Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Loyola University Chicago is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at Loyola University Chicago. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in social sciences, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 16 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in social sciences.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at Loyola University Chicago.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Social Sciences.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 16 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Criminal Justice Career Connections
Through the MA in Criminal Justice and Criminology at Loyola University Chicago, you will be ready to work in various sectors of the justice system, such as policing, courts, corrections, probation, or victim advocacy. You will also be prepared to work in juvenile justice, nonprofits, criminal justice research, and academia.
Specific job options include:
- Crime analyst
- Victim advocate
- Probation officer
- Investigator
- Researcher
- Police officer
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center , as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Program Curriculum
Program Structure
Loyola's criminal justice and criminology master's program can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis. Classes are held weekday evenings at the Lake Shore Campus , located on Chicago's North Side, right along Lake Michigan in a diverse and dynamic residential area. The MA in Criminal Justice and Criminology is a 30-credit-hour program that includes five required courses and five electives. You can tailor your master's degree to your interests and goals by choosing five elective courses from the criminal justice and criminology program as well as others such as social work, psychology, women's studies, public policy, or sociology. As part of the requirements for the MA, students will complete either a thesis or a culminating research paper.
Admission Requirements
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Criminal Justice and Criminology MA include:
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- 3.0 Minimum GPA
- Statement of Purpose
- Writing Sample
Statement of Purpose Details
Please write a brief statement describing your academic and research interests as well as your professional goals. Please note there is a writing sample requirement that needs to be completed in addition to this section.
Writing Sample Details
Please provide a paper or essay that you have written in one of your undergraduate classes as a sample of your writing proficiency. Research papers that showcase your academic and analytical abilities, as well as your expertise in our field are encouraged.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 1,033/year (international)
Accelerated Master's Pathway Cost Benefit
This program has an Accelerated Master's Pathway (AMP) for current Loyola undergraduates . Through the AMP, you can lower the cost of a master's degree by earning graduate credits at undergraduate tuition rates (before your undergraduate degree is conferred). Once you graduate with your bachelor’s degree, you will also be eligible for the Returning Rambler Scholarship , offering 25% off graduate tuition.
Tuition and Costs
Program Credit Hours Cost Per Credit Hour Estimated Tuition and Fees Criminal Justice and Criminology MA 30 $1,270.00 $ 38100 .00
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
The Graduate School Funding Opportunities
Information about funding opportunities within The Graduate School can be found on The Graduate School website .
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Financial Aid & Funding Opportunities
A range of funding options may be available to students enrolling at Loyola University Chicago. Explore all options early — many scholarships have deadlines months before programme start.
- University Scholarships: Loyola University Chicago may offer merit-based, need-based, or programme-specific scholarships for postgraduate students. Contact the international or financial aid office for current awards.
- Government Scholarships (): National governments often fund outbound and inbound student mobility. Check your home country's government scholarship schemes (e.g., national student loan bodies, ministry of education awards).
- International Scholarships: Major funders include: Commonwealth Scholarships, Fulbright (USA programmes), Chevening (UK), Erasmus+ (Europe), DAAD (Germany), Campus France, Australia Awards, and many more.
- Employer Sponsorship: Professionals returning to study may negotiate tuition sponsorship with their employer, particularly for MBA or executive programmes.
- Graduate Assistantships / Fellowships: Some universities offer funded research or teaching assistant positions that include a stipend and partial or full tuition waiver.
- External Foundations: Rotary Foundation, Aga Khan Foundation, Ford Foundation, and many discipline-specific bodies fund postgraduate study globally.
- Payment Plans: Flexible instalment plans may allow you to spread tuition payments across the academic year.
About Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, United States
Loyola University Chicago is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields....
University Profile- Start Date 2018-08-28
- Language English
- Duration 16 months
- Credits 60–120 ECTS (confirm with the university)