Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

John Freed, Ph.D., Division Chair of Arts & Sciences

W. Richard Wagner, Ph.D., Associate Division Chair for Criminal Justice and Sociology

Robert Hill, D.P.A.

Myron Orleans, Ph.D.

The master of arts program in criminal justice is committed to the interdisciplinary study of criminal behavior and society's response to it. The program welcomes students who work within a criminal justice profession, as well as those who have had little or no previous exposure to the criminal justice system.

The master of arts degree in criminal justice prepares students for administrative, research, and teaching positions. It is primarily designed to foster a learning community of criminal justice professionals who will use cutting edge knowledge within law enforcement, correctional and legal arenas. Program graduates will also be prepared for admission to doctoral programs in crime and deviance, and for promotions within existing law enforcement, correctional and legal institutions.

Admission to the Program and Prerequisites

Admission to the program may be achieved by completing the following requirements:

1. Satisfactorily fulfill graduate admissions requirements for University College as stated in this catalog. (See the Graduate Admissions section.)
2. If the student uses Option Two in the CUC graduate admissions requirements, submit passing scores from one of the following standard admission tests:

   Graduate Record Examination (GRE): achieve the required minimum scores on two out of three of the subsections of the GRE or score at or above the 60th percentile on any one of the Graduate Subject Tests. (Minimum score for quantitative or verbal sections is 450. Minimum score for analytic writing is 4.5.)

   Miller Analogies Test (MAT): achieve a minimum scaled score of 400.

3. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with the applicant's academic/professional ability to undertake graduate study.
4. A "statement of intent" which incorporates the student's reasons for entering the criminal justice program and a recent resume.

Coursework shall be substantially at the 500 and 600 levels. Only 400 level criminal justice courses cross-listed as 500 level courses may be taken for graduate credit; a maximum of 9 credits of such 400 level courses will be allowed toward the degree. These courses cannot have been completed for a baccalaureate degree; they must have been taken for graduate credit.

At least one of the following core courses must be taken before any elective courses are attempted: CJCU 500, CJCU 501, CJCU 503, CJCU 512, CJCU 514.

Graduate Certificate in Administration and Leadership of Criminal Justice Organizations

The graduate certificate program in criminal justice policy administration and leadership of criminal justice organizations allows students who are in criminal justice agencies to acquire specialized skills in administration and leadership for use in criminal justice systems. It is designed for students who wish to exercise leadership in local, state, and federal government criminal justice programs.

Admission to the Certificate Program

Any student who meets the standards for regular admission may be admitted to the certificate program. Students who wish to pursue a CJMA may use the credits in the certificate program towards their Master's in Criminal Justice, if applicable.

Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Policy

The graduate certificate program in criminal justice policy allows students to hone skills in administration and general knowledge of public policy in criminal justice systems. It is designed for students who wish to seek positions in analyzing criminal justice policy or to conduct program evaluations in local, state, and federal government agencies. The certificate may also enhance the promotion potential of individuals currently occupying positions in which the analysis of criminal justice policy and research is used to guide criminal justice programs.

Admission to the Certificate Program

Admission to the certificate program is open to any student who meets the standards for regular admission. Students who wish to pursue a CJMA may use the credits in the certificate program towards their Master's in Criminal Justice, if applicable.