Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Overview
This program prepares students for leadership positions in the field of criminal justice. It provides a strong foundation for students who anticipate advanced study at the doctoral level.
The curriculum offers criminal justice professionals a broad foundation for understanding criminal justice policy. Legal, organizational, political and behavioral frameworks are used to analyze the operation of the U.S. criminal justice system. Students are introduced to advanced knowledge on the nature and causes of crime, the justification and means of social control, the administration of the justice system, and the evaluation of criminal justice programs.
Concentrations
Concentrations are available in:
• corrections
• law enforcement
• administration
Students can follow the general master’s track; elect a concentration in corrections, law enforcement, or administration; or create a concentration by choosing electives in consultation with an assigned faculty advisor.
Students in the corrections concentration are prepared to assume administrative and management positions in correctional settings.
Students in the law enforcement concentration are prepared to assume administrative and management positions in law enforcement settings.
Students in the administration concentration take courses in public administration and criminal justice that prepare them for administrative positions within the criminal justice system.