Apply for a Graduate Degree
At Washington State University, the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology offers students the opportunity to learn from world-renowned scholars and gain a comprehensive understanding of criminal justice systems, contemporary challenges, and foundational theories. The program is dedicated to preparing the next generation of skilled researchers equipped to address pressing issues in crime and justice. Our admissions process is carefully structured to recognize applicants with strong potential and to provide them with the support needed for academic and professional success. For questions, applicants are encouraged to contact the Graduate Director or Graduate Program Coordinator directly.
Admission Requirements
Academic Qualifications
- Master’s Program: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Doctoral Program: A master’s degree (M.A. or M.S.) from an accredited institution.
Transfer Credits
Up to 12 graduate credit hours (four 3-credit courses) may be transferred from an accredited university, subject to departmental and Graduate School approval of syllabi and transcripts. Transfer credits may not be used to replace required courses in the program.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
- Alternatively, a GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 semester (or 90 quarter) hours of undergraduate coursework.
- For graduate coursework, a minimum GPA of 3.30 over 12 semester credit hours.
- A GPA of 3.5 or higher is preferred for competitive consideration.
International Applicants
Applicants from non-U.S. institutions must provide proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL) and evidence of financial support. Visit the Graduate School website for more information on the minimum language requirements.
Application Procedures
All application materials must be submitted electronically through the WSU Graduate School’s online application system. This includes letters of recommendation and optional GRE scores.
Application Deadlines
- M.A. Program: January 10 for fall admission; July 1 for spring admission (spring admission is limited and not typically encouraged).
- Ph.D. Program: January 10 for fall admission only (no spring admission).
A Complete Application Includes
- Online Graduate School application and $75 fee
- Letter of intent outlining academic interests, faculty of interest, career goals, and relevant experience
- Three letters of recommendation (at least one from a Ph.D.-holding professor)
- Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions (official transcripts required upon admission)
- GRE. To send your score please use the WSU institutional code 4705.
- Writing sample (minimum 5 pages for M.A., 10 pages for Ph.D.) demonstrating analytical writing ability
- Official TOEFL or IELTS scores for international applicants (minimum TOEFL: 90; IELTS: 7)
Writing samples should be submitted to criminaljustice@wsu.edu and will be evaluated using criteria similar to the GRE Analytical Writing measure.
Note: Applications are reviewed only after all required materials have been received by the WSU Graduate School. Applicants should contact the Graduate Program Coordinator before or shortly after the deadline to confirm receipt of all materials, including letters of recommendation.