Location:

Lynchburg, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

Sociology, Sociology

Program Overview

Program Description:

The Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice Studies offers a program leading to the degree of Master of Science - Sociology, with a concentration in Criminal Justice. The mission of graduate sociology is an extension of the general mission of Longwood University. The goal is to develop in our students qualities of the citizen-leader by providing graduate-level education that emphasizes the applied use of sociological theories and methods. Students have the opportunity to learn how to apply sociology through practica, real life experience in their professional fields. With a program designed to serve students who are already in a service profession related to sociology and those seeking positions in these fields, we offer the kind of education that will encourage professional growth and enhance leadership ability. The student interested in the many fields of criminal justice will benefit from our program's well-developed ties to various criminal justice and related institutions throughout the region. The program is unique in four ways. First, it is oriented to the application of sociological theories and methods to social life. This includes issues related to crime, juvenile delinquency, poverty, family violence, service delivery, and human resources. Second, the program utilizes off-campus and online course offerings and a blend of traditional and innovative time formats. These arrangements make the program especially attractive for in-service professionals. Third, because it is grounded in the liberal arts discipline of sociology, it is an appropriate degree program for students in a variety of vocations. Fourth, the program is well integrated into local and regional criminal justice and social service agencies and is supported by an advisory panel of distinguished professionals. Graduate sociology at Longwood is currently offered off-campus at the Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy in Lynchburg.

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

SACS

Requirements:

Applicants must have a 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) overall undergraduate GPA, two recommendations, personal essay, and official transcripts from all universities. Courses are offered at the Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (CVCJA) in downtown Lynchburg, Virginia in a weekend format - Friday evening and all day Saturday, four non-consecutive weekends.

International Requirements:

A credential evaluation to determine equivalency to a U.S. baccalaureate degree and must demonstrate proficiency in the English language through the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or International English Language Testing system (IELTS) if English is not the primary language spoken in the household. A minimum score of 570 (paper test) or 80 (Internet test) is required on the TOEFL or a minimum 6.5 on the IELTS for admission. All applicants are expected to meet all admission requirements in order to be considered as we do not grant conditional admits.