Criminal Justice, M.A.
Credits: 36
CIP Code: 430104
Program Overview
The Master of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice program offers a study of crime and the administration of criminal justice systems. Emphasis is placed on the development of professional skills required for positions of responsibility and leadership in criminal justice service. The Program offers courses with supervised field work for a well-rounded and comprehensive educational experience.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants seeking admission to the Master of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice must meet the General Admissions Requirements as published in this Catalog. Applicants should have a broad-based background in the social and behavioral sciences or related areas.
Program Objectives
- Provide an in-depth introduction to advanced, concepts and practices of criminology and the criminal justice system.
- Prepare students to apply research techniques and statistical methodology to policy issues in the criminal justice agency setting.
- Provide students practical skills for organizational, managerial, and supervisory levels applicable to criminal justice agencies.
- Train students to identify, analyze, and solve problems at the organizational, inter-organizational, or community levels.
- Prepare students for advanced studies, research experiences, and careers in criminal justice, criminology or related fields.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students pursuing the Master of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice will:
- Articulate key concepts and theories in criminology and criminal justice.
- Explain causes of crime and delinquency utilizing major concepts, case law, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and basic structures of law enforcement, the criminal court system, and corrections.
- Conduct sound scientific research on issues related to the criminal justice system and criminology.
- Interpret and explain interdisciplinary nature of criminal justice and ethical issues in law enforcement, courts, and corrections.
- Communicate effectively, in oral and written formats, current events and developments in the criminal justice system through the use of modern technology to diverse audiences.
Degree Requirements
In addition to the General Degree Requirements as published in this catalog, students pursuing the Master of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice must complete the following requirements:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| CSCJ 501 | Classical Theo. in Soc. & Crim | 3 |
| CSCJ 502 | Contemporary Theo.in Soc&Crim | 3 |
| CSCJ 503 | Research Methods | 3 |
| CSCJ 505 | Statistics I | 3 |
| CSCJ 514 | Law Enforcement Admin. | 3 |
| CSCJ 516 | Judicial Process: Court System | 3 |
| CSCJ 517 | Correctional System | 3 |
| CSCJ 518 | Delinquency & Juvenile Justice | 3 |
| CSCJ 603 | Advanced Statistics | 3 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
CSCJ 520 | ||
| Selected Topics in Soc.&Crim. | ||
CSCJ 531 | ||
| Deviant Behavior | ||
| Social Stratification | ||
CSCJ 571 | ||
| Cultural and Ethnic Relations | ||
| Comparative Criminal Just Syst | ||
CSCJ 5XXX | Other Approved Elective at 500 or higher course level | |
| Thesis Research or Practicum | ||
| CSCJ 805 | Thesis Research 1 | 3 |
| or CSCJ 519 | Practicum | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
- 1
The Practicum must be with an approved criminal justice agency and for a minimum of 480 contact hours. See the graduate program coordinator for details.
Qualifying Examinations
Students must pass a written Qualifying Examination in Criminal Justice Theory and Research Methods. Students are permitted a maximum of three (3) attempts to pass. To be eligible for the Qualifying Examination, students must have completed a minimum of twenty-seven (27) graduate credits including the following courses:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CSCJ 501 | Classical Theo. in Soc. & Crim | 3 |
| CSCJ 502 | Contemporary Theo.in Soc&Crim | 3 |
| CSCJ 503 | Research Methods | 3 |
| CSCJ 505 | Statistics I | 3 |
| CSCJ 518 | Delinquency & Juvenile Justice | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Final Examination
An oral examination covering the student’s Thesis Research or Practicum experience.
Criminal Justice, M.A.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | |
| CSCJ 501 | Classical Theo. in Soc. & Crim | 3 |
| CSCJ 503 | Research Methods | 3 |
| CSCJ 505 | Statistics I | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CSCJ 502 | Contemporary Theo.in Soc&Crim | 3 |
| CSCJ 518 | Delinquency & Juvenile Justice | 3 |
| CSCJ 603 | Advanced Statistics | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Second Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| CSCJ 514 | Law Enforcement Admin. | 3 |
| CSCJ 516 | Judicial Process: Court System | 3 |
| CSCJ 517 | Correctional System | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CSCJ 5XX | Elective in Criminal Justice 1 | 3 |
| CSCJ 5XX | Elective in Criminal Justice 1 | 3 |
| CSCJ 805 or CSCJ 519 |
Thesis Research or Practicum |
3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
- 1
Must be at 500 or higher course level
Practicum
Students who elect to do the practicum must first complete at least twenty-eight (28) credits of coursework before beginning this field experience. The practicum provides opportunities for students to gain practical experience in the criminal justice system thereby bridging classroom learning with the actual field setting. The department strives to meet the needs of students by placing them in their choice positions at the federal, state, and county levels as well as with some private agencies.
Graduate Assistantships
A limited number of graduate assistantships through the department are available on a competitive basis for students in Academic Good Standing and provide opportunities in research and professional assignments. Individual faculty members may also have graduate assistantships through funded research grants. For details please contact the graduate program coordinator.