Applying for Graduate Study
The Department of Criminal Justice is undertaking a thorough examination of its graduate program as part of a larger department review. As a result, graduate student admissions have been suspended and the department will not accept applications for the 2013-2014 academic year. We fully expect that the program examination will be completed in a timely fashion and that graduate student applications will be accepted again starting with those who plan to begin their studies in the 2014-2015 academic year. Please contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Professor William Pridemore [wpridemo@indiana.edu], if you have any questions about the program.
The Department of Criminal Justice promotes interdisciplinary approaches to studying the nature and causes of crime, the administration of justice (both civil and criminal), and the relationship between law and society. We embrace the importance of cross-cultural inquiry and interdisciplinarity by applying insights from other disciplines (Anthropology, Developmental Science, Law, Political Science, Psychology, Public Health, and Sociology) to issues in law, crime and justice. In addition, several of our faculty members do research abroad, including in Central and South America, the Philippines, India, Russia, and Eastern Europe. Given the department’s scholarly orientation, we expect students to pursue new and emerging areas of inquiry, and we seek to provide them with the theoretical and methodological skills needed to do so. Moreover, the Department provides an excellent environment for graduate study, with our graduates going on to careers in academia, government, and the private sector.
Part of our success in graduate training is due to our setting and location, which provide unique resources for graduate study. Indiana University - Bloomington is a Research I University that ranks nationally among top research institutions. IU has outstanding research support and infrastructure. The Herman B Wells library is one of the top research libraries in the country, and PC Magazine ranked IU #1 among public universities in providing students and faculty with an advanced technological environment for learning and research. With over 60 departments and programs in IU’s College of Arts and Sciences, our graduate students are free to explore their interests in other social sciences related to criminology and criminal justice. The College has leading psychology and sociology departments, for example, and anthropology and political science are also very popular. Graduate students interested in carrying out criminological research in other cultures will find amazing resources here, as the College boasts world class language and area studies programs. For those who want to sharpen their quantitative and methodological skills, the College’s Department of Statistics, as well as the above mentioned disciplinary departments, provides advanced courses on numerous topics.
There is something special about going to graduate school in Bloomington. The campus consistently is rated as one of the most beautiful in the nation; you can take a virtual tour to see for yourself. In addition, while Bloomington is a quintessential college town, which is located in the rolling green hills of southern Indiana, the city also offers a host of big-city experiences. The Arts are especially strong here, as IU boasts one of the top music schools in the world that hosts more than 1,000 performances per year, a great theatre department, a top notch art museum, and open air markets and festivals. There are three lakes within Monroe County; miles of scenic hiking, running and bicycling trails; and numerous excellent restaurants and wineries. Couple this with easy access to Midwestern urban centers such as Chicago, Indianapolis, Louisville, St. Louis and Cincinnati, and you will never be bored here.
Applying to the Doctoral or Master's Programs
Students may apply to either the Doctoral Program or the Master’s Program. Students in the Doctoral Program can receive the Master’s degree as part of their graduate studies. Students applying to the Master’s Program do so either because they are unsure if they want to pursue the doctoral degree or because they want the terminal Master’s degree to advance their professional opportunities. Students must have earned a bachelor’s degree to apply to either program. Students with a Master’s degree from another university are welcome to apply to our Doctoral Program.
When reviewing applications, we do not just look at one indicator of future academic success. Our admissions committee reviews all of the applicants’ submitted materials, including undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) coursework and grades, overall grade point average (GPA) and GPA within the major, the rigor of the institutions attended, Graduate Record Exam scores, the personal statement, letters of recommendation, relevant research experiences and publications, and any other relevant personal or professional experiences. Although we do not have fixed cutoff scores, we seek applicants with Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores above the 85th percentile, who have a GPA of 3.5 and above. For international students, a minimum TOEFL score of 600, or a computer based score of 250, or a minimum TOEFLibt score of 100, also is required.
When applying, applicants must submit:
(1) An official transcript from all previously attended undergraduate, graduate and professional programs;
(2) A personal statement of approximately 500 words that identifies your academic goals, career objectives, why you are applying to our program, and the qualifications you have that make you a strong candidate;
(3) GRE scores from the Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning sections. Scores from the Personal Potential Index (ETS® PPI) on the newly revised GRE are optional. You may submit scores from the previous version of the GRE, if the test was taken within the last two years;
(4) Three letters of recommendation from faculty members familiar with your prior academic performance and potential for success in graduate work;
(5) A resume identifying and describing past academic achievements and activities (e.g., research assistantships, fellowships, internships, awards); and
(6) Copies of published articles and book chapters, Master Thesis, and papers presented at conferences. The applicant, at her or his discretion, may also submit course papers.
All international students must also submit the official results of the international TOEFL test.
Domestic students must complete the online application form and mail materials to support your application as early as possible, but no later than January 15th.
Mail all materials to:
Graduate Studies’ Admissions
Department of Criminal Justice
Indiana University
Sycamore Hall, Room 302
1033 E. Third Street
Bloomington, IN 47405
Email: rkapusti@indiana.edu
Fax: (812) 855-5522
Phone: (812) 856-4675
International students also must complete the online application form and mail materials to support your application as early as possible, but no later than November 1st.
Mail all materials to:
Office of International Admissions
Leo R. Dowling International Center
111 South Jordan Avenue
Bloomington, Indiana 47405
Email: newtoiu@indiana.edu
Fax: (812) 856-5378
Phone: (812) 855-9086
Faculty Research Interests
Current Graduate Student Research Interests
Emissaries for Graduate Student Diversity Program
IU Bloomington Campus Map
Contact Information
William Alex Pridemore, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies
Email: wpridemo@indiana.eduRuth Cord, Graduate Secretary
Department of Criminal Justice
302 Sycamore Hall
1033 E. Third Street
Bloomington, IN 47405-7005
Email: rkapusti@indiana.edu
Fax: (812) 855-5522
Phone: (812) 856-4675
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