Criminal Justice, General Concentration, M.S.

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M.S., Criminal Justice

A total of 36 credits is required for the degree of master of science in criminal justice. Some students are required to complete an additional three credits (frequently CJ 610 - Administration of Justice ) if the graduate advisor finds that they do not have an adequate background in criminal justice. All degree candidates must complete the core curriculum. After consultation with an advisor, students select electives from a list of approved courses.

Applicants are required to take the Graduate Records Exam (GRE) General Test and submit their scores to Graduate Admissions. The transfer of credit from other institutions is permitted subject to the Graduate School policy on transfer credit detailed elsewhere in this catalog.

Thesis or Comprehensive Examination

Students may elect to undertake a thesis project in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree. Registration for a minimum of six thesis credits (CJ 697 and CJ 698 ) would be required. The thesis must show ability to organize materials in a clear and original manner and to present well-reasoned conclusions. Thesis preparation and submission must comply with the Graduate School policy on theses as well as specific departmental requirements. Detailed information is available from the student’s advisor.

Students who do not elect to undertake thesis work must pass a comprehensive final examination. This examination may be oral, written, or both, and is based on the program of study that the student has completed for the degree. Additional information about the comprehensive examination is available from the student’s advisor.

General Program

CJ 601 - Mental Health, Law, and Criminal Justice
CJ 605 - Theories of Criminal Behavior
CJ 611 - Research Methods in Criminal Justice
CJ 613 - Quantitative Applications in Criminal Justice
Approved Electives (eight courses)

Note(s):

As an alternative to the general program, a student may select one of the following a concentration. However, all students must complete the four core classes listed above. CJ 601 and CJ 611 are offered in the fall term, and CJ 605 and CJ 613 in the winter term, each academic year.

Concentrations

Students may choose a more specialized program of study by selecting a concentration in forensic psychology , criminal justice management , forensic computer investigation , crime analysis , or victimology . In addition to these concentrations, students may elect to complete one of the graduate certificate programs available in criminal justice, forensic science, or fire science.