The program emphasizes the understanding of the ways in which theory, research and social policy interact, and the utilization of critical thinking skills to better understand this information. Students will be expected to acquire knowledge of the theories and research methods necessary for analysis of issues relevant to the field. Within this general framework, students will have an opportunity to pursue special interests in criminal justice that are consistent with the philosophy of the program.

Applicants to the Master of Arts program must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university, with a major or minor in criminal justice or a closely related discipline (acceptable fields outside criminal justice to be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Graduate Admissions Committee of the Department of Criminal Justice; additional coursework in criminological theory might be required of students from outside the field of criminal justice).

Program Objectives

• To educate students about their responsibilities as scholars and practitioners of criminal justice, and as citizens in a pluralistic society;
• To maintain an academic environment where all graduate students are encouraged to develop themselves personally and intellectually and where graduate students feel free to engage in teaching, research and community service in the spirit of academic and personal freedom;
• To build a graduate student cohort that is an example of cooperation, teamwork and dedication to University and community needs;
• To expose students to current research and theories and to teach students the skills needed to understand and evaluate the quality of research and its methodologies;
• To teach students how to critically analyze problems related to crime and criminal justice by emphasizing theory, research, ethics, problem-solving and policy analysis.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will learn about criminal justice from both academic and professional perspectives in order to prepare for careers as scholars and/or practitioners. Students will learn how to address critical issues in criminal justice and administration by developing analytical, problem-solving and leadership skills.
• Students will learn how to analyze and apply research and statistics to a variety of justice issues and settings.
• Students will learn how criminal justice interacts with other fields of study including, but not limited to, addiction, mental health, community well-being and family.
• Students will demonstrate understanding of theory and ability in professional writing by successfully completing their theses or comprehensive exams.
• Students will progress and graduate in a "reasonable" time frame.