COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Justice Studies at the University of New Hampshire is a 37-credit graduate program designed to prepare students for professional roles in legal, policy, and social justice fields through a combination of theoretical learning, applied research, and real-world experience. Students are required to complete ten courses, including core subjects such as Law and Society, Professionalism in Justice Studies, Applied Research Methods, Theories of Justice, and advanced sociological statistics. These courses build a strong foundation in understanding how justice systems operate and how laws and policies affect individuals and communities. In addition to classroom learning, students choose a culminating experience that can take the form of either an internship-based capstone project or a master’s thesis. The internship option includes practical engagement through community partnerships, allowing students to work with organizations such as government agencies, law enforcement departments, or correctional services while completing a structured project. The thesis option, on the other hand, involves a more research-focused approach with deeper academic investigation and an extended written study. Students also select three elective courses from a wide range of related disciplines such as sociology, psychology, social work, public policy, education law, and nonprofit management, allowing them to tailor the degree toward their specific career interests. This flexibility enables students to specialize in areas like crime prevention, juvenile justice, human rights, or public administration. Overall, the program integrates academic theory with applied practice to develop analytical, research, and professional skills needed for careers in justice-related fields or for further doctoral study. Graduates are prepared for roles in government agencies, courts, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, and policy research institutions, where they contribute to improving fairness, accountability, and effectiveness in justice systems.