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Open 4+1: M.S. Criminal Justice

Whether you want to pursue research or customize your degree with a series of electives, earn your M.S. Criminal Justice in just one year either hybrid on campus or fully online.

How it Works

During your final undergraduate year at your home institution, you will complete two online courses with RWU at a significantly discounted rate. You will then complete your remaining coursework in just one year either on campus at RWU or fully online following your graduation from your undergraduate program. 

Scheduling

Undergraduates with May graduations will apply to begin their graduate coursework with RWU in the fall semester of their fourth year of undergraduate study, and will complete the remaining courses formally as an RWU student in the summer term, fall semester, and spring semester. December graduates will begin graduate coursework in the spring term of their fourth year of undergraduate study, followed by coursework at RWU in the spring semester, summer term, and fall semester. 

Criminal Justice Open 4+1 Schedule

Affordability

Students who participate in the Open 4+1 M.S. Criminal Justice program will take the first two courses online with RWU at a significantly discounted rate - more than 80 percent off regular tuition rates. Students with above a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or above in their undergraduate studies will also qualify for additional scholarships. By pursuing a one-year master's degree in Criminal Justice, you will also have the benefit of entering the work force a year sooner than most master's programs, allowing you to take advantage of an additional year of earning potential. 

Application Instructions

You should apply for the Open 4+1 M.S. Criminal Justice program during your third undergraduate year at your home institution. For a complete application, please submit the following materials: 

  1. Online application- Be sure to select the Open 4+1 option and apply for the term in which you intend to take your first online course with RWU (your first term of your final year of undergraduate study). 
     
  2. Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional) - Provide the names and email addresses of your recommenders in the online application and they will receive a secure login to provide your letter directly in our system. Recommenders can also email their letters to us directly at gradadmit@rwu.edu.
     
  3. Letter of intent - Upload your letter in the applicant portal after you have submitted your online application or email it to us at gradadmit@rwu.edu. 
     
  4. Official college transcript(s) - You may upload an unofficial transcript during the application process, but an official transcript must be received directly from your undergraduate institution(s) prior to beginning your first class. Transcripts can be mailed to the Office of Graduate Admission, Roger Williams University, 1 Old Ferry Rd., Bristol, RI 02809, or submitted through official e-transcript services to gradadmit@rwu.edu. 

For full details on each requirement, visit our How to Apply page. 

Apply Now


Preferred Application Deadlines

Fall Semester: July 1st

Spring Semester: December 1st

Summer Term: April 15th