Criminology and Criminal Justice M.S.
The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers a program of study designed to provide students with a broad-based understanding of the criminal justice system and society’s response to crime. A major goal of the program is to develop an understanding of the applied and theoretical aspects of crime and criminal justice.
The program provides students with a high degree of flexibility and allows students to tailor the program to match their own career interests. Core coursework consists of classes in the theoretical foundations of criminology and criminal justice, methodology, and criminal justice policy analysis.
The Criminology & Criminal Justice Graduate program seeks to create a meaningful learning experience and foster professional development for its students based on the following principles:
Demonstration of advanced knowledge and analysis of criminal justice and criminological theories, including knowledge of theoretical developments, core assumptions, predictions, empirical status, and limitations.
- Evaluation, Research, & Data Analysis
The ability to use, design, and conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses. The ability to use empirical evidence to evaluate criminal justice policies and interventions critically.
- Law, History, & Philosophy
Knowledge of the history, legal principles, structures, and philosophies that shape the use of criminal justice and responses to crime and deviance.
Evidence of the ability to effectively communicate advanced criminological and criminal justice concepts to the general public and practitioners.
- Ethics, Justice, and Diversity of Human Experience
Evidence of advanced knowledge of how cultural, demographic, environmental, political, religious, sexual, and social factors the uses of criminal justice and experiences with crime. Demonstrated commitment to principles of justice to inform ethical and just standards in addressing crime, disorder, and professional behavior.
Students graduating from our program should be able to demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:
● Advanced knowledge of and ability to evaluate criminal justice and criminological theories.
● Understanding organizational, political, economic, and cultural processes that shape criminal justice policies and practices.
● Knowledge of the history, philosophy, and values that shape the use of criminal justice and responses to crime and deviance.
● Committed efforts to examine principles and perceptions of justice informing ethical and equitable standards addressing crime, disorder, and professional behavior.
● Advanced knowledge of how cultural, demographic, environmental, political, religious, sexual, economic, and social factors influence the uses of criminal justice and experiences with crime.
● Analyze and interpret patterns in criminology and criminal justice data.
● Communicate findings from empirical research effectively through written reports and oral presentations.
● Develop and conduct original research or other academic products synthesizing information on criminology and criminal justice topics to benefit agencies or advancement in knowledge.
Degree requirements
All candidates for a master’s degree must complete a minimum of 51 graduate credits distributed as follows:
- 21 credit hours must be taken in the substantive core.
- 21-24 credits of elective courses. 12 credit hours must be taken within CCJ. 9-12 credit hours may be used to fill a specialization field.
- 9 credit hours of thesis or project work.
- Successful submission and defense of a portfolio or project.
Substantive Core
| CCJ 513 | Professional Orientation in Criminology and Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CCJ 515 | Theories of Crime and Justice | 3 |
| CCJ 520 | Analysis of Crime and Justice Data | 3 |
| CCJ 521 | Advanced Regression in Criminology & Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CCJ 525 | Criminal Justice Theory | 3 |
| CCJ 530 | Criminal Justice Research | 3 |
| CCJ 535 | Criminal Justice Policy | 3 |
Specialization Field
In consultation with the graduate coordinator, students have the option to develop and complete a specialization field as a part of their degree requirements. A minimum of three classes, totaling 9-12 credits, must be completed in the specialization field. Students can complete this requirement by taking courses in other academic units such as social work, public administration, computer science, political science, sociology, or geography. Courses may be selected from several academic units so long as they comprise a coherent field of study that will contribute to the academic development of the student.
Elective Courses
Students must satisfactorily complete 21-24 credit hours of elective courses, with at least 12 credits taken in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Project or Thesis
Students must complete a final culminating experience consisting of either project or a master’s thesis. Both options demonstrate a student’s ability to integrate specialized criminology and criminal justice knowledge. The project is an excellent opportunity to learn hands-on skills and network with an agency or organization. Students will work closely with their advisor and other faculty mentors to develop their projects or thesis.
- Thesis: A thesis is a scholarly work that demonstrates substantial capacity on the part of the student to engage in independent investigation. Students must submit a letter of interest and thesis prospectus to the CCJ Graduate Committee for approval before proceeding with the thesis option. To satisfy thesis requirements, students must pose an empirical research question and apply appropriate methods of scholarship to that question to generate new knowledge.
- Project: Students completing a Project must select one of two paths outlined below. A project prospectus (i.e., proposal) must be successfully defended by the end of a student’s 4th full term (typically the fall term of year two). Pathway 1 is the Academic Project that involves developing an academic, research, or experienced-based endeavor that involves a substantive rewritten report. The Academic Project typically has an applied focus. It can address a specific professional or organizational need, be used to develop a particular skill or deepen knowledge in a specific area of study. Project Pathway 2 is the Career Pathway Project. This project is designed to help students prepare for working within a specific criminal justice career.