Program Overview

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Program Overview

The M.S. in Criminal Justice Administration is a graduate degree program designed to prepare students for leadership positions in a wide range of related fields. The program's robust curriculum helps students anticipate, address, and work toward plausible solutions to problems associated with the criminal justice system and the individuals connected to it.

Completion Time and Credits

• Completion Time: 12-18 months
• Credits: 33 credits

Format and Flexibility

• Format: Online, Hybrid, or In-person
• Flexibility: Full or Part Time
• Start Terms: Fall or Spring Semester

Curriculum and Concentrations

The program offers an optional Cybersecurity concentration, which provides practical skills in:

• Digital forensics
• Cyber threat assessment
• Information security

Faculty and Personalization

The faculty work closely with students to deliver a personalized educational journey designed around their career goals. Students can customize their studies with flexible course options that align with their interests and long-term ambitions.

Partnerships and Opportunities

Niagara University partners with local, state, and federal agencies, providing students with unique opportunities for research, internships, and hands-on experience in real-world criminal justice settings.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Graduates qualify for higher-level positions in law enforcement, corrections, courts, and federal agencies. The degree can also support advancement into leadership positions such as police chief, corrections administrator, or federal agent.

Career Paths

• Law Enforcement & Public Safety
• Courts & Legal Services
• Corrections & Rehabilitation
• Private & Investigative Roles
• Human & Victim Services
• Research & Education

Program FAQs

Why Apply to the Criminal Justice Administration Graduate Program?

Students who enroll in the program have one-on-one access to outstanding professors who are experts in areas such as domestic violence, court systems, capital punishment, and wrongful convictions.

Teacher/Professor Differentiation

All graduate faculty hold doctorates in the field, an advantage not found in comparable regional programs. They are published experts, experienced teachers, and active conference presenters committed to providing individualized support.

Program Format

The program adapts to students' career goals with face-to-face, hybrid, weekend, and fully online course options.

Internship Opportunities

Yes, Niagara University collaborates with numerous local, state, and federal agencies and organizations, offering unique research, internship, and experiential learning opportunities.

Career Benefits

The program prepares graduates for productive roles in society and provides them with the opportunity to fulfill their potential. It offers a holistic education that encourages students to develop powers of discrimination and judgment and fosters their commitment to ethical, intellectual, and social values.

Credit Hours

The program consists of an 11-course sequence totaling 33 credit hours, including a Capstone policy paper or a two-semester research thesis project.

Background Requirements

No, a bachelor's degree in criminal justice is not required to be admitted to the program. However, a bachelor's degree in any field is required for graduate school eligibility.

Scholarship Opportunities

Niagara University offers more than 60 different assistantships, scholarships, and award opportunities for graduate students. Eligibility is based on applications and maintenance of good academic standing, course completion, and satisfactory work performance.

Job Opportunities

Graduates may pursue careers in law enforcement, corrections, courts, federal agencies, and victim services. The degree can also support advancement into leadership positions and opens doors in private security, consulting, nonprofit organizations, and academic settings.

Faculty

The program faculty includes:

• Dr. Michael Cassidy, Associate Professor
• Dr. Talia Harmon, Professor and Department Chair
• Dr. Timothy Lauger, Associate Professor
• Dr. Dana Radatz, Professor
• Dr. Paul R. Schupp, Associate Professor
• Dr. David B. Taylor, Professor