make the case for admission to the program.

3. How much does tuition cost?

Current tuition costs per credit are available at: http://www.d.umn.edu/registrar/feerate_2009-2010.html

As noted in the cost tables, gradate students are eligible for "tuition banding," where any additional credits (up to 13 total credits) after the first six credits may be taken at no additional charge. Thus, the cost of 12 credits would be the same as the cost of six credits. Those making cost comparisons across programs should keep in mind that this has a heavy influence on the total cost of obtaining an MA degree.

4. Does the MA Criminology program require a thesis?

MA Criminology students have two option--thesis and practicum. The thesis option requires students to write a formal, academic paper typically based on their own research. The practicum involves preparing a product based on experience with some Criminology/Criminal Justice related agency. The final product from a practicum can take many forms, including reports prepared for agencies and papers that integrate MA coursework with agency experience.

5. What funding opportunities are available?

The major source of funding for MA Criminology students is through Graduate Teaching Assistantships. The assistantships are quarter-time appointments that come with a stipend and 50% tuition remission. Additionally, each year the MA Criminology awards at least one Art Pulford memorial scholarship. Finally, faculty members regularly hire MA students to work on grant-based research projects. More information, including application material, is available in the main menu under "Funding."

6. How much time does it take to complete the MA Criminology program?

The program is set up such that a student can complete the coursework in 1.5 years. Completing the degree in this timeframe, however, requires a heavy course load and efficient completion of the thesis or practicum final project. Students regularly complete the MA degree in two years.

7. Does the MA Criminology program offer online courses?

At this time, we do not offer any online courses. All of the graduate classes are offered once per week in the evening (e.g., starting at 5 or 6 pm).

8. The online "apply yourself" system for admissions suggests that I contact the program to see if there are additional admissions requirements. Are there any additional requirements for the MA Criminology program?

The MA Criminology program does not have any additional requirements. Applicants only need to fill out the basic application (including personal statements) and have their three letters of recommendation uploaded.