South University is currently offering a new format in addition to on-campus classes, called South VR [South Virtual Remote] which is a live instruction, interactive virtual classroom experience. This temporary learning format that was created to help our students continue their education remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The South University-West Palm Beach Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program is designed for individuals employed in the criminal justice system, as well as those in other careers, both public and private, who wish to acquire further education in criminal justice. Prerequisites are limited so that qualified students with bachelor’s degrees in related fields such as criminology, psychology, business or public administration, anthropology, political science, sociology or related social sciences may enroll along with students who have undergraduate degrees in criminal justice.
The program is primarily designed to foster a learning community of criminal justice professionals who will use their knowledge within law enforcement, correctional, political, and legal arenas.
Outcomes
Graduates will be able to:
Demonstrate mastery of skills in the areas of theoretical and applied criminal justice as well as in managerial principles and practices to effectively solve a variety of real-life problems within a complex organization.
Understand the relationship between crime theory, crime policy, and professional practice.
Demonstrate interactive skills and learn behavioral strategies for improving systemic communication within and between criminal justice agencies.
Demonstrate the ability to effectively interpret and make use of research methodology by completing a final research project prospectus on a topic related to professional practice in an actual criminal justice agency.
Career Outlook
Graduates of the MS in Criminal Justice program are prepared to seek management, administrative, research, and teaching positions. Program graduates will also be prepared for admission to doctoral programs in criminal justice, criminology, and other related fields as well as for promotions within existing law enforcement, correctional, local and state government, and legal institutions.
Course Requirements
Master of Science in Criminal Justice: 48 credits
Foundation: 28 Credits
MCJ5001 Foundations in Criminal Justice, 4 Credit Hours
MCJ5003 Ethics and Moral Behavior in the Criminal Justice System, 4 Credit Hours
MCJ5100 Advanced Research Methods and Analysis I, 4 Credit Hours
MCJ6001 Criminal Justice Administration, 4 Credit Hours
MCJ6003 Criminological Theory, 4 Credit Hours
MCJ6004 Criminal Justice Planning & Innovation, 4 Credit Hours
MCJ6405 Organizational Leadership, 4 Credit Hours
Program Elective (choose four): 16 Credits
MCJ6002 Juvenile Justice Administration, 4 Credit Hours
MCJ6401 Critical/Controversial Issues: Law Enforcement, 4 Credit Hours
MCJ6404 Political Terrorism, 4 Credit Hours
MCJ6410 Legal Issues in Criminal Justice Administration, 4 Credit Hours
MCJ6505 Management of Critical Incidents, 4 Credit Hours
MCJ6601 Resource and Agency Coordination, 4 Credit Hours
MCJ6620 Special Topics in Homeland Security, 4 Credit Hours
MCJ6701 Theory and Practice of Community Corrections and Re-entry Programs, 4 Credit Hours
MCJ6705 Theory and Practice of Institutional Corrections, 4 Credit Hours
Note(s):The student will choose four courses (16 credits) from the remaining graduate-level criminal justice curriculum listed below or from other graduate offerings with the guidance and approval of the Program Director in Criminal Justice or appropriate Program Chair and with the advice of the related Program Director if courses from other programs are desired. The student should plan to take at least 50% of this part of the degree program in criminal justice courses. Students may construct an area of emphasis with the guidance of the Program Director or Chair or pursue a more general set of elective course courses. Students may emphasize a traditional area of the field such as Corrections or Homeland Security, but elective choices may also reflect the particular professional goals and aspirations of the student. Thus, courses in areas such as Public Administration, Business, or Clinical Mental Health Counseling may be included as desired and approved, and if the student completes the required prerequisites for such courses. Please note that Financial Aid may not cover prerequisite courses. Please see the Coursework Taken Outside a Student's Degree Program Policy found in the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.
Capstone: 4 Credits
MCJ6985 Applied Professional Project, 4 Credit Hours
Note(s):Acceptance into a South University Criminal Justice program or its completion does not imply or guarantee that a student will be able to obtain employment in law enforcement, corrections, probation/parole, or related fields. The student should contact the national, state, or local agency/institution in which he or she intends to gain employment for specific requirements and the application process.
South University, Online Program offerings may not be available to residents of all states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
Online Classroom
Haven’t experienced online learning before or wondering what it’s like to earn your degree online at South University? While the mode of learning is different from the traditional classroom experience with added convenience and flexibility, we hold the same high standards of academic excellence in the online classroom.
South University’s online programs combine a curriculum designed for student outcomes and a classroom designed for flexibility and engagement. Our online classroom learning platform, Brightspace, provides you with a host of features to enhance your learning experience, including:
Advanced media content
Personalized navigation
Simplified online learning atmosphere
Access to digital books
Emailing and instant messaging options
We provide more than just an online classroom, bringing a range of campus experiences and services online. In addition, the online classroom is accessible on the go via mobile devices and with tools like the Pulse App. Pulse helps you stay connected and on track with your course by providing a number of features such as course calendars, readings and assignments, feedback and grades, and announcements.
How to apply
We make the application process as smooth as possible so you can start earning your degree right away. Our admissions representatives will guide you through our three-step process.
To get started, call 888-444-3404, to speak with an Admissions Representative or fill out our request information form.
An admissions representative will review our degree programs with you, give you an overview of the admissions process, and help you complete the application process. You can take a guided tour of our campus or a virtual tour online. Apply Now
A Finance Counselor will work with you to discuss options and qualifications and to develop a payment plan that works for you. Programs with alternative application procedures.
2020-21 Starting Dates
On-campus
Online
May 14th, 2020
June 27th, 2020
August 6th, 2020
October 3rd, 2020
November 12th, 2020
January 9th, 2021
February 18th, 2021
April 3rd, 2021
May 13th, 2021
June 26th, 2021
June 2nd, 2020
July 14th, 2020
August 18th, 2020
September 22nd, 2020
October 27th, 2020
December 1st, 2020
January 12th, 2021
February 16th, 2021
March 23rd, 2021
April 27th, 2021
June 1st, 2021