Program Overview

The Command College of South Carolina at Anderson University offers a thirty-six-hour Master’s-level educational program seeking to develop personnel equipped to provide effective leadership to address the unique context of the criminal justice field. The curriculum is intended to provide intensive exposure to relevant graduate level material specifically engineered for students seeking leadership and management positions in the criminal justice field. With an emphasis on organizational behavior as it applies to the field of criminal justice, the program is designed to assist individuals working in law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies to develop policy which is grounded in research that is related to the field. At the completion of the program, graduates of the Command College are awarded a Master of Criminal Justice degree (MCJ). The Command College is designed to accomplish the following objectives:

1. To develop a thorough understanding of the key research that influences the successful administration of justice in America.
2. To acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective and pro-active leadership in the field of criminal justice.
3. To attain an appropriate level of appreciation for, and understanding of, the way in which a 21st century criminal justice agency can be managed in an ethically sound and legally defensible manner.  

Coursework is offered in a sequential manner, with each course offered in an online format. All courses require one or more written research projects or papers, and the capstone requires a major project. Courses carry four (4) semester credit hours each. All participants are expected to enroll in two (2) courses each fall and spring and one (1) course during the interim summer term. Accordingly, participants should complete the program in twenty months. As to curriculum delivery, each course is taught online. The program begins in the Fall term where two courses are taught. This is followed by two courses in the Spring term and one course during the summer session. The program is intended for working professionals in criminal justice who are seeking advanced training in executive development. In addition, managers working in auxiliary areas as well as the private sector will be sought.

Regular Admission

1. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution of higher learning
2. Cumulative college GPA of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale
3. Letter of recommendation
4. Provide a resume and goals statement detailing one’s professional aspirations.
5. Currently work in a sworn, certified, or professional position in criminal justice, preferably in an upper- or middle-management position.
6. Minimum of five years of experience working in the criminal justice field Minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper), 220 (computer) or 75 (internet) if English is not the student’s first language, and proof of current Visa for International Students

Applications will be reviewed by the Office of Graduate and Evening Admission, and applicants will be admitted on a competitive basis. Factors considered include the applicant’s GPA, the number of years in service, management experience, and the strength of the application materials.

Provisional Admission

Promising applicants who hold a baccalaureate degree but do not meet the formal requirements listed above may be granted provisional admission. Full graduate standing is granted when these students satisfactorily complete prescribed conditions which may include taking a graduate placement test such as the GRE. They must meet any special conditions attached to their admission no later than upon the completion of eight semester hours of graduate credit. Among provisionally admitted applicants may be the following:

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution who lack undergraduate work considered essential for graduate study. Applicants whose scholastic records are below admission standards, and who give evidence unavoidable, extenuating circumstances affected their undergraduate record, but that progressive improvement took place.