Master of Science in Criminal Justice
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Our Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed to prepare you for the challenges and opportunities that confront criminal justice leaders and decision-makers. In this competency-based program for working professionals, you’ll move through online courses by completing assignments and demonstrating mastery of course content and competencies. You can spend more time on topics that are new to you and move at an accelerated pace through areas where you already have expertise from prior education or experience.
In this program, you’ll interact frequently with your faculty as you explore criminal justice theory and practice. Through your coursework, you can gain experience analyzing and applying research and statistics to real-world issues. You’ll discuss topics like the impacts of new technology, community collaboration, stakeholder interactions, and much more. Across the program, you’ll have numerous opportunities to align your work with your professional interests.
Program Specializations Include:
- General Track
- Public Administration
Develop Essential Skills In
- Criminal justice management
- Research design and application
- Contemporary criminal justice issues
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Tuition and Fees
Available Locations
Self-Paced
1:1 Mentoring
A Unique Subscription-Based Approach to Higher Learning
Use Your Expertise
Work towards “Mastery”
Concentrations in this Program
Ready For Your Next Step?
You May Enjoy This Line of Study If…
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Are passionate about the criminal justice field -
Enjoy working with others to solve complex problems -
See the value of technology and data in criminal justice -
Want to grow your communication and leadership skills -
Can think critically on your feet in high-pressure situations
Mission
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed for working professionals or practitioners who desire to improve their current level of proficiency or develop enhanced capabilities to enhance marketable in today’s criminal justice workforce.
The Criminal Justice General Track offers a comprehensive and flexible curriculum designed for students seeking a broad understanding of criminal justice while allowing for additional focus in various sectors of criminal justice such as public administration, cybersecurity, and financial crime prevention.
The concentration in Public Administration is designed to provide basic foundational courses in criminal justice, as well as courses to develop knowledge and skills necessary for the effective and efficient administration and management of public sector organizations and agencies with a public safety, homeland security, or social service focus. The concentration focuses the student’s education to help prepare them for leadership positions in public sector and public safety agencies, with a particular emphasis on the development of core knowledge areas and administrative skills, such as strategic planning and assessment.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates completing the Master of Science in Criminal Justice will accomplish the following outcomes:
- Demonstrate effective written skills in written assignments and online interaction with peers and faculty.
- Demonstrate knowledge of various criminal justice technological implications for effective collaborations and use in contemporary criminal justice agencies.
- Identify and discuss the essential theoretical and practical concepts used in the criminal justice system.
- Interpret and analyze scholarly research related to the criminal justice field and apply it to real world issues and contemporary practice.
- Understand and articulate the role of critical stakeholders in the criminal justice system and how these roles and interactions influence desired outcomes in criminal justice systems.
- Discuss and describe the role and function of criminal justice managers in contemporary criminal justice agencies.
- Demonstrate and articulate understanding of a range of special topics related to existing criminal justice systems and how they influence the effective administration of justice.
- Discuss the importance of community collaboration and partnerships in achieving positive criminal justice system outcomes.
- Demonstrate cognitive skills and capabilities when analyzing historical or current problems related to the criminal justice field.
MS Criminal Justice, Public Administration Concentration Additional Learning Outcomes
- Articulate an advanced understanding the nature of public administration and its function with the American political system.
- Identify and discuss the principles theories and practices related to directing a public sector organization. Specifically:
- The principles and practices of organizational behavior and leadership.
- Advanced knowledge of the principles legal environment affecting public sector management.
- An understanding of the concepts, principles and assessment practices involved in the strategic planning process in public sector organizations.
Admission Requirements
Applicants interested in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program are required to meet individually either in person or via telephone with an admissions representative to discuss the program and all requirements.
- Applicants must provide a completed South College application for admission and application to the program.
- Applicants must provide evidence of completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education (related undergraduate preferred) with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
Got A Question? South College Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tuition for South College?
Tuition and fees for South College students vary by program, and tuition rates are tiered based on the number of credits taken each quarter. For example, in our undergraduate programs, students taking 10-20 credits per quarter are charged one quarterly tuition rate based on their program, while students in the same program taking 1-5 or 6-9 credits are charged different tuition rates. Our tuition rates are designed such that South College students who take a high number of credits per quarter may be able to complete their program at a lower total cost than students who take fewer credits per quarter. Contact our admissions team who can help you prepare the budget for the field of study you want to pursue. And don’t forget we also offer numerous grants, scholarships, and financial aid packages to those that qualify.
More InfoDoes South College offer Financial Aid?
