Program Overview

Introduction to the Criminal Justice and Criminology, MS/Public Administration, MPA Program

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a collaborative program between the Department of Criminal Justice and the Department of Public Administration, designed to provide students with theoretical and practical exposure to evolving professional practices in the field of criminal justice.

Overview of the Program

This program is tailored to offer a comprehensive understanding of both criminal justice and public administration, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their careers. The collaborative nature of the program allows for a unique blend of coursework and research opportunities, preparing students for advanced roles in criminal justice and public administration.

Requirements for the Program

Admission Requirements

• Application deadlines vary by program; students should review the application deadline chart for specific programs.
• Students are admitted to both graduate programs separately, with admission requirements consistent with those specified by the UWM Graduate School, the MS in Criminal Justice & Criminology, and the MPA program.

Credits and Courses

MS in Criminal Justice & Criminology

• Required courses include:
  • CRM JST 773: Criminological Perspectives (3 credits)
  • CRM JST 743: Proseminar: Administration of Criminal Justice Systems (3 credits)
  • CRM JST 756: Proseminar: Analysis of Criminal Justice Research (3 credits)
• Electives: Select 12 additional credits within the criminal justice & criminology program and 12 credits with the consent of the student's advisor.
• Total Credits: 33

Master of Public Administration

• Students are placed in one of two tracks (A or B) within the core, depending on their public or nonprofit sector work experience.
• Track A: For students with significant public or nonprofit sector work experience. The minimum degree requirement is 39 credits.
• Track B: For students with no significant public or nonprofit sector work experience. The minimum degree requirement is 42 credits.
• Required Core courses include:
  • BUS ADM 738: Human Resource Management (3 credits)
  • PUB ADM 763: Scope and Dynamics of Public Administration (3 credits)
  • PUB ADM 769: Analyzing and Evaluating Public Policies and Programs (3 credits)
• Select one of the following: BUSMGMT 709, PUB ADM 792, or CRM JST 756 (3 credits)
• Select one of the following: BUS ADM 441, BUS ADM 443, or BUS ADM 737 (3 credits)
• Capstone: PUB ADM 959: Capstone Seminar in Public Administration 1 (3 credits)
• General Public Administration: Select three of the specified courses (9 credits)
• Concentration: Select 12 credits in CRM JST
• Internship: PUB ADM 921: Public Service Administrative Internship 2 (3 credits) for students with no public sector work experience.
• Total Credits for MPA: 48-51 credits

Additional Requirements

Time Limit

• Students in the coordinated MS/MPA degree program must complete all degree requirements within seven years of the first enrollment semester as a degree student.

Learning Outcomes for the MS in Criminal Justice & Criminology

Graduates of the MS in Criminal Justice & Criminology Program will be able to:

1. Explain the relationship between criminal justice organizations, administration, and policy, and critically assess current criminal justice policies and organizational practices.
2. Explain and critically assess criminological theories in relation to patterns of behavior and the development of criminal justice policies.
3. Explain social science research methods and basic statistical applications, and apply these to criminal justice and criminology problems, including ethical considerations.
4. Analyze and synthesize empirical research, and construct written academic papers and responses.
5. Develop and implement a strong research project in a substantive area of interest within criminal justice and criminology, integrating theory, methods, and policy.

Conclusion

The Criminal Justice and Criminology, MS/Public Administration, MPA program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a unique opportunity for students to gain a comprehensive education in both criminal justice and public administration. With its collaborative approach, rigorous coursework, and research opportunities, this program prepares students for successful careers in these fields.