Master of Science in Criminal Justice
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree is a graduate school program designed to prepare students to successfully enter criminal justice in managerial or leadership roles. Criminal justice students will learn law enforcement philosophies and how to apply theory and research in competitive work environments. A Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree covers broad, universal competencies across all major functional roles needed to address managerial and societal issues. Armed with understanding of the theory and practice of criminal justice, students will be prepared for success in advanced law enforcement careers or other criminal justice agencies. Whether students are interested in changing careers, adding impressive credentials to their resume or contemplating a move into criminal justice professions, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice will empower them to meet specific career goals.
Criminal justice programs are generally comprised of graduate-level classes and encompass a variety of elective courses. If desired, students may add a specialization to their degree plan which may increase their marketability. Possible Master of Science in Criminal Justice specializations include police management, global issues in criminal justice, leadership/executive management, correctional administration and treatment and prevention and control.
Students seeking to enter a criminal justice program are encouraged to obtain academic understanding of statistics and introductory calculus. While enrolled in a Master of Science in Criminal Justice program, students will encounter courses covering topics such as Critical Legal Issues in Criminal Justice, Organizational Behavior, Multicultural Law Enforcement, Methods in the Social and Behavioral Sciences, Correctional Case Management and Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice. Candidates who successfully complete the program will be awarded a Master of Science in Criminal Justice.
Program Objectives
- Demonstrate knowledge of social science theory and how it applies to current challenges facing the criminal justice systems throughout the world
- Foster important relationships between criminal justice and other professions such as social work, public health and psychology
- Research criminological trends across criminal justice professions
Program Curriculum
- Applied Police Management
- Advanced Abnormal Psychology
- Crisis Negotiations
- Organized Crime
- At Risk Youth
- Restorative Justice
- Social Stratification
- Policing in a Democratic Society
- Criminal Procedure and Rules of Evidence
- Juvenile Delinquency in America
- Criminal Justice Systems
- Law as Social Control
- Prevention and Control of Crime
- Legal and Ethical Aspects in Health and Mental Health Services
- Probation, Parole, & Community Corrections
- Civil Liberties
- Conflict Resolution and Dispute Mediation