Number of credits required to complete the degree: 32
Required minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
School: School of Education and Social Policy
Learn more about the program
The M.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice degree is an ideal platform for those seeking careers in one of the many paths open to criminal justice practitioners. The program also offers a robust curriculum for people ready to advance professionally in their current jobs. The curriculum is tailored to meet the increasingly complex demands of the criminal justice workplace. It enables students to focus on areas of study in high demand within the criminal justice profession. Through an innovative curriculum focusing on theory, research, policy and practice, students will prepare to pursue 21st-century criminal justice careers related to law enforcement, justice advocacy and reform and crime analytics. The curriculum is arranged into four career-aligned concentrations:
The Law Enforcement in the 21st Century concentration prepares students for local, state and federal law enforcement careers. It focuses on policing culture and practices, criminal law and procedure, timely issues related to policing in schools and ethics in law enforcement.
The Justice Advocacy and Reform concentration centers around victims of crime, incarcerated populations, juvenile offenders and juvenile justice, and gender-based violence. Students learn how to support juvenile at-risk populations through victim advocacy and knowledge of victims’ rights. The program also focuses on career readiness, challenges and solutions that professionals in the field will face.
Criminal Justice Leadership and Administration concentration (interdisciplinary) provides a pathway to police leadership roles such as Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief and Chief. Courses include Public Administration budgeting and leadership courses.
The Crime Analytics Concentration (interdisciplinary) prepares students for pathways in data analytics and information sharing within police departments and other criminal justice data centers, which provide information and analysis to states and federal agencies. This interdisciplinary concentration encompasses classes in data science, statistics and the development of data management skills.
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