Graduate Program FAQs
Frequently asked questions concerning applications, admissions, and details of our graduate program.
About the graduate program:
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:
How do I know this program is right for me?
We recommend browsing our website and reviewing our faculty, their research, and interdisciplinary concentrations at large to see if your research interests or current studies align or are a good match.
How do advisors work in the program?
Both MA and PhD students in CLJ will be assigned an advisor upon entry into the program. The advisor is meant to act as a program ambassador, checking in and advising the student, serving as a faculty contact person and mentor.
What kind of courses can I expect to take in the program?
You can find our most recent course offerings here: https://clj.uic.edu/academics/graduate-studies/grad-courses/
Please also look at the MA and PhD FAQ sections for a more detailed outline of required courses.
Is this an online program?
No. The CLJ graduate program is an in-person program, on-site in Chicago, IL.
While we do offer some hybrid and remote classes, this program is unable to be completed fully remotely.
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.
How to apply:
When are the application deadlines?
PhD Domestic & International: January 15, 2025
PhD Fellowship and Priority: December 1, 2024
MA Domestic & International: February 15, 2025
Where can I apply to the program?
Applications are available on the UIC Graduate College website: https://applygrad.uic.edu/portal/programs.
In order to start your application you will need to search our program “Criminology, Law and Justice” in the search box, choose either the MA or PhD application and then click apply. This will prompt you to either log-in if you’ve applied to UIC before or create a new account.
For more details on the application process, visit: https://clj.uic.edu/academics/graduate-studies/graduate-admissions.
Can I apply to start this program in the Spring?
Unfortunately, we do not accept applications for a Spring start date. All of our admitted applicants start in the Fall.
Do I need to reach out to faculty before applying to the program?
We do not require you to reach out to a professor with whom you have similar interests as part of your admission to the program. However, if you would like to reach out to a specific professor regarding research and your application, we do not discourage that! Please refer to our faculty list below:
Please note that professors may be busy and are not able to respond to all inquiries.
Is the GRE Required?
Currently, the CLJ Department does NOT require the GRE.
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.
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.
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.
What do I need to submit in my application?
- 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: 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:
- Writing Sample: Writing samples that we look for in an application are usually a research essay, usually from a course at your previous institution that speaks to your writing and research skills, as well as suggests your research interests. Writing samples are a way for our admissions committee to see what level your research/writing skills are at, as well as seeing if your research interests align with our program and faculty. Please peruse our website and faculty profiles to ensure your interests align with our program.
- Three Letters of Recommendation: These letters of recommendation should be from people who know and can vouch for your research interests, your volunteer or work background, and your character. You will be able to enter their email addresses into the application portal and they will receive a separate email with instructions on how to upload their letter of recommendation.
- Transcripts: You will need to upload your unofficial transcript as it is now (it can be unfinished) for the application. If you are admitted, you then will need to have official transcripts sent from your university to UIC.
- Curriculum Vitea (CV): Applicants should also submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
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.
About the PhD program:
What courses are required to complete the PhD?
PhD students are required to complete the following in order to graduate from the program:
- CLJ 500: Law and Society
- CLJ 520: Criminological Theory
- CLJ 540: Criminal Justice: Process and Institutions
- CLJ 547: Race, Class, and Gender Dimensions of Crime and Justice
- CLJ 560: Quantitative Methods and Design
- CLJ 561: Qualitative Methods and Design
- CLJ 562: Statistical Applications in Criminology, Law, and Justice I
- CLJ 564: Statistical Applications in Criminology, Law, and Justice II
- CLJ 570: Advanced Methods in Criminology, Law, and Justice
In addition to the core curriculum, students are required to complete 40 additional hours of electives (no more than 12 of which may be taken outside the department).
How many credits do I need to graduate from the PhD Program?
Students will need 94 credits to graduate.
Please also refer to the complete PhD degree requirements at the following link:
How many students are admitted into the PhD program each year?
The CLJ Ph.D. is selective and averages about 7-8 students per cohort, depending on the year.
About the MA program:
What coursework is required to complete the MA?
