Master of Science in Criminology

[course requirements]

Welcome to the University of Pennsylvania's professional Master of Science in Criminology Program
	Under the direction of Former U.S. Assistant Attorney General Laurie Robinson, the Penn M.S. in Criminology Program offers students a unique education in bridging the gap between research and policy.

What is our goal?

Few problems of public policy are as important as crime and how to deal with it. Yet much crime prevention work today is guided more by anecdote than by systematic evidence, despite the fact that an enormous amount has been learned in recent years about what works, what doesn't, and what's promising. Penn's unique professional Master of Science in Criminology Program attempts to meet this need by actually fostering a new profession: criminologists who spend their careers applying criminological research in public and nonprofit organizations, from police and the FBI to prisons and probation agencies. They bring new skills that these agencies currently lack: Crime mapping and pattern analysis, identification of repeat offender criminal networks and crime "recruiters," reviews of research on the effectiveness of crime prevention programs, and other information that can guide crime response strategies to yield better results.

Who should apply?

This program is intended for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in addressing crime - either those already involved in criminal justice or legal policy or practice (including government and non-profit agencies), or those intending to pursue such a career. We are looking for a select number of candidates who are interested in serving as "change agents," and who are energized by the challenge of solving real-world problems. A "next generation" of criminal justice professionals can bring research-based approaches into the worlds of practice and policy - and put research to work in the public interest (just what Penn's founder, Ben Franklin, had in mind).

Why at Penn?

Penn is the only one of the nation's top research universities (and the only institution in the Ivy League) to offer a Master of Science program in Criminology. We give our students not only a solid academic grounding in the framework of social science, but also provide them with the skills to analyze crime data, map crime patterns, and use research to make evidence-based decisions on how to address crime. Blending theory and application, the program enhances career advancement, and provides an opportunity to contribute to the public interest, in government, criminal justice agencies, legal settings, or criminal justice-related non-profit organizations.

What is the approach?

Our program has an interdisciplinary focus, drawing on exceptional faculty from across Penn's departments and schools. We offer joint degrees - for example, with Penn's Law School and with the Fels Institute of Government - and take advantage of other Penn assets, such as the medical school, to provide the broadest possible experience for our students.

What else is different about this program?

We start off the year with an unusual week-long "Criminology Masters Program Boot Camp." Because this is a small and select program, providing plenty of personal attention and guidance, this orientation period provides an opportunity for students to get to know each other, faculty, and administrators, as well as the Penn community and surrounding Philadelphia attractions. Those participating in the program are also, at Penn's expense, provided Student Membership in the American Society of Criminology, and selected students participate in a professional criminology conference panel. Finally, we invite all graduates back to campus every April for an Annual Criminology Masters Program Reunion, including a weekend refresher course on recent research findings in criminology

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Criminology program is for individuals planning - or already pursuing - careers in criminal justice practice or policy, law, and governmental or non-governmental crime prevention agencies. This interdisciplinary program combines solid academic learning at one of the nation's top research universities with practical knowledge that can enhance careers in criminal justice-related policy and practice settings. In lieu of a Masters thesis, students work under a faculty member on a semester-long crime analysis project, using analysis and research skills - along with tools such as crime mapping - to address a specific crime problem. An oral and written project presentation is made at the conclusion of the semester to a small committee of faculty.

The M.S. also offers a unique "Criminology in Practice" semniar, a capstone course which brings to campus speakers from government and criminal justice policy and practice settings to share insights--and career guidance--with students.

Where do our graduates get jobs?

Penn Criminology M.S. grads emerge from this program equipped with the skills that are highly sought after by employers in government and the private sector. How do we know? Despite the "youth" of the Master of Science program, our track record speaks for itself: As an example, every one of the graduates from our first class - May, 2005 - is now employed in a criminology-related job, ranging from federal law enforcement to financial services risk management, to state and local corrections, investigative firms, and federally-funded crime prevention initiatives. For more information, see Where the Jobs Are: M.S. Grads.

How do I apply?

See this page for information about how to apply, including financial aid and costs.

Course Requirements for the M.S. Degree

First semester:
o CRIM 600 - Proseminar in Criminology
o CRIM 601 - Proseminar in Crime Prevention and Justice
o CRIM 604 - Criminology in Practice
o CRIM 535 - Quantitative Methods I
o CRIM 602 - Evidence-Based Sentencing
                        or
o CRIM 615 - Fatal Violence

Second semester:
o CRIM 634 - Evidence-Based Crime Prevention
o CRIM 603 - Research Methods/Crime Analysis Project
o CRIM 604 - Criminology in Practice
o LAW 503 - Criminal Law or LAW 696 - Constitutional Criminal Procedure
                        or
o CRIM 670 - Biosocial Criminology
                        or
o SWRK 775 - Intimate Violence

Note: M.S. students are also required to attend the Criminology Colloquim Series.

There is no language requirement for the M.S. degree

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