Early Entry (for UNC-Charlotte Undergraduate Students)

We offer early entry into both our graduate certificate in crime analysis as well as our master’s in criminal justice.

Master’s In Criminal Justice (M.S.)

Early Admission for Exceptional UNC Charlotte Undergraduates

Are you interested in getting a head start on your master’s degree while finishing your undergraduate studies? Our Early Entry Master’s Program offers an incredible opportunity to fast-track your education and open exciting academic and professional opportunities.

Here are the key benefits of joining our Early Entry Program:

  • Accelerate Your Graduate Degree: Begin working on your graduate courses as an undergraduate, allowing you to complete your master’s degree faster.
  • Double Count 12 Credit Hours: You can apply up to 12 credit hours (four courses) toward both your undergraduate and graduate degrees, saving time and effort.
  • Save Money: You will continue paying undergraduate tuition and fees for all courses you take, including graduate courses. This cost-saving benefit makes earning a master’s degree more affordable and accessible.
  • Automatic Admission to the Graduate Program: Once you complete your undergraduate degree, you will be automatically admitted to the graduate program, allowing for a seamless transition to your master’s studies.
  • Eligibility for Graduate Assistantships: After earning your undergraduate degree, you become eligible for a graduate assistantship, which includes a stipend and in-state tuition reimbursement (subject to budget availability).
  • No GRE Required: Our program does not require the GRE for admission, making the process even more convenient for you!

Eligibility Requirements:

  • A minimum GPA of 3.2
  • Completion of at least 75 credit hours

How to Apply: Applying is simple! Just visit Graduate Admissions to complete the application. You will need:

  • Three letters of reference (preferably from academic sources)
  • A statement of purpose
  • Your unofficial transcripts

Graduate Certificate in Crime Analysis

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Completion of at least 75 undergraduate credit hours (although it is expected that close to 90 credit hours will have been earned by the time the first graduate course is taken)
  • A minimum 3.2 overall undergraduate GPA

How to Apply: Applying is simple! Just visit Graduate Admissions to complete the application. You will need:

  • A statement of purpose
  • Your unofficial transcripts

Up to 12 credit hours earned at the graduate level may be substituted for required undergraduate hours (i.e., up to 12 credit hours of graduate coursework may be double-counted toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees). These hours can also count toward the master’s degree in criminal justice.