Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Master's programs in Criminology does Penn offer?
The professional Master of Science (M.S.) in Criminology program is offered for people who are either planning a career in criminal justice practice or policy - or already working for a government or non-profit agency relating to crime prevention or control. The M.S. program will give its graduates the knowledge and skills to analyze crime data, map crime patterns, and identify evidence-based interventions for addressing crime.
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Criminology is for individuals intending to go on for further graduate studies at the Ph.D. level, and pursue a career in research or academia.However, for the 2008-2009 academic year, applications to the M.A. program are not being accepted. Interested students should apply to the M.S. program or to the Ph.D. program.
2. How do I know to which program I should apply?
If you would like to discuss which program could best fit your specific background and goals, contact the Master's Program Director, Laurie Robinson, at robinsol@sas.upenn.edu or 202-907-5469.
3. What dual degree programs are available?
Dual degrees are available with Penn's J.D., M.G.A., and M.S.W., as well as other programs. For additional information on the programs, see our section on Dual Degree Programs.
4. Is a PhD program also available?
The University of Pennsylvania offers a PhD degree in criminology to a small and extremely select group of students who have demonstrated an outstanding capacity for independent scholarship.
5. Can an interested Penn undergrad pursue a B.A.-M.S. in criminology?
Yes. Outstanding Penn undergraduates can be considered for a four-year B.A.-M.S. in Criminology program. Interested students should fill out a graduate application, pay the fee, and obtain at least two recommendations. GRE scores are waived. A separate "Application for Submatriculation" must be submitted. (A copy can be obtained from Knakiya Hagans in the Department of Criminology offices, khagans@sas.upenn.edu) This application, listing the courses to be double-counted, must accompany your application for the graduate degree, and must be signed by your current Undergraduate Department Chair, and by the College Advisor on Submatriculation, Srilata Gangulee, who will attest to your being on track to complete all requirements for your undergraduate degree. She can be reached at gangulee@sas.upenn.edu. Once the Department of Criminology receives your application, it is reviewed in tandem with the Graduate School admissions office. Additional information about this can be found at: http://www.sas.upenn.edu/GAS/graduation.html#apply
6. Can I pursue the Penn Master's program on a part-time basis?
Yes. However, we do not have the capacity to offer evening classes.
7. How long will it take to complete the Master's program?
The Master's program can be taken in eight months (two semesters).
8. When would I start the program?
The orientation "boot camp" begins in the fall just prior to Labor Day; classes start shortly after Labor Day in early September.
9. Can I start the program in January?
No. The curriculum requires students to have the foundation of first semester classes before taking those (like the Crime Analysis Project) in the Spring Semester.
10. Will I be allowed to transfer credits from another college or university to this program?
Penn requires that a minimum of 8 course units be taken at the University. However, students may be allowed to waive individual course requirements in unusual situations approved by the Department. An elective approved by the Program Director and Department Chair must be taken in lieu of the waived course.
11. As part of the Master's Program, will I be required to write a thesis?
Students pursuing the M.A. in Criminology will write a thesis. Those in the professional M.S. program, however, will instead pursue a semester-long crime analysis project, which will conclude with an oral and written presentation to a small faculty committee./p>
12. What are the opportunities for interacting with other Criminology students and faculty?
The Master's Programs will be providing multiple opportunities for networking with other Criminology students, as well as faculty and program administrators. Starting with the orientation "boot camp," these settings will include regular discussion sessions, events with outside speakers, and evening social events. Because classes are small, Program Director Laurie Robinson serves as an advisor to all M.S. students. We provide personal attention and guidance to Master's students in Penn's "criminology community." We don't leave them to "fend for themselves" on the University campus.
An Annual Criminology Masters Program Reunion will bring alumni together for a weekend "refresher" course on new research in criminology.
13. What are the deadlines for applying?
While we encourage submission of applications by January 15 for consideration for financial assistance, they will be accepted on a rolling basis through June of each year.
14. Where should the paper application or other materials be sent?
Graduate Division
School of Arts and Sciences
University of Pennsylvania
3401 Walnut St., Suite 322A
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6228
Contact phone number: (215) 898-5720
This address may also be used for Federal Express, UPS and other overnight carriers.
15. What is the application fee?
The application fee is $70 U.S. dollars.
16. If I'm an international student, do I use the same application form?
Yes. The application fee, however, will have to be paid by a credit card or international money order.
17. Where can I find application forms and instructions?
- Download the Penn Graduate School of Arts and Sciences application forms and instructions from http://www.sas.upenn.edu/GAS/admissions.html
- OR apply online using the PennExpressApp at:
https://galaxy.isc-seo.upenn.edu/ws/expressapp
18. Why do I send the application to the Graduate Division of Arts & Sciences rather than directly to the Criminology Department?
