Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

Mission Statement

The MA program’s mission is to educate students with an innovative, trauma-informed approach to administrative and practitioner roles within the criminal justice system or related fields. The program is grounded in the practical application of theoretical, research-based knowledge. The program is committed to providing research and resources that benefit the criminal justice community and the general public. 

Goals

Students who complete the master’s degree in Criminal Justice will be able to demonstrate:

• An understanding of leadership theories and skills as they pertain to managing and leading criminal justice organizations
• An understanding of how substance use disorders and addiction impact policies, procedures, programs and practices in the administration of criminal justice.
• An ability to recognize trauma with an advanced goal of implementing and creating policies, procedures, and program designs to maximize the fundamentals of criminal justice and security protocols.
• An understanding of gender responsiveness as a guide to decision making and best practice protocols along the criminal justice continuum.
• An ability to distinguish between and utilize the various writing styles, skills and requirements needed throughout the criminal justice system

Program of Study

The Masters of Arts in Criminal Justice in the Department of Sociology & Criminology is a 36-credit hour online graduate program. Students complete 24 credit hours in Core classes and 12 credit hours of electives (may include 6 to 9 credit hours of thesis credit). An internship would be an elective for anyone without field experience. The MA in Criminal Justice does not require a thesis; however, students must complete a capstone course (CJG-609) in their second year (with at least 18 credit hours completed) with a grade of B or better.

Students will be advised by the Criminal Justice Graduate Faculty Advisor in planning a course of study. Students are expected to attend a 2-3 hour orientation at the beginning of the program at Meredith College unless an exception is approved by the Director of the program.