How to Apply-Criminal Justice

Learn more about how to apply for Seattle University’s Criminal Justice graduate program.

Priority deadline for applications is January 6

After January 6 applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the cohort is full.

Application Review Process and Timeline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through the final deadline or until the cohort is filled. Early submission by the priority deadline is encouraged to ensure consideration for the upcoming cohort as well as consideration for institutional aid scholarships. Please note that cohort coursework officially begins fall quarter.

International students should review the international admissions page for more information on deadlines, additional requirements and more.

International Admissions Information

Application Timeline for Fall 2025 Admissions

Priority Deadline January 6
Application Submitted Rolling admission until the cohort is full
Application Completed (with all required materials) Application review by faculty committee
Two weeks post-application review Admissions decision released
  1. STEP 1

    Start the Process

    1. Research the Criminal Justice program to see if it’s right for you
    2. Understand the Statistics prerequisite
      • Undergraduate introductory statistics course with 'C' grade or better. Exceptions considered on an individual basis. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or need to request an exception.
    3. Review Admissions Dates & Deadlines
      • Applying by the application deadline ensures consideration for the cohort and institutional aid scholarships.

    Attend An Info Session

    This is an opportunity learn about our program and gain insights into the admissions process as well as connect with our faculty/staff and get your questions answered.

  2. STEP 2

    Begin Your Application

    Once you start an application you will be able to save your progress and will not have to complete it all at once.

    The Criminal Justice application includes the following elements:

    1. Statement of Purpose
      • A three-page (maximum) (12pt font, 1-inch margins) statement of purpose outlining your background (personal, academic, etc.), interests and goals for the Master's in Criminal Justice program. 
    2. Résumé
      • A one-to-two-page professional résumé documenting education, work and volunteer experience.
    3. One Recommendation Form
      • Choose an employer, supervisor or mentor who can assess potential to do graduate study.
      • Do not choose peers, friends or family members.
      • Once you've started your application, you will add their email address and they will receive a link to upload a letter of recommendation.  
      • If you have difficulty meeting this requirement, please contact us.
    4. Writing Sample
      • A writing sample is optional.
      • Writing samples could be: 
        • An undergraduate paper
        • Research and/or published work
        • Writing related to your current profession
        • A new sample written for this application
      • Writing samples can be graded or ungraded and do not need to be on a criminal justice topic.
    5. Bachelor’s degree or higher
      • Evidence of a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Preferably in criminal justice or related social, behavioral, or physical science.  
      • Applicants with an undergraduate degree in a field outside of the stated disciplines may be considered with 45 quarter/30 semester credits of related coursework or significant supervised work/volunteer experience as outlined on the MACJ Supplemental form in the application.
    6. Minimum of 3.00 GPA
      • For information on GPA calculations for admission, please visit the Graduate Admissions How to Apply page.
      • Applicants with less than a 3.00 GPA might be considered for probationary admission and can submit an additional GPA explanation statement. Applicants with a non-graded bachelor's degree are required to submit a GRE/GMAT test score.
    7. Required Transcripts
      • Submit official or unofficial transcripts for your most recent coursework to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
      • Transcripts may be submitted electronically to  grad-application@seattleu.edu or mailed.
      • Once accepted to the program, students will need to submit official transcripts within their first quarter of enrollment.

    Start Your Application Today

    You will be able to save your progress while completing your application and will not have to complete it all at once.

  3. STEP 3

    Finish Your Application

    1. Submit your application
      • Make sure you hit “Submit” on your application.
      • Submitted applications are only considered complete once all application materials have been received including your recommendation forms.
  4. STEP 4

    Check Your Application Status

    1. Check Your Status
      • You can login here to check the status of your application anytime.
    2. Monitor your email
      • Make sure to regularly check the email you listed on your application for updates, including your admission decision. 
      • Applicants should review the application timeline for information on when to expect an admission decision.

Additional Application Information

Applicants should choose to apply to one criminal justice program at Seattle University. In addition to the standard Master of Criminal Justice and Online Master of Criminal Justice, we also offer three specialization areas for both the online and in-person program including: Research and Evaluation, Investigative Criminology, and Victimology. All programs include the same number of credits, and the specialization areas impact four of the nine elective courses.

A maximum of 10 credits may transfer to the program on a 1:1 basis from a regionally accredited university. The transfer credit evaluation process begins after a student has been enrolled into the Seattle University program, and at that time the assessment will be made which credits (if any) will transfer. Students can start their Petition for Exception to Policy (PEP) process by meeting with their advisor post-enrollment. More details about graduate transfer policies can be found here. Please note that credits may not transfer to Seattle University if they do not meet the specified requirements.

International students can learn more about additional international requirements beyond the general application here.

For current undergraduate students or alumni of our undergraduate Criminal Justice program who are looking to continue with our MACJ program or Certificate in Crime Analysis, only one letter of recommendation is required. Please note, the author of the letter CANNOT be a member of the Department of Criminal Justice, Criminology & Forensics at Seattle University. Additionally, transcripts from SU must still be ordered and submitted as part of the application process.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about the program or application, we’re here to help.

Destiny Ledesma

Senior Admissions Counselor

Destiny Ledesma smiling headshot