COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts (MA) in Criminal Justice at Wichita State University is a 36-credit graduate program designed to provide advanced knowledge in criminological theory, research methods, and applied criminal justice practice, with flexible pathways through either a thesis or nonthesis option. The core curriculum includes foundational and advanced graduate training such as Quantitative Methods for Public Sector Professionals (CJ 802), Seminar on the Application of Criminological Theory (CJ 893), Proseminar in Criminal Justice (CJ 894), and Advanced Research Methods (CJ 897), ensuring students develop strong analytical and research competencies essential for professional and academic work in the field. Beyond the core requirements, students select a wide range of electives covering specialized areas such as violent crime, homicide investigation, forensic science applications, crime scene reconstruction, domestic violence, terrorism studies, digital investigations, crime intelligence analytics, correctional administration, policing, victim services, and forensic psychology, allowing them to tailor their degree toward specific career interests. The program is structured to support both practitioner-focused and research-focused career paths, including law enforcement leadership, corrections administration, intelligence analysis, forensic support roles, policy development, and preparation for doctoral study. Students choosing the thesis option complete 18 credit hours of electives plus 6 credit hours of thesis research, often alongside recommended advanced coursework such as qualitative methods, while nonthesis students complete 24 credit hours of electives and may complete an applied research paper or internship experience. The flexibility of course offerings, including workshops, special topics seminars, internships, and cooperative education opportunities, allows students to gain practical exposure while strengthening theoretical understanding. Overall, the program emphasizes evidence-based decision-making, critical thinking, and applied research skills, preparing graduates to address complex issues within the criminal justice system at local, national, and international levels through informed analysis and professional practice.