Full Time or Part Time Study
The program is flexible to accommodate full-time or
part-time study. Full-time students can expect to complete
the MA in as little as three semesters (four courses per
semester).
Thesis or Non-Thesis Option 30
credits
Students have an option to pursue a thesis or non-thesis
option. Traditionally, the thesis option is designed for
students who desire to pursue doctoral level training and
eventually enter academia.
Courses
Of the total coursework, students will take five required
courses and select among elective offerings.
Required Courses
Evaluating Criminal Justice Policies
This course examines the methods, techniques and measures
for evaluating criminal justice agencies and policies. Topics
include: cost-benefit analyses, impact assessment, evaluation
design, randomized experiments and quasi-experimental
evaluations.
Criminological Theory
In this course students are introduced to theories of crime,
with a focus on sociological perspectives. Biological,
psychological and economic theories are also discussed. The
implications these theories hold for public policy are
examined.
Research Methodolgy
Topics include: qualitative and quantitative data analysis
and research design; observation and participatory techniques of
data collection; sampling and survey operations; questionnaire,
interview and scale construction.
Statistics for Social Sciences
Presents basic components of descriptive and inferential
statistics including: measures of central tendency and variability;
probability; and hypothesis testing. Includes computer applications
of these statistical techniques.
Criminology Pro-Seminar
Elective courses may include:
- White Collar Crime
- Juvenile Delinquency
- Social Deviance
- Principles of Forensic Science
- Forensic Psychology
- Sociology of Corrections
- Policing and Society
- Domestic Violence
- Drugs and Society
- Terrorism
- Field Internship