The Master of Science in Criminal Justice will expand and increase individual competency, develop and mature thought processes, aid in gaining insights into professional leadership and knowledge, permit an exchange between students and faculty, and further the spirit of research and scholarship to enhance professional and personal development. The curriculum is designed to offer a balance of theory and practical application that will prove to be challenging to students and useful in the field. The M.S. in Criminal Justice provides the requisite knowledge and opportunity for individuals: to be competitive for administrative positions in the courts, corrections, law enforcement, security, probation, and parole; and to fill research positions in criminal justice agencies. It also allows one to pursue an advanced degree (Ph.D.) and to fill community/technical college teaching positions within criminal justice.
CURRICULUM
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice program benefits professionals with bachelor's degrees in related fields and newly graduated undergraduates looking to prepare of positions for midlevel. The program is in an asynchronous online format with a total of 36 credit hours. Most online courses are eight weeks to complete.
Core Courses (12 Credits)
CRMJ 501 Criminal Justice Systems
CRMJ 502 Advanced Criminological Theory
CRMJ 506 Statistical Analysis
CRMJ 508 Advanced Research Methods in Criminal Justice
Professional/Elective Courses (18 Credits)
Choice of a Non-Thesis or Thesis Track:
Non-Thesis Track Option: (6 Credits)
CRMJ 609 Criminal Justice Policy
CRMJ 610 Public Policy Portfolio
Thesis Track Option: (6 Credits)
CRMJ 611 Thesis I
CRMJ 612 Thesis II
CAREER AND OUTCOMES
Earning your master's in criminal justice can help you develop leadership skills to manage teams and make decisions with your specialized knowledge. It will enable you to do the following:
- Demonstrate familiarity with the design, structure, and critical functions of the U.S. Criminal Justice system.
- Demonstrate knowledge of historical and contemporary trends in crime in the United States.
- Demonstrate knowledge of significant issues, both domestic and international, facing criminal justice systems.
- Display a comparative understanding of major criminological theories and their strengths and weaknesses in explaining public policy.
- Collect research data, conduct original research and analysis, using criminal investigation technologies, and apply findings to existing crime-related problems; and communicate professionally, both orally and in writing, their ideas and disciplinary research work.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admissions Criteria
- Proof of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher in an undergraduate program.
- All official transcripts from both undergraduate and graduate institutions.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, for international students whose native language is not English.
- A 300 – 500 personal statement that describes the accomplishments, strength, and weaknesses as it relates to graduate study and career goals.
- A current resume.
- Two letters of recommendation from former professors/ instructors or professionals qualified to comment on the applicant’s graduate study potential.