MA students are required to complete the following in order to graduate from the program:
- CLJ 500 Law and Society
- CLJ 501 Graduate Professional Development Seminar
- CLJ 520 Criminological Theory
- CLJ 540 Criminal Justice: Process and Institutions
- CLJ 547 Race, Class, and Gender Dimensions of Crime and Justice
- CLJ 560 Quantitative Methods and Design
- CLJ 561 Qualitative Methods and Design
- CLJ 562 Statistical Applications in Criminology, Law, and Justice I
In addition to the core curriculum, students are required to complete 12 additional hours of electives.
How many credits do I need to graduate from the Master’s Program?
Students will need 40 credits to graduate.
Please also refer to the complete MA degree requirements at the following link:
If I complete the MA program, will I automatically be considered for the PhD program?
No. MA applicants are not automatically considered for the PhD program. MA applicants will have to apply to the PhD program separately after the completion of their MA.
Funding and Tuition Waivers
Is funding available for graduate students in the CLJ program?
Yes, most graduate students who require funding are supported through Teaching Assistantships (TAs). This is particularly true for PhD students, but we are most likely able to secure TA positions for our MA students as well, depending on available positions.
Is funding guaranteed for PhD students?
PhD students are prioritized for funding through teaching assistantships.
Is funding guaranteed for MA students?
While full funding is not guaranteed for MA students, many are still able to secure Teaching Assistantships based on departmental needs.
What does a Teaching Assistantship include?
A TA position is a 9-month appointment for the Fall and Spring semesters and includes a monthly stipend plus a tuition waiver. You can find the specific stipend rates and details on tuition waivers below.
What are the options for funding beyond Teaching Assistantships?
Students are always encouraged to explore external funding opportunities such as Fulbright or AAUW grants. For more information on external funding sources, please refer to the UIC Graduate College’s funding overview:
Can I apply for fellowships?
Yes. Graduate students who apply by the priority deadline are eligible for competitive fellowships offered by the university. These fellowships come with tuition waivers. More information, including a list of fellowships and deadlines, can be found on the UIC Graduate College website:
- https://grad.uic.edu/funding-awards/graduate-college-fellowships/
Are there other work opportunities that provide a tuition waiver?
UIC also offers graduate assistantships, which you can apply for on your own. Please find more information below:
Where can I find more information on tuition waivers?
You can find more information about tuition waivers on the UIC Graduate College’s website:
International Applicants:
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/
What are the minimum English Competency Test Score for international scores?
Please find the minimum English Competency Test Scores for international scores set by the UIC admissions office:
- TOEFL iBT 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21, OR,
- IELTS Academic 6.5, with 6.0 in each of the four subscores, OR,
- PTE-Academic 54, with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56.
If I am currently a student in the U.S. do I need to take the English Competency Test Score?
According to UIC’s International Admission website, valid English proficiency test scores must be submitted if required, based on the country or territory in which you previously studied.
International applicants with U.S. coursework should refer to the Credentials section on the Domestic Requirements page: https://admissions.uic.edu/graduate-professional/requirements-deadlines/domestic-requirements
Who qualifies as an international student?
Applicants who fall under international student status include:
- Applicants who need a visa to study in the U.S.
- Applicants who are currently in the U.S. on a student visa at another institution.
- Applicants currently in the U.S. on a non-student visa, such as an H1B, H4, B1, etc.
Where can I find other international application requirements?
You can find all international applicant requirements at the following link:
Where can I address general inquires (i.e. immigration, visas, etc.):
Please send general inquiries about international requirements and UIC international policies to the following link as they are better equipped to answer your questions: https://ois.uic.edu/
Transfer Applicants:
How do my credits transfer as a transfer student?
UIC does have a maximum allowed transfer credit.
MA Program Transfer Students: No more than 40 percent of the hours required for a master’s degree can be transferred from another institution or another college at UIC.
PhD Program Transfer Students: Doctoral students may transfer in no more than 25 percent of the hours required for the degree (Our doctoral program is 96 credits so you would be allowed to transfer a maximum of 24 credits).
Both limits for the MA and PhD programs are for courses taken as a student in another college at UIC or another institution, but not coursework taken in a different program within the Graduate College at UIC. Please peruse the following link for more information provided and stated by the Graduate College: