ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants for admission to graduate study with specialization in criminal justice will be expected to have completed an undergraduate program in criminal justice or a closely related allied filed. Admission is based on a 2.75 or better undergraduate quality point average or satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies test (MAT).
MISSION STATEMENT
The Master of Science degree program in Criminal Justice provides students with an advanced program of study needed for career advancement in criminology and criminal justice. The program’s major strengths are its applied perspective and emphasis on theory, research, and policy analysis. The curriculum’ philosophy, format, and implementation stress the practical application of a higher level of knowledge, skills, and strategies relevant to the study of the causes, consequences, and responses to crime. The methodological and theory components are suitable for students planning advanced graduate studies in criminology and criminal justice. The program also serves working professionals who enhance their understanding of theory and conduct research related to their organizations.
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
The program’s major strengths are its applied perspective and strong emphasis on theory, policy, research, and analysis. Philosophy, format, and implementation stress the practical application of a higher level of knowledge, skills, and strategies.
The curriculum is guided by the following assessment objectives which are evaluated on a yearly basis:
OBJECTIVE 1: Comprehensive Knowledge of Criminal Justice: Students will understand more readily the operations of the criminal justice system and the many issues (both theoretical and practical) that confront the administration of justice in a democratic society.
OBJECTIVE 2: Critical Analysis: Students will understand more readily how to interpret, analyze and evaluate issues of importance in the field of criminal justice.
OBJECTIVE 3: Communication: Students will be able more readily to express their knowledge and critical analysis ability through both written work and oral presentation.
OBJECTIVE 4: Exposure to Human and Cultural Diversity: Faculty will expose students to the issues of diversity in the criminal justice system and provide opportunities for students to participate in experiences that promote diversity.
OBJECTIVE 5: Exposure to Ethical Problem Solving: Faculty will expose students to the nature of ethics in general and the role of normative ethics in the criminal justice system and provide opportunities for students to participate in criminal justice-related situations (hypothetical or actual) that deal with ethical issues.
OBJECTIVE 6: Exposure to Technology: Faculty will expose students to the use of technology in the field of criminal justice in general and provide opportunities for students to participate in criminal justice related situations that deal with technological issues.
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