Master of Arts - Criminal Justice

The Criminal Justice Master of Arts degree is a broad-based graduate program. The program addresses issues of crime and criminal justice within an analytical framework and emphasizes theory and research and their implications for social policy. The curriculum is grounded in the social and behavioral sciences and in legal approaches to crime and social control. It draws from contemporary research and theoretical developments across a spectrum of academic disciplines. There are two M.A. degree options. The traditional master’s degree is designed to prepare students for doctoral studies in the field and in related areas of the social and behavioral sciences. Those who obtain this degree may also assume teaching positions at the community college level. The professional master’s degree is designed to serve the needs of professionals currently working in justice-related agencies by providing the knowledge and skills to enhance their performance in current positions and/or prepare them for career advancement.

Available Options

Traditional Track

The Traditional Master of Arts degree program is designed to improve students' understanding of the nature, causes, and consequences of crime and crime control. Based on the tradition of the liberal arts, the program emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between crime and the structure of society and the interplay between criminal justice theory and practice.

These relationships are explored through course work in criminological theory, law and social control, the administration of justice, and crime and public policy. By completing the requirements for this program, students will be prepared for teaching at the community-college level and doctoral study in criminology and criminal justice.

Professional Track

The Professional Master of Arts degree is designed to serve the needs of professionals currently working in justice-related agencies by providing the knowledge and skills to enhance their performance in current positions and/or prepare them for career advancement. The curriculum provides students with advanced knowledge of the nature of the crime; criminal justice institutions and processes; current criminal justice policy; and training in research methods, statistics, and program evaluation.

The Greenspun College of Urban Affairs prepares undergraduate and graduate students to lead, collaborate, and innovate through research, a cutting-edge curriculum, and public-private partnerships. The college is committed to creating contemporary solutions for resilient communities; therefore, our academic programs focus on civic engagement.

Our schools and departments emphasize the following: sound public policymaking, creating strong support structures to address behavioral and mental health needs, ensuring cities are safe and prepared for emergency situations, and creating an informed citizenry through effective communication, journalism, and digital storytelling.