COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice at Sacramento State is a 30-unit graduate program designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of the criminal justice system, preparing them for leadership roles and specialized professional opportunities. The program emphasizes a combination of theoretical knowledge, research skills, and practical application in areas such as law enforcement, corrections, policy analysis, and rehabilitation of offenders. Students are required to complete 15 units of core courses, including CRJ 200: Research Methods in Criminal Justice, CRJ 201: Advanced Research Design and Data in Criminal Justice, CRJ 202: Qualitative Research Methods, and CRJ 255: Crime, Criminology and Criminal Justice, along with one additional core course selected from CRJ 207, CRJ 210, or CRJ 220, which focus on research evaluation, law, and legislation. Elective courses, totaling 9 to 12 units depending on the culminating option, allow students to tailor their studies toward areas such as corrections, policing, juvenile justice, comparative justice systems, terrorism, white-collar crime, and organizational management in criminal justice. These electives provide opportunities to explore both historical and contemporary issues within the field and to develop specialized expertise.The program culminates in a 3 to 6-unit comprehensive experience, which can be completed as a thesis, project, or comprehensive exam. Students opting for the thesis or project pathway are required to take 9 units of electives, while those pursuing the comprehensive exam must take 12 elective units. This structure ensures a balance between rigorous research preparation and applied learning. Students gain critical skills in data analysis, program evaluation, policy assessment, and professional writing, equipping them for effective decision-making and leadership within public and private criminal justice organizations. Additionally, the program leverages Sacramento State’s location in California’s state capital to provide direct access to internships, fieldwork, and collaboration with federal, state, and local agencies, enhancing real-world experience and professional development. Overall, the program prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of criminal justice theory, policy, and practice.