Program Overview

Criminal Justice Theory and Research Master's

Program Overview

The Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Theory and Research empowers current and future leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to create just and safe communities. This is accomplished through an exceptional curriculum that provides an understanding of the nature and scope of problems posed by crime and the operation and administration of the criminal justice system.

Program Details

• Program Type: Master of Science (M.S.)
• Format: On Campus
• Estimated Time to Complete: 2 years
• Credit Hours: 36

Program Requirements

• Thesis Option:
  • 12 hours core classes
  • 18 hours for electives
  • 6 hours for thesis
• Non-Thesis Option:
  • 12 hours core classes
  • 24 hours for electives
  • Completion of cumulative essays

Marketable Skills

• Technical and academic writing
• Abstract problem-solving
• Knowledge of government operations
• Research interpretation/implementation
• Information verification

Faculty and Research

Faculty members have a diverse range of educational and professional backgrounds. They assist the Department of Criminal Justice in applied research projects, program evaluation studies, and scholarly research. Some of their current research focuses on:

• Capital punishment
• Cybercrime and cyber security
• Juvenile delinquency
• Police operations and tactics
• Prison violence
• Victimization

Career Outlook

Many MSCJ alumni are serving in various careers such as:

• Analyst
• Scholar
• Administrator
• Researcher
• Police officer, probation officer, or caseworker

Courses

• Seminar in Criminal Justice Administration (3hrs)
• Advanced Criminological Theory (3hrs)
• Evaluation and Research Methodologies (3hrs)
• Criminal Justice Statistics (3hrs)
• Criminal Justice Policy (3hrs)

Additional Information

The Department of Criminal Justice is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. The Toulouse Graduate School offers several professional development workshops, including a Thesis Boot Camp. The department Teaching Assistantship features a stipend of $16,746 per year. Criminal Justice graduate students may apply for the Department of Criminal Justice’s Tory J. Caeti Memorial Scholarship and other scholarships offered by the College of Health and Public Service each year.