Master of Science in Criminal Justice

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.

1. To get started, call 888-444-3404, to speak with an Admissions Representative or fill out our request information form.
2. 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
3. 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