The Master of Science in Criminal Justice Degree is earned upon successful
completion of 30 credits: 15 credits of required courses and 15 credits of
electives.
CJ 7030 Criminal Justice Systems: An extensive analysis of
the functions, processes and structures of the criminal justice
system; interrelationships among the components of the system, with
emphasis on law enforcement, courts, corrections and juvenile justice.
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3 credits
CJ 7130 Criminal Justice Research and Statistical Methods: An
analysis of the various criminal justice research methods and
statistical procedures, with emphasis on research design,
questionnaire construction, the construction and use of surveys, uses
of available data, methods of collecting and analyzing data, the
testing of hypotheses, the drawing of inferences, and the writing of
the research report.
3 credits
OR
CJ 7730 Evaluation and Program Analysis in Criminal Justice: The course will focus on the key concepts, methods, and issues in the field of evaluation research. Students will be exposed to the theoretical, methodological, and utilization of evaluation approaches in order to design, implement, and assess the most effective programs. Specific focus will center on needs assessment, impact assessments, monitoring, application of various quantitative and qualitative techniques, and proposal writing. A review of basic research methods principles will also be provided.
3 credits
CJ 7230 Criminological Theory: An extensive examination of
criminological theories and empirical research which support and
challenge these explanations of criminal behavior; the central
concepts and hypotheses of each theory, and the critical criteria for
evaluating such theories in terms of empirical validity. More
Information
3 credits
CJ 7330 Law as Social Control: An analysis of the needs,
functions, utilization and effects of informal and formal social
control mechanisms; theoretical perspectives on social control and
law, and empirical examination of theories of law as a social control
mechanism.
3 credits
CJ 7920 Seminar Paper Research: Based on individual interest
and consultation with an advisor, the student will be required to write
an advanced research paper on a specific topic; the independent empirical
research should serve as a capstone to the student's educational experience,
and as a bridge to the student's future in the criminal justice field.
Special Registration Instructions
Prerequisite: CJ 7030, CJ 7130 or CJ 7730, CJ 7230, and CJ 7330.
3 credits
OR
CJ 7990 Thesis Research: Completion and defense of a carefully delineated
scholarly work advancing an original point of view as a result of research.
The topic chosen must reflect the student's area of emphasis, and must
be approved by a thesis committee.
Prerequisite: CJ 7030, CJ 7130 or CJ 7730, CJ 7230, and CJ 7330.
3-6 credits
One of the major activities for the degree is the successful completion of the
Seminar Research Paper, which serves as a capstone to your educational experience
and a bridge to your future in the criminal justice field.
This emphasis is appropriate for those who wish to continue
graduate education in a Ph.D. program, teach at a two-year college, or
embark on a career in governmental research.
This emphasis is appropriate for those seeking promotion to
supervisory or administrative positions in a variety of criminal justice
settings.
This emphasis is appropriate for those interested in working
with crime victims, juveniles, probation and parole clients, or providing
services in institutional or community-based settings.
In addition to the required core courses listed above, you must complete
15 credits of elective graduate courses in areas appropriate to your
emphasis. With the help of an academic advisor, you will develop an
academic program plan consistent with specific goals from one of the three
emphasis areas. Contact the program coordinator for information regarding
transfer of elective credits not listed below.
