Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (MA)

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Graduate Studies >> College of Liberal Arts

Students completing the Master of Arts degree (MA) in Criminal Justice will have a solid understanding of the criminal justice system, crime-related theories, and research and data analysis techniques. This knowledge will enable graduates to apply evidence-based practices and policies within their fields.

The program is comprised of 36 credit hours of coursework, including 18 required hours and 18 hours of directed electives.

Graduate Studies Admission Criteria and Application Process

Refer to the Admission section of the bulletin for information about Graduate Studies admission criteria and the online application process.

Required Courses (18 hours)

CRIM 601 - Criminal Justice Policy and Practice Credits: 3
CRIM 602 - Criminal Justice Administration Credits: 3
CRIM 603 - Research Methods Credits: 3
CRIM 604 - Quantitative Methods Credits: 3
CRIM 605 - Criminological Theory Credits: 3
CRIM 675 - Synthesis Credits: 3

Directed Electives (18 hours)

CRIM 611 - Ethics in Criminal Justice Credits: 3
CRIM 612 - Criminal Law and Procedure Credits: 3
CRIM 620 - Seminar in Corrections Credits: 3 (repeatable with topic change)
CRIM 630 - Seminar in Policing Credits: 3 (repeatable with topic change)
CRIM 640 - Special Topics in Criminal Justice Credits: 3 (repeatable with topic change)
CRIM 650 - Seminar in Criminal Courts Credits: 3 (repeatable with topic change)
CRIM 689 - Internship Credits: 1-6 (maximum of 6 credit hours)
CRIM 691 - Thesis I Credits: 3
CRIM 692 - Thesis II Credits: 3

PLA-Portfolio Review Credit

The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) policy allows for the granting of credit for previous experiential learning through a portfolio review. Approved hours are awarded as elective credit and are not tied to specific course numbers.

The Criminal Justice program is approved to award eligible students up to 9 hours in portfolio review credit, which can be applied toward the directed elective requirement. The student must submit a PLA portfolio after acceptance to the graduate program and prior to earning six (6) graduate credit hours at USI. Faculty with expertise in the topic will review the portfolio, and PLA credit requires approval from the program director and Director of Graduate Studies. Visit www.usi.edu/registrar/transfer-credit/prior-learning-assessment/#GraduatePortfolioReview for more information.