Nov 09, 2024  
Fitchburg State University 2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
Fitchburg State University 2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Criminal Justice, M.S. - Professional Studies Concentration


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Graduate Program Chair

David Weiss, Ph.D.

Graduate Committee

David Weiss, PhD,

Randall Grometstein, JD, PhD

Richard Wiebe, JD, PhD

Eileen Kirk, PhD

Kristine Artello, PhD, JD, MSW, Adjunct Professor

 

Professional Studies Concentration - 100% Online Program


Description

This 30 credit program provides students with practical knowledge and skills based on current research in the field while also providing an understanding of ethical issues and dilemmas related to the profession. The program focuses on building student’s problem solving skills and their ability to analyze and understand data to assist with decision making. The program also provides students with experience in leadership and management to assist them in advancing in career areas such as law enforcement, corrections, social services and other public service related fields.

Program Objectives/Learning Outcomes

  • Apply knowledge of the operations of the criminal justice system to real-life case scenarios and current events
  • Recognize and analyze ethical issues and dilemmas in the practice of criminal justice
  • Demonstrate the ability to research and analyze crime data and its impact on criminal justice policy
  • Identify the links between theoretical foundations of crime and delinquency and the development of criminal justice policy
  • Recognize diversity in society and how criminal justice professionals respond to the increasing diversity in society
  • Develop critical thinking skills and the ability to apply them to problem solving
  • Develop oral and written communications skills as well as the ability to use technology for communication purposes

Plan of Study

Required Courses

CJ 7240 Criminal Justice Process   (3 credits)

or

Students with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice can take an elective course in place of CJ 7240

CJ 7320 Crime Causation  (3 credits)

CJ 8100 Program Evaluation  (3 Credits)

CJ 8580 Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice  (3 Credits)

CJ 9680 Cultural Diversity and Communication   (3 Credits)

Tracks (Optional)

Corrections Track

CJ 8300 Beyond Incarceration

CJ 8350 Community Reenty & Integration

 

Leadership Track

CJ 8010 Leadership & Management

Any of the follow three courses:

CJ 8150 Advanced Policy Seminar

CJ 9620 Legalities of Criminal Justice Administration

MGMT (as applicable and approved)

 

Community Justice Track

CJ 7400 Community Justice Approach to Criminal Justice

Any of the following two courses:

CJ 8350 Community Reentry & Integration

CJ 7260 Social Relations and the Legal System

 

Electives

Dependent upon CJ 7240 Criminal Justice Process (as required) and/or desired track

Total 30 credits

 

 

 

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