Frequently Asked Questions
 

Can the entrance exam (GRE or MAT) be waived for the graduate degree programs?

All graduate students are required to submit scores from the GRE or MAT, as waivers are not given.

What if I do badly on the entrance exam?

Students are encouraged to retake the entrance exam, as scores typically improve with a retake. Students might also consider taking the alternate entrance exam, if they are not comfortable with the original test taken. It is important to note that admission is based on multiple criteria, therefore a low entrance exam score may be counter balanced by the other criteria considered for admission.

Is work experience required for admission?

No, however stronger applicants have work experience in the criminal justice field.

Is a foreign language required?

No, however a student might consider studying a foreign language to increase their marketability as some agencies recruit students who are proficient in a foreign language. Students are encouraged to contact specific organizations about their policies regarding foreign language proficiency.

Is a field internship required?

No, the field internship is optional. Students however, who have no practical experience in the criminal justice field are strongly encouraged to participate in field placement. Students have completed internships with local and state law enforcement agencies, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Secret Service, State Bureau of Investigations, Community Corrections, Department of Corrections, District Court Judge offices, naval investigative services, private attorneys, Law Enforcement Training, and juvenile justice.

What kind of jobs can I get with a Criminal Justice degree?

Former students are currently employed with the NC State Highway Patrol, City and County law enforcement agencies, State Bureau of Investigation, Probation/Parole, State prison facilities, Federal Bureau of Investigation, insurance companies, retail theft loss prevention, banking industry, Secret Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, law firms, district attorney offices, and juvenile justice facilities.

What do I need to qualify for federal employment?

The requirements for federal agencies vary. However, typically an undergraduate degree and 5 years of law enforcement experience is required. Students are encouraged to contact the specific federal agency for additional information.

Do I get credit for Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)?

It is possible to take BLET as an internship, but students who already have BLET are not able to transfer this into the program.