If you are considering Xavier University’s online criminal justice programs, the first step is choosing the program that fits your background.

Xavier offers two primary online Criminal Justice pathways: the Master of Science in Criminal Justice and the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Criminal Justice Administration. The MS is the full graduate degree pathway, while the certificate is a shorter graduate credential.

This guide explains the admissions requirements for each program, including how the MS and Certificate differ, GPA requirements, when standardized test scores may be needed, and how to choose strong professional recommendation writers.

For broader application steps, transcript instructions, deadlines, tuition, accreditation, and general admissions information, visit the Admissions hub.

Key Takeaways

• Xavier offers a 30-credit, asynchronous online MS in Criminal Justice and a 9-credit online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Criminal Justice Administration.
• Both applications require official transcripts and two professional recommendations.
• GRE, MAT, or LSAT scores are required only for applicants who do not meet the required GPA criteria.
• Certificate credits may be applied directly toward Xavier’s MS in Criminal Justice.

Before reviewing the application requirements, decide which criminal justice pathway best matches your goals.

This article focuses on applying to each program. If you are still deciding whether the MS or Certificate is the better academic or career fit, start with Xavier’s Criminal Justice Programs overview page or the MS vs. Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Criminal Justice guide.

Both programs require official transcripts, two professional recommendation letters, cumulative GPA, and test scores (if needed). International applicant rules vary by program.

If you already know which pathway you want, review the admissions section on the MS in Criminal Justice or Post-Baccalaureate Certificate page before applying. If you are still comparing the two, read the MS vs. Post-Baccalaureate Certificate guide.

Understanding the GPA Pathways

For the MS and Certificate, there are two primary GPA routes:

• A 2.7 cumulative undergraduate GPA, or
• A 2.5 cumulative undergraduate GPA with five years of criminal justice or related experience.

GRE, MAT, or LSAT scores can be alternatives for applicants who do not meet the GPA requirements.

GRE (Graduate Record Exam): The minimum score requirement is 143 on the verbal section and 3.0 on the analytical writing section OR

MAT (Miller Analogies Test): The minimum scoring requirement for the MAT is 390 OR

LSAT (Law School Admission Test): The minimum scoring requirement for the LSAT is 138.

To confirm the most current admissions requirements, application deadlines, and test score information, review your selected program page or contact an enrollment advisor.

Before scheduling a test: Confirm that you do not already qualify through a GPA or experience-based pathway.

If you are applying to the MS or Certificate program, pay close attention to the criminal justice experience requirement if you don’t meet the 2.7 cumulative GPA requirement. You should be prepared to describe your professional background clearly, including job titles, employers, responsibilities, dates of employment, and how your experience connects to criminal justice or related work.

Relevant experience typically includes professional roles within criminal justice or closely related fields. Applicants whose experience falls outside traditional criminal justice settings should contact an enrollment advisor to discuss eligibility.

Admissions decisions consider the nature and scope of an applicant's professional experience, not simply a job title. If your experience is relevant but not tied to a traditional criminal justice title, contact your enrollment advisor before applying.

Request information before applying. An enrollment advisor can help you understand whether your background fits the requirement or whether another pathway may be more appropriate.

Xavier requires two professional recommendations from people who can assess your potential for success in the program. Choose recommenders who have directly observed your work, judgment, communication, and readiness to complete graduate-level coursework.

Strong options may include:

• A current or former supervisor
• An agency or organizational leader
• A faculty member familiar with your academic work
• A professional mentor

Before asking someone to write a recommendation, share your résumé or work history, the program name, your application deadline, and a brief explanation of the goals or experiences you hope the letter will address.

For broader application preparation guidance, visit the Admissions hub.

For either program, prepare:

• Xavier’s free online application
• One official transcript from each college or university attended
• Two professional recommendations
• Your undergraduate GPA information
• Relevant criminal justice or related experience only if you are using the experience pathway
• Approved test scores only if you are using the test-score pathway

Use the Admissions hub for general application steps and transcript instructions. Refer to your selected program page for final requirements: MS in Criminal Justice or Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Criminal Justice Administration.

You may want to request information before applying when:

• The experience listed on your résumé may not clearly qualify as criminal justice experience.
• You need clarification on GPA pathways and test score pathways.
• You are an international applicant reviewing MS eligibility.
• You plan to begin with the Certificate and later enter the MS.

Questions about basic application materials, deadlines, and test-score minimums should be answered directly on the current program pages.

If you are ready to compare the full degree and certificate pathways in more detail, start with Xavier’s Criminal Justice Programs overview page. If you already know which application route fits your background, review the admissions details on the MS in Criminal Justice or Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Criminal Justice Administration page before applying.

If you are still thinking about career direction, you may also want to read What Can You Do With a Master’s in Criminal Justice?.