COURSE CURRICULUM

The graduate program in Criminal Justice is designed to provide students with advanced academic knowledge, analytical abilities, and professional skills needed for leadership roles within the criminal justice system and related public service fields. The curriculum combines theoretical study, research training, policy analysis, and practical application to help students better understand crime, justice administration, and the social factors influencing criminal behavior. Required courses include Theories of Criminal Behavior, which explores major criminological theories and the causes of crime; Administration of Justice, which examines the structure and management of criminal justice institutions and may be waived for students with a recent undergraduate degree in criminal justice; Research Methods in Criminal Justice, which develops skills in designing and conducting research studies; and Quantitative Applications in Criminal Justice, which focuses on statistical analysis and the interpretation of criminal justice data. These core courses help students build strong analytical and research skills that are essential for evidence-based decision-making and policy development within criminal justice settings. Students then choose between two academic pathways: the Comprehensive Examination Track or the Thesis Track. The Comprehensive Examination Track, which is the default option, requires students to complete 24 credits of elective courses in criminal justice or related disciplines along with a non-credit comprehensive final examination that evaluates overall knowledge and competency in the field. The Thesis Track is intended for students interested in research, policy development, doctoral study, or academic careers. Students on this track complete 12 credits of electives in addition to required courses including Foundations of Scholarship, Criminal Justice Policy, Thesis I, and Thesis II. This pathway emphasizes independent scholarly research, policy analysis, and advanced academic writing through the completion of a formal thesis project under faculty supervision. Throughout the program, students develop expertise in criminal justice theory, research methodologies, ethical decision-making, and professional communication. Graduates are prepared for careers in law enforcement, corrections, public administration, policy analysis, homeland security, community supervision, criminal justice research, and academic or governmental institutions requiring advanced criminal justice knowledge and leadership skills.