More and more University of St. Thomas-Houston students declare criminology as a major or minor. One reason: the demand for these graduates is strong. The Gulf Coast criminal justice system alone employs over 80,000 people. To help satisfy this surge in demand, UST will offer its new, 100% online Master of Arts in Criminology, Law and Society beginning in January 2023. Applications are already being accepted.

In addition to present Criminology, Law and Society undergraduates interested in going for the M.A., current criminal justice professionals are expected to apply.  

Convenient Program for Current Law Enforcement Professionals

Attractive aspects of the program include:

·      UST’s excellent reputation as an innovative and progressive University

·      Program length of 30 semester credit hours

·      Tuition reimbursement available for many currently employed criminal justice professionals

·      Educational incentive of $6,240/year for Houston Police Officers

·      100% online

·      7-week sessions

Integrating Social Justice Concepts

UST’s Director of Criminology, Law and Society Dr. Michael Kane formerly served as a law enforcement professional. He says the St. Thomas master’s degree is unique and more appealing for multiple reasons.

“First, it’s totally online and offered in seven-week courses so that students can earn their master’s in one year and seven weeks,” Professor Kane said. “We’re also proud that our courses are developed by faculty with extensive criminal justice experience. And we integrate the concepts of Catholic social justice.”

The challenge of crime in American society is complex and difficult. Seeing it through the lens of Catholic social justice can help students better navigate the complexities of the world of crime and learn to influence criminal justice positively.

Kane said, “The very first class is Crime and Social Justice. In it, you learn about treating everyone fairly and equally and with dignity. We study the rights of individuals, what Catholic social justice really is, when inequities are unjust, and the elements of Catholic social justice that are found in the Constitution.”

Preferred by Experienced Criminology Professionals

Law enforcement professionals give the program a thumbs-up. 

“I spoke with an FBI special agent. He said he is interested in UST’s master’s program because our courses are more interesting to him than other master’s programs.”

Interested individuals may learn more and apply here.