Elevate Your Impact
The Department of Criminal Justice offers graduate study leading to both a Master of Science (M.S.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Criminal Justice. The M.S. degree has three tracks: Applied Criminal Justice, Criminology, and the Plan C option (which is geared toward professionals working in the criminal justice system and social service agencies). The program in Criminal Justice is designed to enhance student skills in understanding, gathering, processing, and analyzing research in the areas of criminology and criminal justice.
Program Highlights
Graduates will find an expanding and terrific academic job market available as well as professional employment in the criminal justice policy and research sector. There are currently 42 Criminal Justice and Criminology Ph.D. programs operating on a national level, so students graduating with a Criminal Justice Ph.D. will be competitive for the 350 positions available annually in academic units.
Masters Program
Provides students with conceptual and research proficiencies essential for further studies in a Ph.D. program.
Enhances leadership skills within the criminal justice system by elevating supervisory standards, fostering critical thinking, and advocating for social change.
Equips practicing professionals with advanced knowledge in justice administration, criminal justice policy, behavioral aspects of crime, and research methodologies.
Ph.D Program
Doctoral students are prepared to conduct comprehensive research in criminological theory, crime control, and administration within correctional and police systems. Graduates are poised for teaching and research roles in academia or research positions within the criminal justice system itself. The curriculum focuses on four key areas:
Criminological theory
Advanced research methodologies
Pedagogical skills for academia
Specialization in one of three areas: Criminology, Corrections, or Policing
For more information, please contact: Dr. Andrew J. Myer,Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator