Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MS) draft

Program Overview

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Fisher College's Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) is a fully online, 30-credit program designed to prepare professionals for career advancement and specialized unit positions. The program emphasizes research-based learning, critical thinking, and ethical considerations, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to address contemporary criminal justice issues. Graduates are eligible for a variety of careers in law enforcement, corrections, courts, and other criminal justice fields.

Program Outline

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Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MS) - Fisher College

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Degree Overview:

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Objective:

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) at Fisher College aims to prepare professionals for career advancement and specialized unit positions. Additionally, the program equips students for doctoral programs by enhancing their academic research and professional knowledge. The MSCJ aids students in developing problem-solving skills to address contemporary and evolving issues with innovative, ethical, and evidence-based solutions.

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Key Features:

• Fully online format: The program offers flexibility for students who need to balance their education with other commitments.
• 30-credit program: Students can complete the program in as few as 10 months.
• Open to all backgrounds: Students do not need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or prior work experience to be admitted.
• Focus on diverse skills: The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, research design, ethical considerations, and leadership skills.

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Program Highlights:

• Students gain a comprehensive understanding of criminological theory, its application in criminal justice practices, and its connection to social, political, and economic factors.
• Students develop proficiency in research design, both quantitative and qualitative, and learn to evaluate criminal justice policies and programs using research methodologies.
• Students explore ethical theories and their application to criminal justice practices, policies, programs, and research.
They learn to evaluate and resolve ethical dilemmas within the field.
• Students learn to synthesize scholarly sources to evaluate criminal justice programs and policies, recognize policy and program implications, and guide policy and program decisions.
• Students develop leadership skills and an understanding of leadership theories relevant to managing and leading criminal justice agencies.

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Outline:

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Program Structure:

• 10 3-credit courses
• Total of 30 credits
• Offered online in six 8-week terms
• Continuous enrollment allows completion in as little as 5 terms (10 months)

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Course Descriptions:

• CJ501 Criminal Justice Administration: Examines the organization, operation, and management of criminal justice agencies.
• CJ510 Ethics in Criminal Justice: Explores ethical theories and their application to criminal justice practices, policies, programs, and research.
• CJ516 Research Methods: Introduces research methods in criminal justice, including quantitative and qualitative approaches.
• CJ517 Descriptive and Inferential Statistics: Covers descriptive and inferential statistics relevant to criminal justice research.
• CJ520 Criminological Theory: Surveys major theories of crime and criminal behavior.
• CJ602 Correlates of Crime: Examines the relationship between crime and various social, economic, and demographic factors.
• CJ603 Criminal Profiling: Explores the techniques and methods used to create criminal profiles.
• CJ610 Violence in America: Analyzes the nature, causes, and consequences of violence in the United States.
• CJ620 Criminal Justice Management: Focuses on the principles and practices of effective management within criminal justice organizations.
However, each course can be considered a module, focusing on a specific area of criminal justice.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• The program likely uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Exams
• Papers
• Presentations
• Projects
• Participation

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Assessment Criteria:

• The specific assessment criteria are likely to vary depending on the course and the specific assessment being used.
However, general criteria likely include:
• Accuracy
• Clarity
• Critical thinking
• Depth of analysis
• Originality
• Research skills
• Writing skills

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• The program likely uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Online resources

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Faculty:

• The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in criminal justice.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program emphasizes research-based learning and the application of theory to real-world issues.
• The fully online format provides flexibility for working professionals.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

• Graduates of the MSCJ program are prepared for a variety of careers in criminal justice, including:
• Law enforcement
• Corrections
• Courts
• Probation and parole
• Juvenile justice
• Victim services
• Research and academia

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Career Opportunities:

• Graduates may qualify for positions such as:
• Police officer
• Detective
• Probation officer
• Parole officer
• Correctional officer
• Court administrator
• Victim advocate
• Research analyst
• Professor

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Career Outcomes:

• The program prepares students for career advancement and leadership positions within the criminal justice field.
• Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on their communities.

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Other:

• The Master of Science in Criminal Justice is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
• The program is offered as part of Fisher College's School of Education and Human Services.
• The Detective Mario Oliveira Scholarship
• Fisher College is accredited with the Police Career Incentive Pay Program (PCIPP), allowing police officers to earn degrees in law enforcement and criminal justice with financial incentives.