Dual Masters - Public Administration & Criminal Justice

Dual Master's Degree

Dual Masters - Public Administration & Criminal Justice

A faculty member gives a presentation to UCCS students.

The School of Public Affairs offers a unique opportunity for a dual degree in Public Administration and Criminal Justice. The fields of public administration and criminal justice are closely connected. The MPA is a professional degree designed to prepare students for a variety of positions in public and nonprofit management and policy analysis, while criminal justice studies prepare graduates to work in organizations within the substantive policy area. The joint degree program prepares its graduates for overlapping careers in public, nonprofit, and private organizations that require both criminal justice and management knowledge. The dual degree also prepares students for research careers or advanced graduate studies. Students take the cores of both programs and choose electives that best suit their career and personal goals, completing both degrees in 54 hours versus the 72 hours it would take to complete each degree separately.

Applications for the dual degree program will be reviewed independently for each of the programs. It is possible for students currently pursuing one program to apply to the other. The MPA and MCJ program directors serve as advisors for this program. Interested applicants should contact one of the directors prior to making an application. For inquiries regarding MCJ, contact MCJ Director Dr. Jonathan Caudill. For inquiries regarding MPA, contact MPA Director Dr. David Moon.

Additional information on topics such as accreditation, mission, and student outcomes may be found on the individual MPA and MCJ program pages.

Resources for Dual MPA & MCJ Students

  • Program Information and Details
    Find out more information about this program
  • Admissions
    Learn about becoming a UCCS student

    All applicants must apply online.  Those applying to dual degree or accelerated (AMP) programs may have different application processes. 

    For more information about the admission process, including prerequisites, application materials, and more, visit the SPA Graduate Admissions page.

  • Finances
    Learn about becoming a UCCS Student

    The cost of degree program will vary based on several factors such as residency status, number of credit hours taken per semester, online course fees, etc. The total cost for the degree program for in-state students is approximately $21,300 and for out-of-state students is approximately $43,100. Your specific costs may be more accurately estimated using the Bursar Office’s Estimate Your Bill tool. 

    The MPA program qualifies as a Western Regional Graduate Program. Residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming are eligible to pay in-state tuition for this program. The benefit is automatically applied to qualified students' tuition bill based on their legal residency.

    Financial assistance is available to support those students who would not be able to attend SPA without aid. The primary source of information about need-based student financial assistance as well as scholarships and other non-need-based aid is the UCCS Office of Financial Aid, Student Employment and Scholarships. Additional information on financial assistance programs may be obtained through the Graduate School.

    The School of Public Affairs offers scholarships and a limited number of graduate teaching or research assistantships to students.

  • MPA/MCJ Program Resources
    Explore our program resources
  • Internship and Career Information
    Information for your future
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  • Frequently Asked Questions
    Frequently Asked Questions

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