2011-2012 Archived Catalog Information

Ten courses (thirty semester hours), as indicated below. All courses are three semester hours. A full-time course load is 12 credit hours per term.

The four core courses provide a foundation in the areas of law, criminology, and applied research. The optional requirements allow students to choose their own areas for specific application of theories and research methods. Finally, free electives or concentrations allow students to specialize in areas that are particularly important for crime and justice professionals, including victim advocacy, substance abuse, counseling and public administration.

Students can gain academic credit (CJ 783/784, CJ 786/787/788) and experience in the field through one of a wide range of practica or internships. A master’s thesis is not required but is encouraged for qualified students. Full-time students can complete the program in twelve months.
 
Joint Degrees

(See the Joint Degree section of this catalog for more information)

• Juris Doctor/Master of Science in Crime and Justice Studies 
• Master of Science in Crime and Justice Studies/Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling 
• Master of Science in Crime and Justice Studies/ Master of Public Administration

Academic Standing

To receive the degree, candidates must have a cumulative grade point average of “B” (3.0). Upon completion of a semester, should a student’s cumulative grade point average fall below 3.0, the student is subject to an academic warning. If a student’s cumulative grade point average falls below 3.0 for two consecutive semesters and/or if the student receives two “C” grades, the student may be subject to dismissal from the program. No student may carry more than two grades of incomplete at any one time (exclusive of incomplete grades for thesis research and writing) unless the student has approval from the program director.

Required Core Courses (12 Semester Hours)

CJ 681  Crime and Communities

CJ 701  Seminar in Crime and Justice

CJ 702  Research Methods in Crime and Justice Studies

CJ 709  Quantitative Analysis

Option Requirements (9 Semester Hours)

CJ 657 Perspectives on Drug Policy

CJ 683 Policing in America

CJ 685 Seminar in Corrections

CJ 686 Seminar in Juvenile Justice

CJ 687 Justice and the Community Courts

CJ 688 Restorative Justice

CJ 691 Intimate Violence and Sexual Assault

CJ 692 Criminal Justice Policy

CJ 694 Critical Victimology

CJ 695 Special Topics in Crime and Justice Studies

CJ 704 Legal Issues in the Criminal Justice System

CJ 705 Race, Class, Gender, and Justice

CJ 708 Ethical Issues in the Criminal Justice Professions

CJ 730 Bad Girls

CJ 731 Programming for Youth

CJ 732 Adolescent Risks and Resilience

CJ 734 Youth Gangs

CJ 783 Practicum in Crime and Justice Studies I

CJ 784 Practicum in Crime and Justice Studies II

CJ 786 Internship in Crime and Justice Studies I

CJ 787 Internship in Crime and Justice Studies II

CJ 910 Independent Study in Crime and Justice Studies

Free Electives (9 Semester Hours)
Students must elect three courses. At least one course must be within the MSCJS program. Other graduate electives within the areas of public administration; mental health counseling; psychology; human services; communications and government may be chosen if approved by the MSCJS Program Director. 

Concentration Options:

Victim Advocacy Concentration (12 Semester Hours)

Students who elect to pursue the following concentration must use a combination of option requirements and free electives to fulfill the following requirements:  

Choose 4 courses with the help of your advisor. The first three courses are highly recommended.

CJ 688 Restorative Justice

CJ 691 Intimate Violence and Sexual Assault

CJ 694 Critical Victimology

CJ 783/784 Practicum in Victim Advocacy

CJ 786/787 Internship in Victim Advocacy

EHS 713 Counseling: Theory and Practice

EHS 751 Domestic Violence Abuse and Neglect

Youth, Crime and Justice Concentration (12 Semester Hours) 

The aim of this concentration is to understand youth crime and associated behaviors in interaction with societal structures, such as families, schools, neighborhoods, social service and justice systems, as well as within the context of child and adolescent development. The intersection of race, class and gender will be explored. Students will examine youth involvement in these systems and how policies and programs promote or hinder healthy youth development. 

Select four of the following:

CJ 686 Seminar in Juvenile Justice

CJ 688 Restorative Justice

CJ 730 Bad Girls

CJ 731 Programming for Youth

CJ 732 Adolescent Risks and Resilience

CJ 734 Youth Gangs

CJ 783/784 Practicum in Youth, Crime and Justice

CJ 786/787 Internship in Youth, Crime and Justice