This graduate degree program offers a curriculum in the administration of criminal justice, leading to a Master of Arts. The design of the program focuses on students seeking career opportunities or advancement in the justice-related fields. The degree program provides students with knowledge in the areas of criminal law, criminal justice, juvenile/delinquent behavior issues, security, terrorism and other current and timely topics. In light of the events of Sep 11th, the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice addresses security issues to ensure students learn the effects and changes to the U.S. Criminal Justice system as well as addressing broader countermeasures. Students choose from numerous major courses to focus their studies . The Criminal Justice program provides the student with an understanding of the United States Criminal justice system. The Curriculum offers a useful educational experience and academic skills for students who wish to pursue doctoral study or possibly a law enforcement position.

Degree Program Objectives

In addition to the institutional and degree level learning outcomes objectives, the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice also seeks the following specific learning outcomes of its graduates.  Graduates in this degree program will be able to do the following:

• Distinguish between the major systems of Criminal Justice and how the functions of police, prosecution, courts, and corrections interface
• Analyze the various biological and psychological theories and philosophies of criminal behavior as they influence modern developments in punishment, sentencing, and corrections
• Evaluate the various definitions, objectives, and issues of new or emergent criminal threats, such as terrorism, and how they compare and contrast with traditional criminal behavior theories
• Assess the rule of law and changes to it as it pertains to direct and indirect influence and impact on social reactions to crime, corrections, and victims of crime
• Critically examine landmark criminal justice cases, from the Supreme Court down to local levels, and determine their cultural, social, and economic impact
• Apply the concepts of professional and ethical behavior within the criminal justice system

 Graduate Catalog | Master's