Graduate Program FAQs
Frequently asked questions concerning applications and the admissions process for our graduate program.
FAQs Heading link
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When are the deadlines?
PhD Domestic & International: January 15, 2023
PhD Fellowship and Priority: December 1, 2022
MA Domestic: March 15, 2023
MA International: February 15, 2023
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Where can I find more information about applying to the program?
For more details on the application process, visit https://clj.uic.edu/academics/graduate-studies/graduate-admissions.
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Can you tell me more about the program?
We are a non-traditional department focusing on critical criminology, law and society, and the study of justice. Various philosophers, historians, linguists, and social scientists comprise our faculty, contributing to a vibrant program. In addition to our diverse faculty, we also have concentrations in and relationships with other departments and programs such as Black Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies, Survey Research Methodology, and Latin American and Latino Studies.
For more information about the department at large, faculty and their research, and interdisciplinary concentrations, visit the following links:
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What are the degree requirements?
MA requirements: https://catalog.uic.edu/gcat/colleges-schools/liberal-arts-sciences/clj/ma/
PhD requirements: https://catalog.uic.edu/gcat/colleges-schools/liberal-arts-sciences/clj/phd/
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Is the GRE Required?
Currently, the CLJ Department does NOT require the GRE.
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What exams are required?
The CLJ Department is currently waiving the GRE. However, the Admissions Office may require an English proficiency test for international students. For more information on international admissions, visit https://grad.uic.edu/admissions/degree-admission/international-admission.
We recommend contacting the Admissions Office about any specific questions relating to additional requirements, as they may be better equipped to answer.
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Can the CLJ Department waive the general application fee?
Unfortunately, the CLJ Department is unable to waive the application fee. However, UIC does offer application fee waivers for students who meet certain requirements: https://admissions.uic.edu/graduate-professional/application-process/application-fee-waivers.
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Can the CLJ Department waive the international student application fee?
Unfortunately, the CLJ Department is unable to waive the international student application fee. This policy is set by the university, and we have no control over it. If you have any questions, please contact the Graduate College at https://grad.uic.edu/ and the Office of International Services at https://ois.uic.edu/.
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Who qualifies for a fee waiver?
For more information on fee waiver qualifications, visit https://admissions.uic.edu/graduate-professional/application-process/application-fee-waivers.
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Where can I find more information for international applicants?
Application fee waivers: https://admissions.uic.edu/graduate-professional/application-process/application-fee-waivers
International requirements: https://admissions.uic.edu/graduate-professional/requirements-deadlines/international-requirements
General inquiries (Immigration, Visas, etc.): https://ois.uic.edu/
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How does faculty supervision/advising work? Do I need to have spoken with a faculty member in order to apply or be admitted?
The CLJ Department does not require applicants to reach out to specific faculty members. However, we do not discourage students from reaching out to faculty members that have the same topical interest. Applicants are also encouraged to mention any specific faculty they are interested in working with in their Statements of Purpose, though supervision and advising decisions occurs after admission. Our list of faculty members and their research interests can be found here: https://clj.uic.edu/people/faculty/.
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If I am not accepted to the PhD program, will I automatically be considered for the MA program?
No. PhD applicants are not automatically considered for the MA program. It will be up to the CLJ admissions committee to decide if they would like to consider an applicant for the MA instead of the PhD program.
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Is this an online program?
No. The CLJ graduate program is an in-person program, on site in Chicago, IL.
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Are graduate classes taught only in the evening?
While most graduate level courses start later in the day, others may start earlier. Each semester may also be different.
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What should I emphasize in my Statement of Purpose?
The statement of purpose is one of the most important documents in your application. While we cannot tell applicants exactly what to put in their personal statement, we do offer some tips here: https://clj.uic.edu/academics/graduate-studies/graduate-admissions/guidelines-for-statement-of-purpose/.
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How does graduate funding work within CLJ and UIC at large?
CLJ
Criminology, Law and Justice is one of the largest UG programs in LAS (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences) at UIC. This means that for most years, we are able to fund most (sometimes all) grad students (that require funding) through Teaching Assistantships. Although we prioritize PhD students for funding, and therefore do not guarantee full funding for MA students, we are often able to fund most MA students who can work as teaching assistants.
Because of this informal structure, our teaching needs, and growth, we are able to fund PhD students beyond what is usually in a formal offer letter (beyond 4-5 years). The teaching assistantship is a 9-month appointment that pays a monthly stipend (for Fall and Spring only, no Summer) plus tuition waivers. The current rate and details can be found here, and a breakdown of tuition and fees can be found here. In the application, please indicate the sources of funding most applicable to you (you will be asked to rank them by preference). We also recommend pursuing external funding if applicable (like Fulbright or AAUW, for example). See here for further resources.
If you already have employment or are not able to take up a teaching assistantship position, we do offer a few tuition waivers. Please refer to the Graduate College for more information on tuition and fee waivers. Students who apply by the priority deadline are eligible for fellowships set by the university. Fellowships are competitive and come with a tuition waiver. A list of fellowships, due dates, and requirements can be found here.
UIC
The following links include general information on funding, fellowships, graduate assistantships, and tuition and fee waivers for graduate students at UIC:
- Funding: https://grad.uic.edu/funding-awards/graduate-funding-overview/
- Fellowships: https://grad.uic.edu/funding-awards/graduate-funding-overview/
- Graduate Assistantships: https://hr.uic.edu/employees/new-employees/uic-101/graduate-assistants/
- Tuition and fee waivers: https://grad.uic.edu/graduate-college-tuition-and-fee-waivers