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Criminology and Criminal Justice and Law, M.A. & J.D.

College of Arts and Sciences
Joseph F. Rice School of Law

Earn Juris Doctor and Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice degrees together in about four years to strengthen law knowledge with social science expertise that can enhance courtroom effectiveness.

Combine degrees to specialize knowledge of criminal law and gain career advantages for prosecutors and defense attorneys. You must be admitted to both the School of Law and College of Arts and Sciences Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Program Highlights

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    Dual Knowledge

    Earn two advanced degrees in less time than it would take to earn both separately.

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    In-the-Field Experience

    Enhance your education through invaluable experiential learning opportunities related to criminal justice.

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    Specialized Skill

    Complement your practice of law with added focus on the study of crime and the criminal justice system.

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    Double Your Network

    Strengthen your professional network with alumni connections in both the legal and criminology fields.

What You’ll Study

Research and instruction span crime- and criminal justice-related topics, including policing, courts, corrections, law and policy, criminological theory, sentencing, victimization and program evaluation. Learn patterns of criminal behavior and victimization, policing, corrections and/or criminal justice policy to increase courtroom effectiveness.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

  • Data Analysis

    Examining and interpreting information to uncover insights and inform decision making

    Leadership

    Inspiring and guiding others to achieve common goals and reach their full potential

    Research

    Gathering and analyzing information to increase knowledge or solve problems

  • Writing

    Creating professional written content for inclusion in scholarly journal articles, books and reports

    Attention to Detail

    Being meticulous and thorough in all aspects of a task or project

    Collaboration

    Working with others to achieve a common goal or objective

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Potential Careers

  • Prosecutor
  • Public Defender
  • Defense Attorney

Workplace Settings

  • Law
  • Criminal Justice
  • Criminology
  • Human Rights
  • Government
  • Governmental Agency

Advanced Degrees

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

Is USC Right For You?

There are many reasons we could be your ideal university. There's the award-winning academics, the globally modeled student life, and abundance of study abroad and experiential learning options. Take a closer look at what USC could mean for you.

Degree content is provided for informational purposes only. The Academic Bulletin is the source of record for all degree information.
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