The need for personnel in human and protective services will grow at a rate above the state and national average, where an advanced degree is increasingly in demand. The benefits to obtaining a master’s degree include career advancement, increased salary/pension, improved skill/professional abilities, increased retirement contribution and savings, and improved hiring possibilities.

Priority Applications for the Law & Justice Master's Program are due February 1st.  The Law and Justice Department generally accepts applications beyond this deadline, please consult the department regarding the application window each year.

Program Description

The MS degree in law and justice is designed to serve two distinct groups: (1) those in a law and justice field with professional experience and (2) those without professional experience who aspire to a law and justice career or doctoral work. The program offers two options, both of which are 60 credits. Of these 60 credits, 25 credits are in the core courses (5 mandatory courses) and another 30 are from seminar electives. Option A is geared towards the working professional; it entails taking 55 credits worth of courses plus a five credit capstone course where the final culminating experience is a written exam with an oral defense. This option is aimed at those who are already working in a law and justice career and are looking for advancement, or those who are looking for a career in criminal justice. Option B also includes 55 credits of courses but has a thesis or research project as the culminating experience. This option is primarily for those interested in continuing on and doing doctoral work.

Law and Justice 4+1 Program for Master of Science Degree

The Department of Law and Justice allows high-performing undergraduate students to begin the Master of Science degree program during their senior year of undergraduate studies. This special allowance is known as the 4+1 program. 

Students who want to earn a Master of Science degree through the 4+1 program can learn more information by viewing our LAJ 4+1 Program document.

The program will be offered in person at the main campus in Ellensburg. Courses will be a mix of in-person, online, and hybrid (combining in-person and online) delivery methods.
With class scheduling centered around the working professional, we believe convenience and access are essential to student success. Two courses will be offered each quarter, one presented in-person in Ellensburg, and one presented online. In-person/DE classes are conveniently held in the early evenings to allow students to maintain employment and/or pursue an internship.

*Place-bound working professionals are welcome to apply. Please work with Dr. Schaefer to make appropriate accommodations.*

Program Information

• Application
• Courses
• Law and Justice Homepage
• Graduate Studies
• 4 + 1 Program

Contact Us

Dr. Roger Schaefer, Graduate Program Director
Roger.Schaefer@cwu.edu

Secretary Supervisor
Phone: 509-963-3219           

Email: laj@cwu.edu