
Criminal justice professionals are in high demand, and that trend will continue through 2030, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. In fact, 80 to 90 percent of Central Connecticut State University’s criminal justice graduate students are employed in the field before they graduate!
To meet the growing demand for criminal justice professionals, Central will launch a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration program and three new certification programs this fall. In an effort to accommodate more students, the application deadline for the fall semester has been extended to June 30.
Classes will be offered online and in HyFlex formats, and students may enroll full- or part-time. Students in the MA earn up to two professional certificates while completing the program for no additional time or cost.
The MA in Criminal Justice Administration program is one of two graduate-level options available through Central’s Criminology and Criminal Justice department, along with the Master of Science in Criminal Justice. The MA is geared toward criminal justice professionals who are ready to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for leadership positions and other professional advancement opportunities in the field.
The 30-credit MA program enhances students’ decision-making and administration skills with a focus on evidence-based practices, program development and evaluation, and effective management of employees and organizations at the local, state, and federal levels.
Admission requirements for the MA in Criminal Justice Administration program include a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution and three years of work experience in criminal justice or a related field.
Three new Criminal Justice certificate options
The 12-credit certificate programs are stackable, which enable students to customize their skillset and earn credits applicable to the master’s in Criminal Justice Administration program. All certificate programs require a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution and three years of work experience in criminal justice or a related field.
Criminal Justice Leadership Certificate: Students will learn relevant theories and practices related to the interpretation and evaluation of research, management of criminal justice employees, development of criminal justice organizations, and implementation of policy.
Victim’s Advocacy Certificate: Students who work with victims and in victims’ advocacy organizations will learn relevant theory and practice relating to victims’ experiences in the criminal justice system.
Forensic Counseling Certificate: This program focuses on offender counseling, risk assessment, offender profiling, and delinquency intervention.