N.C. A&T Is Now Accepting Students into Criminal Justice Graduate Programs

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (June 12, 2024) – The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS) at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is now accepting students into its new master’s and doctoral degree programs in criminal justice, the first of its kind at a public university in North Carolina.

“We are excited to introduce these new graduate programs in criminal justice at A&T,” said Clay Gloster Jr., Ph.D., PE, vice provost for graduate research and Graduate College dean. “These programs represent a crucial next step in the academic and professional development of our students as they build upon our strong partnerships with local and regional law enforcement agencies, providing practical and research-based training that is essential for today’s criminal justice professionals.”

The announcement follows a rigorous review by the university and the UNC System, and most recently the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The UNC System Board of Governors approved the programs on Nov. 16, 2023.

Both graduate degree programs, which will launch this fall, offer courses on campus and online, catering to a diverse audience including post-traditional students, law enforcement officers, military personnel and full-time working professionals.

Specialized training areas in the newly designed programs include investigative science, digital forensics, research methodology and social justice.

“Through our M.S. and Ph.D. programs in criminal justice, graduates will become highly skilled professionals, well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to the field of criminal justice,” said Frances Ward-Johnson, Ph.D., APR, CAHSS dean.

The program will provide students with advanced skills and techniques in criminal investigations, helping them solve complex cases with expertise. The digital forensics specialization will teach students how to recover, analyze, and present data from digital devices, preparing graduates for the fast-changing field of cybercrime. The programs will also emphasize strong research skills, enabling students to conduct significant and impactful studies in criminal justice. With a focus on equity and fairness, students will be prepared to advocate for systemic change through informed policy and practice.

North Carolina is among the top five states for employment of criminal justice educators and has the highest concentration of criminal justice-related jobs in the nation, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Prospective students interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice or advancing their expertise in the field are encouraged to apply.

For more information about N.C. A&T’s M.S. and Ph.D. programs in criminal justice, visit https://www.ncat.edu/academics/graduate-programs/index.php.