Criminal Justice, Master of Science
Introduction
The Department of Criminal Justice at Albany State University offers a 30 semester hours Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice delivered both face-to-face and fully online with concentrations in Law Enforcement, Corrections, Forensic Science and Public Administration. The M.S. degree program is designed to prepare students for professional careers within the criminal justice system and related fields. Theoretical, methodological and philosophical understanding of the criminal justice system is stressed during the matriculation process. As a result, students are well-prepared for careers in criminal justice and related fields. Those seeking advanced graduate education beyond the Master’s degree level will be able to compete successfully with graduates from other schools and disciplines.
The philosophy and objectives embraced by the Criminal Justice Department are to educate students in such a way to channel their talents and capabilities toward the enrichment of the Community, state and the nation. Embracing this idea, the Department strives toward the broad-based development of the individual to meet the technological and legal complexities of a modern democratic society.
With only a 30 semester hour requirement for program completion, including Thesis or None Thesis option, students must successfully complete a comprehensive examination in core, statistics/methodology and a chosen area of specialty. The comprehensive examination is administered after the student has completed the core courses and three courses in a chosen area of specialty. A grade of B or better must be earned for each course and 3.0 grade point average must be maintained in order to remain in the program.
The Corrections and Law Enforcement concentrations are offered fully online.
The Master of Science in Criminal degree program can be completed in one year for seriously committed students as follows:
- Fall semester: A Term-6 hours; B Term-6 hours; Total for semester = 12 hours
- Spring semester, A Term-6 hours, B Term-6 hours; Total spring semester= 12 hours
- Summer semester- 6 hours
Master of Science in Criminal Justice Program Outcomes
Students graduating with a Master of Science in Criminal Justice are expected to:
- Demonstrate mastery of subject material by developing a minimum level of competence in the broad field of Criminal Justice.
- Demonstrate proficiency in a minimum of one area of specialization: Law Enforcement, Corrections, Forensic Science and Public Administration
- Demonstrate an understanding of statistics and research design and the ability to evaluate the quality and implications of scientific research in the field of Criminal Justice
- Engage in scholarly writing in the field of criminal justice through scholarly papers and final projects.
Transfer of Credit
Transfer students from other accredited graduate programs may not apply any course work toward the Master of Science degree. Transfer credits may not be used to satisfy the core requirements.
Transient Students
Transient enrollment status is provided to those persons currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at another institution who are interested in enrolling for only one semester in the department. Students must meet the general entrance requirements of the Department and University. Furthermore, these students must have a 3.0 average in all graduate work undertaken at other institutions before they will be accepted in the transient status.
Financial Assistance
Acceptance into the graduate program does not presume that financial assistance will be awarded. Students seeking financial assistance should file their completed applications with the Office of Financial Aid, the Graduate Admissions Office and the Criminal Justice Department.
For Additional Information, contact:
Roger-Claude Liwanga, Ph.D.
Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Criminal Justice
Albany State University
504 College Drive
Albany, Georgia 31705
Phone: (229) 500-2388
roger-claude.liwanga@asurams.edu
Admission Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or University
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Applicants whose undergraduate degree was not in Criminal Justice are required to complete 6 semester of required undergraduate criminal justice pre-requisites and must earn a B or better in those courses.
- Applicants admitted on provisional basis must complete 9 hours of Criminal Justice core courses with a B or better and must have a 3.0 or better grade point average
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) tests are accepted.
- Two letters of recommendation
For regular admissions, the candidate must have a 3.5 GPA or above.
For provisional admission, the candidate must have a 3.0-3.4 GPA.
For candidates under 3.0 GPA must take either GRE or MAT, GRE combined scores 250 or higher or MAT combined scores 350 or higher for provisional admission.
Program of Study/Curriculum
Courses must be completed with a grade of 'B' or better.
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| CRJU 5100 | Foundations of Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CRJU 5110 | Theory and Philosophy of Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CRJU 5400 | Organization and Administration of Criminal Justice System | 3 |
| CRJU 5600 | Reasearch Methodology In Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CRJU 5610 | Research Statistics in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| Concentration (see Specialty Areas Tab) | 9 | |
| Thesis or Non-Thesis Option (Select One Pair of Courses) | 6 | |
| Thesis Option | ||
| Thesis Seminar and Thesis | ||
| Non-Thesis Option | ||
| Technology and Criminal Justice and Criminal Justice Program Evaluation | ||
| Total Semester Hours | 30 | |
Criminal Justice Specialty Areas
In addition to core courses, students must complete 9 semester hours in one of the four specialty areas:
- corrections,
- forensic sciences,
- juvenile justice,
- law enforcement, and
- public administration.
