Program Overview

Applied Criminology and Police Leadership, MCPL

The Department of Criminology’s Master of Applied Criminology and Police Leadership (MCPL) is an innovative, practitioner-focused program specifically created for senior personnel involved in policing with at least five years of experience and looking to understand and apply modern theoretical and research findings to their professional practice.

The MCPL provides a focused education on theories of crime, analytic methods, and policy analysis, designed to advance the best available research evidence to guide police policy and practice. The curriculum combines practical real-world skills and knowledge with exposure to award-winning faculty and police leaders. A capstone course creates an opportunity to benefit the student's own police department with a mentored change project grounded in evidence-based policing within their agency. Students successfully completing the MCPL will understand how theories of crime and evidence-based policing can inform policy and planning in police agencies.

Curriculum

The following courses are part of the MCPL curriculum:

• Course List Code | Title | Course Units
  ---|---|---
  • Requirements
    • ACPL 6100A| Policing in Practice| 1
    • ACPL 6100B| Policing in Practice| 1
    • ACPL 6101| Evidence-Based Policing (EBP)| 1
    • ACPL 6102| Practical Theories for Policing| 1
    • ACPL 6104A| Leadership in Criminal Justice| 1
    • ACPL 6104B| Leadership in Criminal Justice| 1
    • ACPL 6105A| Research Methods for Policy Analysis| 0.5
    • ACPL 6105B| Research Methods for Policy Analysis| 0.5
    • ACPL 6106A| Policing Master’s Capstone| 0.5
    • ACPL 6106B| Policing Master’s Capstone| 0.5
  • Data Analysis & Program Evaluation Summer Intensive
  • Implementing Experiments Into Policing Summer Intensive
  • Capstone Research Project
• Total Course Units: 8

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.