The Criminal Justice and Social Problems track in the? Program at Wright State University?emphasizes methodology and theoretical courses and topics-focused workshops aimed at improving the research and intellectual foundations for employment and professional advancement in the criminal justice fields. Students in the program typically work for, or plan to work for, the courts, probation offices, police agencies, prison administrations, or private and public programs for juvenile offenders.

The training received in basic social science skills and knowledge is also a useful foundation for those who wish to proceed to doctoral-level study in a number of fields. An optional practicum provides field experience for those without prior experience in a criminal justice field. The program culminates in an applied research effort that, at the student's option, takes the form of either a journal article project or a traditional thesis. Courses are offered primarily in the evenings and workshops primarily on the weekends to accommodate employed students.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Students will master graduate level knowledge concerning computer based? research skills.
  • Students will master graduate level quantitative and qualitative skills as appropriate to the study of criminal justice.?
  • Students will master formal graduate writing skills appropriate for the creation? of graduate theses/projects and research articles.?
  • Students will master the skills of reviewing applied programs (e.g., a program for felons whose crimes are tied to alcohol abuse) in terms of the extant literature, logical cohesion and current empirical knowledge.
  • Students will be able to use their skills in the creation and administration of applied programs in both public and private agencies.