MA/MS in Criminal Justice and Corrections

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice provides professional education for students entering or advancing in the field. Faculty research touches policing, corrections, crime statistics and criminology, and students are invited to participate. Applicants should know that many employers set preemployment conditions, such as background checks, physical standards and a clean record. A 4+1 option lets admitted criminal justice students complete bachelor's and master's degrees in five years rather than six by applying a limited number of graduate hours to both. The program is delivered through Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio, and its requirements appear in the university's 2026-2027 academic catalog. Prospective students should read the catalog entry and consult the department about advising and course sequencing, since specific course lists, prerequisites and policies are set by the department and may change between catalog editions.