This graduate degree program offers a curriculum in the administration of criminal justice, leading to a Master of Arts. The design of the program focuses on students seeking career opportunities or advancement in the justice-related fields. The degree program provides students with knowledge in the areas of criminal law, criminal justice, juvenile/delinquent behavior issues, security, terrorism and other current and timely topics. In light of the events of Sep 11th, the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice addresses security issues to ensure students learn the effects and changes to the U.S. Criminal Justice system as well as addressing broader countermeasures. Students choose from numerous major courses to focus their studies . The Criminal Justice program provides the student with an understanding of the United States Criminal justice system. The Curriculum offers a useful educational experience and academic skills for students who wish to pursue doctoral study or possibly a law enforcement position. Degree Program Objectives
In addition to the institutional and degree level learning outcomes objectives, the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice also seeks the following specific learning outcomes of its graduates. Graduates in this degree program will be able to: - Distinguish between the major systems of Criminal Justice and how the functions of police, prosecution, courts, and corrections interface.
- Analyze the various biological and psychological theories and philosophies of criminal behavior as they influence modern developments in punishment, sentencing, and corrections.
- Evaluate the various definitions, objectives, and issues of new or emergent criminal threats, such as terrorism, and how they compare and contrast with traditional criminal behavior theories.
- Assess the rule of law and changes to it as it pertains to direct and indirect influence and impact on social reactions to crime, corrections, and victims of crime.
- Critically examine landmark criminal justice cases, from the Supreme Court down to local levels, and determine their cultural, social, and economic impact.
- Apply the concepts of professional and ethical behavior within the criminal justice system.
Degree Program Requirements
Core Courses (15 semester hours)
RC504/ RC507 / CRJ 505 - Research Methods in Criminal Justice / Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Security
CR500 / CRJ 500 - Criminal Justice Ethics
CR501 / CRJ 501 - Criminology
CR502 / CRJ 502 - Criminal Law
CR503 / CRJ 503 - Criminal Justice Process
Major Courses (15 semester hours)
Choose five (5) courses from the list below:
CR504 / CRJ 504 - Drugs, Justice, and Society
CR506 / CRJ 506 - International Crime
CR512 / CRJ 512 - Police Administration
CR515 / CRJ 515 - Sexual Exploitation/Children
CR518 / CRJ 518 - Deviant Behavior
CR522 / CRJ 522 - Forensics
CR524 / CRJ 524 - Organized Crime
CR525 / CRJ 525 - Negotiations: Crisis and Hostage
LC524 / CRJ 526 - Drug Cartels and the Narcotics Threat
CR531 / CRJ 531 - Criminal Profiling
CR601 / CRJ 601 - Cases in Executive Decision Making
CR507 / CR533 / SCM 507 - Principles and Theory of Security Management / Assets Protection and Loss Prevention Management
LC529 / SCM 529 - International Terrorism
CR537 / SCM 537 - Computer Crime
CR690 / CRJ 690 - Independent Study Criminal Justice and Security
Graduate Electives (6 semester hours)
From other courses not taken to meet required, core, or major requirements.
CR700 / CRJ 790 - Comprehensive exam – Taken once all other requirements have been met unless thesis is taken.
CR791 / CRJ 791 - (3 semester hours) Master’s Capstone Seminar in Criminal Justice - The MA in Criminal Justice capstone seminar option includes a thesis, or a major research project or paper in lieu of the final comprehensive examination, which has no credit hours. Those who elect this option may reduce their electives by three semester hours to accommodate the seminar option credit. This option is desirable for those students who wish to focus on specific subject matter of an interdisciplinary nature or who would like to continue their education at a higher level.
Total Hours: 36 semester hours
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