Online program offers only corrections and law enforcement specialties. Course work that is six years or older cannot be applied to the Master of Science in Criminal Justice. All course work must be completed with a grade of 'B' or better.
Forensic Science Specialty
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Science is designed for students who possess the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree from forensic science, forensic chemistry, chemistry or criminal justice with a minor in forensic science or chemistry. This concentration will also provide the necessary skills to the criminal justice master's degree students who do not have their baccalaureate degree in forensic science but wish to advance their career in the management of forensic science laboratories as directors and supervisors.
Required Forensic Science Courses
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select 9 semester hours from the following (in any combination): | 9 | |
| Survey of Advanced Forensic Science | ||
| Advanced DNA Technology (w/lab) | ||
| Advanced Toxology (w/lab) | ||
| Advanced Trace and Transfer Evidence/Forensic Electron Microscopy (w/lab) | ||
| Advanced Ballistics and Associated Technologies (w/lab) | ||
| Total Semester Hours | 9 | |
Law Enforcement Specialty
A concentration in law enforcement will enable students to comprehend the organizational workings of police agencies, how various theories are translated into these agencies and how the organization interfaces with other units of the criminal justice system. An emphasis on leadership, planning and the broader management function is the hallmark of this concentration.
Required Law Enforcement Courses
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select 9 semester hours from the following (in any combination): | 9 | |
| Survey of Law Enforcement | ||
| Policing in a Democratic Society | ||
| The Social Service Role of Criminal Justice Personnel | ||
| Law Enforcement Operations | ||
| Management Science | ||
| Total Semester Hours | 9 | |
Public Administration Specialty
This concentration represents an interdisciplinary collaboration between the Departments of Criminal Justice and Forensic Science, and Public Administration. It is expected to provide additional career options for students in both programs. A concentration in Public Administration is designed to prepare students in evaluating and managing public agencies. This concentration prepares students with the managerial skills necessary to investigate and effectively manage organizational problems common to criminal justice agencies. This component of the Master of Science degree program includes an understanding of public and personnel administration and evaluation of criminal justice programs.
Required Public Administration Courses
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select 9 semester hours from the following (in any combination): | 9 | |
| Public Administration: Scope, Development, and Ethical Environment | ||
| Legal Environment of Public Human Resources Management | ||
| Public Human Resources Management | ||
| Introduction to Public Policy | ||
| Total Semester Hours | 9 | |
Corrections Specialty
The correctional emphasis focuses on the philosophical purpose and meaning of corrections to the system and community-based treatment programs. The underlying thrust of this concentration is to impart theoretical and applied knowledge on the organizational, legal and social aspects of contemporary correctional agencies. Specialization in corrections will prepare students for careers as parole officers, corrections supervisors, prison administrators and effective case workers in community-based treatment programs.
Required Corrections Courses
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select 9 semester hours from the following (in any combination): | 9 | |
| The Social Service Role of Criminal Justice Personnel | ||
| Foundations of Corrections | ||
| Administration of Psychological Tests | ||
| Interviewing and Counseling | ||
| Rehabilitation and Treatment | ||
| Management of Correctional Institutions | ||
| Total Semester Hours | 9 | |
Juvenile Justice
Addressing the critical need in this field
Juvenile justice is a complex system facing systemic disparities and requiring evidence-based interventions. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), there is a need for juvenile justice practitioners who are “informed by science and research to ensure young people are adjudicated fairly and given opportunities to learn and recover from youthful mistakes.” (see: The OJJDP, “Working for Youth Justice and Safety,” available at: https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/). This program will equip students with the expertise needed to implement and advocate for evidence-based reforms.
Meeting Workforce and Community Needs
The shift from punitive measures to rehabilitation-focused approaches has created a demand for professionals equipped with skills enabling them to “recognize and address the barriers to success that involvement with the juvenile justice system creates for youth.” (id.). Graduates will be prepared for careers in juvenile court administration, youth probation services, community intervention programs, and juvenile corrections.
Expanding educational and career opportunities
Despite the growing demand for specialized knowledge in juvenile justice, few universities within Georgia and neighboring states offer dedicated graduate programs in this field. The proposed concentration will provide students with expertise in juvenile justice policies, delinquency theories, rehabilitation strategies, and legal frameworks, positioning them for high-impact careers.
Required Juvenile Justice Courses
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Course | ||
| CRJU 5700 | Foundations of Juvenile Justice | 3 |
| Two electives, selected from these four courses | 6 | |
| Theories of Delinquency | ||
| Management of Juvenile Justice Organizations | ||
| Technology & Juvenile Justice | ||
| Contemporary Issues in Juvenile Justice | ||
| Total Semester Hours | 9 | |