Cost & earnings at University of Missouri-Kansas City What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
Criminal Justice graduates earn a median $45,715 Across 353 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The Master's in Criminal Justice and Corrections at the University of Missouri–Kansas City is a graduate programme that combines theory, research and applied practice for students aiming to work in correctional systems, community supervision and offender rehabilitation. It suits graduates and professionals who want advanced training in correctional policy, offender assessment and evidence-based interventions, or who plan to pursue research or doctoral study in criminal justice.
The programme provides a balance of core criminal justice theory and methods with specialised coursework focused on corrections and community supervision. Typical modules include advanced criminological theory, research design and statistics for criminal justice, correctional administration and leadership, offender assessment and classification, rehabilitation and treatment programmes, juvenile corrections, community corrections and reentry, and criminal justice policy analysis.
Students usually choose between a research/thesis option and a practitioner-focused capstone or practicum. The practicum or internship places students in correctional facilities, probation and parole agencies, reentry organisations or community treatment providers to gain applied experience. Elective seminars emphasise topics such as risk-needs-responsivity, evidence-based correctional interventions, restorative justice, substance use and criminal behaviour, and ethics in corrections.
Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Competitive applicants typically present a solid academic record in a relevant field, such as criminal justice, sociology, psychology or public administration. Required application materials commonly include official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining academic and professional goals, a current résumé or CV, and letters of recommendation.
The programme may consider applicants with professional experience in corrections or related fields even if their undergraduate background is not in criminal justice. Graduate test scores (such as the GRE) may be optional or considered on a case-by-case basis; prospective students should consult the department for the current policy. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements.
Graduates from this master's specialise in roles across correctional systems, community supervision and allied sectors. Typical career paths include correctional administrator, probation and parole officer, reentry coordinator, case manager or programme director for treatment and rehabilitation services, juvenile justice specialist, and policy analyst for local or state criminal justice agencies.
Alumni also move into roles with federal law enforcement and correctional agencies, non-profit organisations that focus on recidivism reduction and victim services, and research or evaluation positions within universities and think tanks. The degree also prepares students for doctoral study in criminology, criminal justice or related social sciences for those pursuing academic or advanced research careers.
UMKC offers access to faculty with expertise in corrections, criminology and criminal justice research, and a curriculum designed to integrate evidence-based practice with methodological rigour. The department maintains connections with correctional agencies, probation and parole services and community organisations in the Kansas City region, facilitating practicum placements, field research and guest-professional involvement in coursework.
The programme is structured to accommodate working professionals through flexible scheduling and course delivery options. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across public policy, social work and law disciplines available at UMKC, which supports a comprehensive approach to addressing criminal justice and corrections challenges.
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