Frequently Asked Questions about the Graduate Program

Niagara University is located in the Town of Lewiston, New York. It stands atop the picturesque Niagara River Gorge five miles from the world famous Niagara Falls and overlooks the Province of Ontario, Canada. The Queenston – Lewiston Bridge is only one mile from Niagara University. Niagara University is located outside of the Buffalo/Lake Erie snowbelt and receives substantially less snow than the metroplex in the winter.

What program does Niagara University offer?

The Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration consists of an 11-course sequence totaling 33 semester hours. All courses earn three credits. All classes are offered at 4 p.m. or later and convenient class scheduling permits students to take two courses on some class evenings. Six of the 11 courses are core requirements; the remainder are electives.

How long is the program?

The master’s degree program is designed for completion in one calendar year for full-time students and two calendar years for part-time students.

When can I start the program?

Niagara University offers three entry points into the program: Fall (August), Spring (January), and Summer (May).

What is the deadline for applying?

Niagara University has a rolling admissions policy. Applications are considered as they are received and evaluated in a holistic fashion in keeping with the mission of the university. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application will be considered.

How many days a week is the program?

During the fall and spring, course work is generally kept to three days a week.

Do I get to select my own schedule?

Yes, you will work with Dr. Harmon, the Criminal Justice Graduate Advisor, to determine your schedule.

What is the cost of the program?

The most current information is listed on Student Account's Fee Structure site. Additional fees such as parking and registration are also listed on the same site.

Is a Bachelor’s Degree required to apply?

Yes, a Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited college or university is required for admission. The degree conferred needs to be posted on the official transcript.

What if I am “in progress” with a scheduled graduation date?

Individuals who are still undergraduates and currently “in progress” with a graduation date planned before the start of Niagara University’s program need to indicate this on the application. Also, an official letter from the college/university will be needed to verify your planned graduation date. Please submit the “in progress” transcript along with a copy of any registrations for classes currently enrolled in if they do not appear on your transcript. A second transcript will be required once the degree is conferred and posted.

What materials do I need to apply?

1) The application, accompanied by a $30 fee (U.S. funds), payable to Niagara University. An electronic version of the application is available at www.niagara.edu/crj/masters/form.htm. If you apply via the Internet, the application fee is waived.

2) Official transcripts of all previous college and university work, to be sent directly from the registrar of each institution.

3) Two letters of recommendation to be sent directly to Dr. Talia Harmon, Director of the Criminal Justice Department at Niagara University by persons who know the applicant’s qualifications and can assess the applicant’s ability to perform graduate work.

4) A personal statement of no more than 500 words that explains why you wish to pursue the master’s degree program. Scores on the G.R.E. aptitude test to be sent directly to Niagara University from the Educational Testing Service (which administers the exam). Niagara University alumni who received a B.A. or B.S. from the College of Arts and Sciences in the previous five years may waive the G.R.E. requirement if their overall undergraduate QPA was 3.0 or better. Also, G.R.E. scores may be waived by the department depending upon professional experience and undergraduate performance. For further details, please contact Dr. Harmon. Please note that an I-20 cannot legally be issued unless a student is matriculated, therefore, all Canadians are required to take the G.R.E.

For students whose native language is not English, scores on the TOEFL must be sent directly by the testing service.

It is highly recommended that you submit the application and all application materials in one packet to:

Dr. Talia Harmon, Director

Criminal Justice Department

Graduate Division of Arts and Sciences

Niagara University, NY 14109

Where can I sign up for the Graduate Record Examination (G.R.E)?

For the G.R.E. general test you may call 1-800-GRECALL for locations or check the website out at www.gre.org. The Counseling Center at Niagara University offers GRE Exams.

Where can I find information on financial aid?

US students – FAFSA – www.fafsa.ed.gov

Canadian students – OSAP – www.osap.gov.on.ca

You can also contact the Financial Aid office at Niagara University:

Barbara M. Corcoran, Financial Aid Counselor – 716-286-8686

Email: bmc@niagara.edu

Who can I contact about student housing?

Niagara University Housing

716-286-8100 / email: housing@niagara.edu

Who can I contact about tuition/bursary questions?

Student Accounts

716-286-8300

How do US college/university credit hours equate to credits in Canada?

US college credit hour courses are semester based and are worth 3 college/university credit hours/units and usually equal .5 credit at Canadian institutions (though some Canadian institutions are on the hour system). Many Canadian courses are full year, which would equate to 6 credit hours. Six full courses (or 12 half credits) would equate to 36 college/university credit hours in the US.

Does it matter if I only have a 3-year Bachelor’s degree?

A Bachelor’s degree is required for the program.

Will I need a student VISA?

All students who are not American citizens require a student VISA. The VISA is used to cross the border on a daily basis for classes.

How difficult is a student VISA to obtain?

The process for obtaining a VISA is fairly simple and very straightforward. Niagara University has been issuing student VISAs for decades and our staff is highly responsive to student needs.

Who can I contact if I have VISA questions?

Elizabeth Broomfield, Assistant Director of Records
Records Office, Lower Level Gallagher, Niagara University, NY 14109
Phone 716-286-8726 Fax 716-286-8733 Email eab@niagara.edu

What is required by Immigration?

Niagara University will send you an application for a student VISA, which will take you about 5 minutes to fill out. In addition to providing your personal information (e.g. citizenship, date of birth), you will also provide a letter from a financial institution documenting your ability to pay your tuition. You will then fax or mail the application back to Niagara University, and then we will prepare your VISA. NU sends the VISA back to you in the mail so that you can present it at the border.

What are the latest issues regarding crossing the border?

Contrary to public speculation, crossing the border is quite quick and convenient. The delays that are announced in the media typically pertain only to “commercial”

traffic – large trucks. Cars typically go around the line of trucks and straight to the booths on the border.

Niagara University Switchboard 1-800-462-2111

Niagara University Criminal Justice Department 716-286-2080

Website: www.niagara.edu/graduate

Niagara University reserves the right to make revisions on any or all specifications contained herein and to apply such revisions to current and new students alike. The provisions in this document are to be considered directive in character and not as an irrevocable contract between the student and graduate division.