Program Outcomes
Apply advanced criminological and criminal justice theories to evaluate complex problems in policing, courts, corrections, and policy development.
Conduct independent research using graduate-level methodology, including data collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of findings.
Critically assess criminal justice policies and organizational practices using evidence-based frameworks and current scholarly literature.
Demonstrate advanced professional communication skills suited for leadership roles, policy advocacy, and scholarly or applied settings.
Integrate ethical principles, legal standards, and cultural awareness into decision-making processes relevant to criminal justice leadership and practice.
Criminal Justice Core (12 hours)
Required
| SCJ500 | Criminology and Prevention Policy | 3 |
| SCJ503 | Advanced Criminal Procedure & the Constitution | 3 |
| SCJ525 | Graduate Research Methods 1: Methods of Data Collection | 3 |
| SCJ575 | Graduate Research Methods II: Methods of Data Analysis | 3 |
All students must choose one of the tracks below
- Thesis Option (21 hours)
- Non-Thesis Option (21 hours)
Criminal Justice Thesis Option Core (3 hours)
Criminal Justice Thesis Option Electives (18 hours)
Choose 18 hours required from the following:
| SCJ505 | Advanced Topics in Homeland Security | 3 |
| SCJ506 | Advanced Community Policing | 3 |
| SCJ509 | Civil Liberties Seminar | 3 |
| SCJ510 | Legal Research Methods | 3 |
| SCJ511 | Crime and the Media | 3 |
| SCJ512 | Advanced Wrongful Conviction Seminar | 3 |
| SCJ515 | Advanced Death Penalty Seminar | 3 |
| SCJ520 | Advanced Corrections | 3 |
| SCJ550 | Advanced Topics: | 3 |
| SCJ560 | Family Theories of Delinquency | 3 |
| SCJ569 | Advanced Practicum | 3 |
Criminal Justice Non-Thesis Option Core (1-6 hours)
Note: Students are expected to complete a minimum of one credit hour of SCJ595 but may elect to complete a maximum of 6 credit hours
Criminal Justice Non-Thesis Option Electives (15-20 hours)
Choose 15-20 hours required from the following:
| SCJ505 | Advanced Topics in Homeland Security | 3 |
| SCJ506 | Advanced Community Policing | 3 |
| SCJ509 | Civil Liberties Seminar | 3 |
| SCJ510 | Legal Research Methods | 3 |
| SCJ511 | Crime and the Media | 3 |
| SCJ512 | Advanced Wrongful Conviction Seminar | 3 |
| SCJ515 | Advanced Death Penalty Seminar | 3 |
| SCJ520 | Advanced Corrections | 3 |
| SCJ550 | Advanced Topics: | 3 |
| SCJ560 | Family Theories of Delinquency | 3 |
| SCJ569 | Advanced Practicum | 3 |