Information for Medaille University Students →

COAS Graduate Programs

Graduate Commencement

Graduate Programs

  • Criminal Justice Administration, Master of Science
    - Building off the strengths of our criminal justice faculty, this program offers an opportunity to gain a critical understanding of criminal justice administration and related social, economic, and political issues with a national and international focus.
  • Information Security & Digital Forensics, Master of Science
    - Niagara master's degree program in information security and digital forensics (ISDF) is designed to prepare students for an exciting and rewarding career in cybersecurity, both in government and in private business.
    - Available on our US and Canadian Campuses.
  • Interdisciplinary Studies, Master of Arts
    - This program allows students to construct an innovative curriculum that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries to address questions or themes of interest. Graduates gain in-depth knowledge of research, trends in interdisciplinary scholarship, as well as preparation for career advancement in their field.
    - Available in-person and fully-online
  • Additional Graduate Programs at Niagara University

Accelerated Options for Undergraduates

  • 5-year B.S.-M.S. program in Criminal Justice Administration: Up to three graduate courses can be taken as part of your undergraduate degree for NU students who qualify. The courses can count toward the students advised electives. The option is open to junior/senior criminal justice majors and minors. It allows students the ability to complete their undergraduate and graduate degree in approximately five years.
  • 6-year Psychology / Mental Health Counseling Program: Up to four graduate courses can be taken as part of your undergraduate degree for NU students who qualify. The courses can count toward the students advised electives. The option is open to psychology majors. It allows students the ability to shave off an entire year from the master's program and complete their undergraduate and graduate degree in approximately six years.
  • Graduate Courses as an Undergraduate: Students with a 3.0 or higher GPA going into senior year, can take up to two courses (one per semester) as extra courses beyond their degree requirements. This program is open to all students and the courses can be used toward any of our graduate programs. Students must be in 12 credits before registering for the courses. Students interested in a MBA may also pursue prerequisite courses to speed up their degree.

Graduation & Commencement

To allow for more direct communication and personal service, advisement as a graduate student is handled by your advisor or department. However, you will need to fill out our Masters Diploma/Commencement Survey, about 1 1/2 semesters before you plan to graduate. This survey indicates your intention to graduate and provides information necessary for your diploma and the commencement program. If you need assistance, feel free to contact the Dean's Office.

  • Diploma/Commencement Survey (Complete 1-2 semesters before graduation)
  • What Can You Do To Prepare for Graduation?
    - Make sure all your prior NU BS/MS credits and/or transfer credits are posted on your graduate transcript on Web Advisor. If not see the Graduate Student Credit Placement Form below.
    - Fill out the Graduate Diploma Information Form
    - Complete all the required courses for your program.
    - Maintain a 3.0 overall GPA.
    - Students with over a 3.0 who are one course shy and are defending their policy paper/thesis/capstone prior to commencement may potentially participate in the ceremony.
  • Additional Information - NU Graduate Commencement Site

Prior NU Credit & Transfer Credit Placement Form

Use the Graduate Credit Form available in the Dean's Office to officially post any graduate courses taken as an undergraduate at NU or other credit from a transfer institution.

  • Prior NU graduate credits taken as an undergraduate:
    - Up to 3 courses B.S./M.S. program in Criminal Justice Administration.
    - Up to 4 graduate courses Psychology/Mental Health Counseling (credits posted by education).
    - Up to 2 courses UG with 3.0 GPA for other programs (Information Security & Digital Forensics). 
  • Transfer credits: Official transcripts required (B or higher grade). 
    - Up to 3 courses can be transferred into the Criminal Justice Administration, M.S.
    - Up to 4 courses can be transferred into the Interdisciplinary Studies, M.A.