Penn's procedures require the original application to remain on file in the Graduate Division of the School of Arts and Sciences. The Graduate Division sends a copy to the Criminology Department.
19. Can those submitting recommendations on my behalf submit the letter by email?
If you apply on-line, you can have the recommender send a letter by email. When an applicant lists the email address of his/her recommenders on the on-line application, each will automatically receive an email with an attached recommendation form. The recommender is then allowed to submit his/her letter electronically. Recommendations are then attached to the on-line application.
20. How can I obtain additional recommendation forms?
You can download a copy of the forms from the Graduate School Website at http://www.sas.upenn.edu/GAS/admissions/html#forms
21. May I request that my application materials be returned to me?
The application and all materials submitted to the Admission Office become the property of the University of Pennsylvania and will not be returned under any circumstances.
22. What standardized tests do I need to take?
The Criminology Department requires official score reports from:
- GRE (general test only) (LSAT or MCAT scores may also be accepted.) Scores must be from within the last 5 years
- TOEFL (only for international students who have not studied at least 1 year at an English-speaking university)
23. If I've taken the LSATs and been admitted to Penn Law School, do I need to take the GRE's, as well?
No.
24. When do scores expire?
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) will certify GRE scores for up to five (5) years after the test date. TOEFL test scores are certified for two (2) years following the test.
25. What is the institution code for the Criminology Department for the standardized tests?
The School Code is 2926.
26. How can I contact GRE and TOEFL about testing dates, locations, score reporting, etc.?
You can reach Educational Testing Service (ETS) at (609) 921-9000, or online at www.gre.org and www.toefl.org
27. Who will be making Masters admissions decisions?
Decisions will be made by the Criminology Department's Admissions Committee. The official acceptance letter will come to you from the Graduate Division of Arts and Sciences, although students will initially receive a separate letter from the Department.
28. When will I hear about the decision?
Those applying by February 1 will be notified by March 15. Individuals applying later will be notified on a rolling basis.
29. If I'm admitted, can I defer my admission?
The Department of Criminology will allow candidates to defer admission for up to one year. If you are offered admission and do not accept, you may request that your application be reactivated for consideration the following year. This does not guarantee that you will be readmitted. Financial award decisions may not be deferred.
30. What will this cost?
For the 2007-2008 academic year, the cost of tuition and required student health plan fees is as follows:
$17,820 per semester for the Master's Program
$1,234 per semester for the student health fee
31. Is financial aid available?
Limited financial aid is available. Students in both Criminology Masters programs are also eligible for fellowships or assistantships on research grants, if and as these become available, but admissions for the M.S. or M.A. program are not tied to full financial support. Loans are also available. Information about them can be found at: http://www.sas.upenn.edu/GAS/finances.html#jobs
32. Will intern or externships be available?
Because the Masters program requires a good deal of course work over a short eight months, we do not offer regular intern or externships during the two semesters, as part of the program itself. These are available for interested students, but not required. We will, however, offer post-graduation opportunities for internships to interested students. Our contacts at federal and local criminal justice agencies and organizations around the country are excellent, ensuring that you have an excellent chance of placement in such positions.
33. What are my prospects for job placement after graduation?
The Master of Science program places a strong emphasis on post-graduation placement -- individualized for each student -- using the Program Director, Department Chair, and faculty's nationwide network of contacts with individuals working in local, state, and federal government agencies and related criminal justice non-profit organizations. These settings range from federal law enforcement and local police departments to corrections agencies and Capitol Hill legislative work. See Graduate Careers for information on where our students find jobs.
We have a 100% record of placement in criminal justice jobs or other graduate programs for our 1st M.S. graduating class (2005), 96% for our 2nd M.S. class (2006) and 94% for our 3rd M.S. class (2007).
34. What is the "boot camp" that your literature refers to?
Because this is a small, select program, we bring all students together, before classes start in September, for a one-week orientation "boot camp" to get to know and "bond" with program administrators, faculty, and other students, and to become familiar with the Penn campus. A key feature of boot camp consists of exposure to the Philadelphia criminal justice system: students go on a police "ride-along," visit a busy criminal courtroom, sit in on a police "COMPSTAT" session, tour the Philadelphia jail, and hear from a ex-offender. Students also have an opportunity to take part in group discussions, social events, and, to the extent they are able, a 10-mile hike and other physical activities.
35. Whom can I contact for more information or to schedule an interview?
For the Master's Program, contact Laurie Robinson, Program Director, at robinsol@sas.upenn.edu or Administrative Coordinator Knakiya Hagans at khagans@sas.upenn.edu.
For the PhD Program, contact Knakiya Hagans at khagans@sas.upenn.edu.
36. What's the address/phone/fax for the Criminology Department itself?
Department of Criminology
McNeil Building, Suite 483
3718 Locust Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6286
phone: (215) 573-9097
fax: (215) 898-6891
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