Admission to graduate study is regulated by Southern Utah University policy as well as department policy. Please be sure to read the admission guidelines for the Graduate College as well as those at the Office of Admissions.
The MSFS CJ emphasis does not set minimal standards for any particular category. Instead, a student is evaluated based on a combination of criteria. The following items are considered during the admission process.
- Grade Point Average (GPA) -- A minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 hours of undergraduate study for full admission. Students who fall below this standard must provide other evidence or proof of academic ability.
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) -- The general exam is required for admission. A score above 1000 generally provides the student a higher chance for admission. Scores between 700 and 999 are accepted, but the chance of admission is reduced. Those who score below 699 must generally provide other proof of ability to succeed. This may include a high GPA, exemplary publication record, or other material that demonstrates the ability to succeed in graduate study. Scores below 500 are rarely considered, though some exceptions may be made.
- Written Statement of Purpose -- A student must demonstrate in their application packet their ability to effectively communicate in writing. Not only does this statement provide us an insight into the individual but it provides a chance to evaluate writing capability. The statement should include information on the following items:
- interest of the applicant in the subject area,
- intent of the applicant for future employment or plans,
- past experience, education, or other matters which provide positive evidence of the applicant's ability to succeed in this program, and
- a statement of research or study interest.
- Letters of Recommendation -- Students are required to submit three letters of recommendation. The letters should address at least two items
- How long and under what conditions has the person making the recommendation known the applicant, and
- an evaluation of the applicant's ability to succeed in graduate study.
Full and Provisional Admission
From time to time a student/applicant may fall short in one or more areas for the full admission process. In those instances a student may receive provisional admission. This means that the student will have one or more items which they must fulfill in order to maintain admission in the program. These may include, but are not limited, to any of the following:
- Insufficient undergraduate exposure -- This is especially appropriate for those applicants who do not have an investigative focus in their undergraduate degree program. We generally recommend that students have classes in Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Evidence Law, and Investigative Techniques. Students who lack this background may be required to take additional classes from the undergraduate catalog in order to better prepare them for graduate study.
- Minimum Grades -- Students who have a deficiency in their undergraduate GPA may be required to maintain a minimum grade for each class they take at the graduate level. In most instances the student will be required to maintain a "B" or above for each class.
- Low GRE Scores -- Similar to minimum grades.