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:
George Thomas, Ph.D.
Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Criminal Justice
Albany State University
504 College Drive
Albany, Georgia 31705
Phone: (229) 500-2171
george.thomas@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,
- 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 | |
CRJU 5100 - Foundations of Criminal Justice (3 Credits)
A survey of the total criminal justice system including crime causation, police, courts, corrections, and juvenile delinquency, private security, research and planning. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
CRJU 5110 - Theory and Philosophy of Criminal Justice (3 Credits)
This course is an overview of the history, philosophy, and practices of the criminal justice system. The course will provide an introduction to major theories of the policy making process, examines methods of policy analysis, and apply these methods to the study of contemporary criminal justice issues. Emphasis will be placed on professional ethics, the nature of law and punishment, the overview of the criminal justice system; law enforcement; court system; and how criminal justice problems are conceptualized and brought to the attention of policymakers, how policy unfolds, and how these responses are implemented, evaluated and revised overtime. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
CRJU 5400 - Organization and Administration of Criminal Justice System (3 Credits)
A study of theories of bureaucracy, the exercise of power, and the functional relations between police, courts, and corrections. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
CRJU 5600 - Reasearch Methodology In Criminal Justice (3 Credits)
A study of theory construction, hypothesis development, operationalization, and modes of data collection. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
CRJU 5610 - Research Statistics in Criminal Justice (3 Credits)
An examination of parametric and non-parametric statistical methods, inferential statistics, tests of significance, and hypothesis testing. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.
Other hours: 3
CRJU 6000 - Survey of Law Enforcement (3 Credits)
This course provides a comprehensive and advanced overview of the law enforcement systems in the United States focusing on local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The course will examine divergent philosophies, models and various operational systems of law enforcement agencies and allows students to gain a deeper understanding of law enforcement practices, duties, and responsibilities encountered as engaged by law enforcement professionals at various levels of operations. The course will also focus on the overlapping functions, conflicts and contradictions as well as some ethical issues and dilemmas associated with law enforcement practices and operations. Offered: As Needed.
Other hours: 3
CRJU 6100 - Policing in a Democratic Society (3 Credits)
A study of the conflict between individual liberty and social control agencies, public acceptance of the order maintenance function of the police, the pros and cons of present limitations on police authority. Offered: As Needed.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
CRJU 6110 - The Social Service Role of Criminal Justice Personnel (3 Credits)
A study of the officer’s role in the field of social service to the community. Topics covered are human relations, social dynamics and crisis management. Police responsibilities to the elderly, juveniles and the mentally disturbed are stressed. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Other hours: 3
CRJU 6120 - Law Enforcement Operations (3 Credits)
An examination of law enforcement responsibilities and the allocations of resources to meet the role. Topics covered include managing criminal investigations, patrol operations, crime prevention, mass media relations and criminal court procedures. Offered: As Needed.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
CRJU 6200 - Management Science (3 Credits)
This course focuses on the implementation of criminal justice policies, planning, criminal justice management, decision-making and communications as basic management activities, budgetary processes and personnel management. Offered: As Needed.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
CRJU 6400 - Foundations of Corrections (3 Credits)
A survey of the history of punishment, prisons and penology in America. The social, intellectual and institutional environment in which corrections evolved is discussed. Analysis of the punishment experience as see by prison officials and offenders. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
CRJU 6410 - Administration of Psychological Tests (3 Credits)
Supervised training in the administration, scoring and interpretation of tests of intelligence, aptitude, interest and personality. Offered: As Needed.
Prerequisites: CRJU 5600 and CRJU 5610 or CRJU 560 or CRJU 561
CRJU 6420 - Interviewing and Counseling (3 Credits)
An examination of the purpose and principles of effective interviewing. Analysis of individual problems and the process of problem-solving with criminal justice clients. Emphasis is placed on learning experiences to help unmotivated, involuntary clients. Offered: As Needed.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
CRJU 6430 - Rehabilitation and Treatment (3 Credits)
Development of frame of reference for rational treatment of offenders through description, examination and practice of treatment methods. Analysis of methods employed by correctional institutions to prepare inmates for reintegration into their environment upon release is also included. Offered: As Needed.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
CRJU 6440 - Management of Correctional Institutions (3 Credits)
An analysis of the organization and management of various types of correctional facilities. Focus is on personnel selection and training, legal and administrative requirements, security, maintenance, program implementation and staffing. Offered: As Needed.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
CRJU 7001 - Thesis Seminar (3 Credits)
The purpose of the thesis is to apply theories and techniques to relevant questions in the discipline of criminal justice. Students should pose the research question in the context of the police, the courts or corrections. The thesis topic must be approved and evaluated by the advisor. Offered: As Needed.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
CRJU 7002 - Thesis (3 Credits)
This course includes the analysis of data collected from appropriate research designs including computer analysis and appropriate statistical tests of significance, or a review of literature and theories or concepts that lend themselves to a thesis topic. Offered: As Needed.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
CRJU 7003 - Technology and Criminal Justice (3 Credits)
This course familiarizes graduate students with the various uses of technology in the criminal justice system and raises ethical and legal issues with its use. Students in the non-thesis option may substitute MGMT 6205 Management Information Systems or PADM 6011 Computer Applications for Public Administration. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
CRJU 7004 - Criminal Justice Program Evaluation (3 Credits)
This course is designed to familiarize students with techniques that are utilized in evaluating the effectiveness of public programs and policies. The course is appropriate for all non-thesis graduate students. Students may substitute PADM 5823 Public Program Evaluation for the course. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3