Yes! Financial aid for South College is available to those who qualify. Students at South College have access to a range of financial aid to provide the economic assistance they need to pay for college. Aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants and awards, work-study programs, and loans. We’re happy to participate in numerous federal, state, and private student aid programs, and to offer funding directly. In addition to federal and state financial aid, South College institutional grants can reduce out-of-pocket expenses for qualified military-affiliated students, first responders, and recent high school graduates. Visit our financial page or contact our admissions team. We want you to succeed! Let us help you give your dream direction and address your financial aid questions.
More InfoIs South College Accredited?
Yes! South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at the doctorate, educational specialist, master's, baccalaureate, and associate levels, as well as certificates. With over 100 programs and concentrations and campuses on multiple states the state authorizations have been obtained. Visit the link to see the full listing. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the appropriate licensing board to confirm whether a South College program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in that state. South College will assist with this information for fully online programs. For onground/hybrid programs, the institution ensures that the program meets requirements for the state in which the campus is located.
More InfoHow do I apply to South College?
Visit South College and see for yourself what the college has to offer. Campus tours include a personal admissions consultation, campus facility tour and more! When you are ready to start your journey at South College, submit an online application or speak with an admissions representative. Once your application is received, we will begin building your personalized plan to pursue the chosen degree or certificate program based on your interest. We want you to have the best possible educational experience. To learn more about the educational opportunities available for your future, Apply today!
Apply NowDo you Offer Housing?
South College offers a wide range of degree and certificate programs in areas such as business, healthcare, legal studies, education, criminal justice, and technology. At this time, we do not currently offer housing options. Our expansive online study and hybrid options allow our students to learn wherever they are located, and often with the flexibility of their own convenient time. With academic advisors that support the students throughout their tenure at South College, along with tutors, study groups, and a student success team, students at South College have resources at their fingertips to assist them in their educational pursuits and may be able to guide towards housing areas close to the campus of their choice. The individual attention and support provided by our faculty and staff helps to set us apart. Students interested in a more personalized learning experience are often attracted to South College over other larger universities and colleges in our campus locations. Request more information about South College today!
More InfoLooking for South College Consumer Information?
South College was founded in 1882 and focused on serving students who want a hands-on, relevant education that can have a meaningful impact on their lives. South College strives to provide quality instruction, resources, and support services based on systematic and ongoing assessment and evaluation of objectives/outcomes to ensure the development of student abilities necessary for the achievement of positive student outcomes and the mission/vision of the college. The institution establishes policies and procedures to maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and accrediting requirements. Click below to learn all about South College’s history, and who we are as an institution today.
More InfoDoes South College accept Transfer Students?
Yes! Credit for transfer work may be given if it was taken at an accredited collegiate institution, if it is equivalent to courses offered at South College, and if it carries a grade of C or better. Any coursework taken over seven years ago may be denied transfer credit if the material is outdated. Policies for the acceptance of any graduate level transfer credit are determined by the associated program faculty within guidelines determined by the institution. We want students to succeed and will do our best to help you in your journey to apply transfer credits to those who qualify. Contact admissions for assistance for your transfer individualized plan and consideration and learn about transfer specifications and time limits by course here:
More InfoWhat Kind of Certificate u0026amp; Degrees does South College Offer?
South College is a regionally accredited private co-educational, institution with non-residential campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Orlando, Florida. Students can pursue academic programs at all levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. New academic programs are added frequently in response to local, regional, and national employment trends, and South College is committed to providing programs at all levels with innovative course content and teaching platforms. Explore all the programs and come back often as we regularly add new programs that may spark your interest!
More InfoOnline vs On-Campus – What Is Best?
Since its founding 140 years ago, South College‘s mission has been to serve students who want a hands-on, professional focused education. Today this means offering traditional classroom experiences along with accelerated, hybrid, and online learning options. It means small class sizes, modern labs, and campuses that are convenient to large numbers of students. Most of all, it means experienced instructors who provide real world experiences in their classes and lead in-depth discussions on the concepts taught. South College also offers non-traditional distance-learning programs, allowing students to earn a college degree online providing more flexibility with the same level of quality education and experience from all academic programs offered. This option is great for potential students who are working a full-time job or are not in travel distance to one of the learning sites. Online vs. campus? You decide. Get the student experience you desire in the program that fits your style best on your road to success!
More InfoDoes South College Have Programs for Active or Retired Military?
As an institution of higher education, South College recognizes its responsibility to society and supports both institutional and individual commitments to service. South College encourages its administration, faculty, and staff to invest their knowledge, experience, and expertise in community, professional, and institutional service. South College’s core values of excellence, responsibility, and integrity serve as the foundation for assessing the quality of institutional, school/departmental, and individual performance in achieving this mission. South College is grateful for the service and sacrifice of our military and their families. We are happy to provide the South College Military Grant to support our military – past and present – in the pursuit of their education and skill development. The South College Application Fee is waived for all active-duty military members, veterans, their spouses, and their dependent children who receive this Grant.
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