How to Apply-Online Master's in Criminal Justice

Learn more about how to apply for Seattle University’s Online Master's in Criminal Justice program.

Still accepting applications for Fall 2024

Application Review Process and Timeline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through the final deadline or until the cohort is filled. Early submission by the priority deadline is encouraged to ensure consideration for the upcoming cohort as well as consideration for institutional aid scholarships. Please note that cohort coursework officially begins fall quarter.

International students should review the international admissions page for more information on deadlines, additional requirements and more.

International Admissions Information

Application Timeline for Fall 2024 Admissions

Priority Deadline February 1
Application Submitted Rolling admission until the cohort is full
Application Completed (with all required materials) Application review by faculty committee
Two weeks post-application review Admissions decision released
  1. STEP 1

    Start The Process

    1. Research the Online Master's in Criminal Justice program to see if it’s right for you
    2. Understand the Statistics prerequisite
      • Undergraduate introductory statistics course with 'C' grade or better. Exceptions considered on an individual basis. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or need to request an exception.
    3. Review Admissions Dates & Deadlines
      • Applying by the application deadline ensures consideration for the cohort and institutional aid scholarships.

    Attend An Info Session

    This is an opportunity learn about our program and gain insights into the admissions process as well as connect with our faculty/staff and get your questions answered.

  2. STEP 2

    Begin Your Application

    Once you start an application you will be able to save your progress and will not have to complete it all at once.

    The Online Master's in Criminal Justice application includes the following elements:

    1. Statement of Purpose
      • A three-page (maximum) (12pt font, 1-inch margins) statement of purpose outlining your background (personal, academic, etc.), interests and goals for the Online Master's in Criminal Justice program.
    2. Résumé
      • A one-to-two-page professional résumé documenting education, work and volunteer experience.
    3. One Letter of Recommendation
      • Choose an employer, supervisor or mentor who can assess your potential to do graduate study.
      • Do not choose peers, friends or family members.
      • Once you've started your application, you will add their email address and they will receive a link to upload a letter of recommendation.
      • If you have difficulty meeting this requirement, please contact us.
    4. Writing Sample (optional)
      • A writing sample is optional.
      • Writing samples could be: 
        • An undergraduate paper.
        • Research and/or published work.
        • Writing related to your current profession.
        • A new sample written for this application.
      • Writing samples can be graded or ungraded and do not need to be on a criminal justice topic.
    5. Bachelor’s Degree
      • Evidence of a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Preferably in criminal justice or related social, behavioral, or physical science.  
      • Applicants with an undergraduate degree in a field outside of the stated disciplines may be considered with 45 quarter/30 semester credits of related coursework or significant supervised work/volunteer experience as outlined on the MACJ Supplemental form in the application.
      • The Criminal Justice Program does not require the GRE. However, applicants from non-graded bachelor's degree programs, have not completed 4 years-worth of course, and/or do not meet the minimum GPA requirement must submit GRE scores.
    6. Minimum of 3.00 GPA
      • As calculated from the last 90 quarter/60 semester credits of the bachelor’s degree, or post-graduate work, including transfer credits.
      • Applicants with less than a 3.00 GPA may apply and may be considered for probationary.
    7. Official Transcripts
      • Submit official transcripts for undergraduate coursework and all additional endorsement-related courses to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
      • Transcripts may be mailed or submitted electronically to grad-application@seattleu.edu.
      • Applicants may be accepted to the program with unofficial transcripts. Once accepted to the program, students will need to submit official transcripts within their first quarter of enrollment.

    Start Your Application Today

    You will be able to save your progress while completing your application and will not have to complete it all at once.

  3. STEP 3

    Finish Your Application

    1. Submit your application
      • Make sure you hit “Submit” on your application.
      • Submitted applications are only considered complete once all application materials have been received including your recommendation forms.
  4. STEP 4

    Check Your Application Status

    1. Check Your Status
      • You can login here to check the status of your application anytime.
    1. Monitor your email
      • Make sure to regularly check the email you listed on your application for updates, including your admission decision. 
      • Applicants should review the application timeline for information on when to expect an admission decision.

Additional Application Information

Applicants should choose to apply to one criminal justice program at Seattle University. In addition to the standard Master's in Criminal Justice and Online Master's in Criminal Justice, we also offer three specialization areas for both the online and in-person program including: Research and Evaluation, Investigative Criminology and Victimology. All programs include the same number of credits, and the specialization areas impact four of the nine elective courses.

A maximum of 10 credits may transfer to the program on a 1:1 basis from a regionally accredited university. The transfer credit evaluation process begins after a student has been enrolled into the Seattle University program, and at that time the assessment will be made which credits (if any) will transfer. Students can start their Petition for Exception to Policy (PEP) process by meeting with their advisor post-enrollment. More details about graduate transfer policies can be found here. Please note that credits may not transfer to Seattle University if they do not meet the specified requirements.

International students can learn more about additional international requirements beyond the general application here.

For current undergraduate students or alumni of our undergraduate Criminal Justice program who are looking to continue with our MACJ program or Certificate in Crime Analysis, only one letter of recommendation is required. Please note, the author of the letter CANNOT be a member of the Department of Criminal Justice, Criminology & Forensics at Seattle University. Additionally, transcripts from SU must still be ordered and submitted as part of the application process.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about the program or application, we’re here to help.

Michelle Santos

Admissions Counselor

Michelle Santos smiling for headshot