This program consists of 10 courses (30 credits), as indicated below. All courses are 3 credits. A full-time course load is 12 credit hours per term.

The four core courses provide a foundation in the areas of 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.  

Curriculum

Required core courses (4 courses, 12 credits)

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

Optional requirements (3 courses, 9 credits)

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 Crime and 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 (3 courses, 9 credits)

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 (4 courses, 12 credits)

Students who elect to pursue this 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
COUNS 713 Counseling: Theory and Practice
COUNS 751 Domestic Violence Abuse and Neglect

Youth, Crime and Justice Concentration (4 courses, 12 credits) 

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 is explored. Students 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