Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program is unique among other graduate programs in Kentucky due to its focus on social justice and reform, community engagement, social learning, and cultural competency, integrating technology and professional services. This program is valuable for undergraduate students seeking to advance their education and prepare for entry-level and mid-level positions, as well as for teaching positions as adjunct instructors. It is also of value to criminal justice practitioners seeking positions in management or leadership, preparing them to address the unique challenges relating to social justice and reform, and integrated technology within today's criminal justice system.
This program is unique in that it provides three cognate options:
- Social Justice and Reform
- Cybersecurity
- Professional Services
PROGRAM OBJECTIVE
Kentucky State University’s MCJE program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in criminal justice with a focus on social justice and reform, community engagement, social learning, and cultural competency, or integrating technology or professional services.
Other benefits of earning a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration include career advancement, specialized knowledge, leadership skills, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, networking opportunities, and increased earning potential within the criminal justice sector.
“Today's criminal justice professionals need more than practical knowledge to overcome societal challenges. Data-driven decision making and critical thinking are essential for effective problem-solving. This is the point where practical experience and advanced studies connect, and why higher education is vitally important for leaders.”
Dr. Frederick A. Williams Jr., Ph.D., MAJ KSP (ret.)
REGULAR ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
General requirements for regular (unconditional) admission to Graduate Studies are:
A baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or from an equivalent foreign institution.
An overall undergraduate minimum grade-point-average of 2.50 (on a 4.00 scale). Each degree program may set higher minimum grade-point-average. The GPA requirement cannot be rounded up.
Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work indicating all degrees awarded and courses taken. The baccalaureate degree must be verified with an official transcript.
Students must meet the minimum scores set by the program for any graduate admission test(s) required for admission to a program. See the specific program for test that may be required and the minimum score.
Plan of Study
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| Term 1 (Fall) | ||
| CJE 500 | Sem. in Adv. Crimin. Procedure | 3 |
| CJE 505 | Sem. in Law Enforce. Admin. | 3 |
| Term 2 (Fall) | ||
| CJE 510 | Seminar in Correctional Admini | 3 |
| CJE 600 | Adv. Crimin. & Crimino. Theory | 3 |
| Term 3 (Summer) | ||
| CJE 540 | 3 | |
| CJE 541 | 3 | |
| Term 4 (Spring) | ||
| CJE 610 | Adv. Res. Meth. in Crim.Justic | 3 |
| CJE 605 | Adv. App. Stat for Crim. Justi | 3 |
| Term 5 (Spring) | ||
| CJE 542 | ||
| CJE 699 Capstone or comprehensive exam and 3 credit hours of coursework in any are | 3 | |
| Hours | 27 | |
| Total Hours | 27 | |
Remaining Cognates
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CJE 520 | Sem in Juven. Justice Admin. | 3 |
| CJE 521 | Sem. in Private Sec. Admin. | 3 |
| CJE 522 | Sem. in Prob. & Paro. Admin. | 3 |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CJE 530 | Cyber Crimes | 3 |
| CJE 531 | Principles of Cybersecurity | 3 |
| CJE 532 | Sem. in Cyber Crime & Cyberter | 3 |