Curriculum

Program Rationale:

The master of science degree is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required for leadership positions in the criminal justice system and continued study at the doctoral level. The criminal justice graduate program strongly emphasizes the application of theory and research in executive decision-making, policy development and analysis, and the treatment of offenders.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this program students will be able to: 

• Analyze and evaluate data relevant to criminal justice policies and programs;
• Discuss and explain research findings in a manner that is consistent with standards expected at professional conferences and meetings;
• Describe the functions of the different components of the criminal justice system and how they interact with, and influence, each other; and
• Critique theories of crime and the intervention models developed to address criminal behavior

Admissions Requirements:

Admission to the Master of Science degree program in Criminal Justice is made on a competitive basis two times per year. Applications for fall semester must be completed and received by June 1. Applications for spring semester must be completed and received by November 1. The number of students accepted in any semester is dependent on available openings in the program, which may fluctuate from semester to semester. 

Applicants may be notified by June 30 (fall admission) and November 30 (spring admission) regarding acceptance decisions. Applicants accepted into the program will be contacted and asked to confirm their intentions to enter program.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.  In addition to the standard University graduate admission requirements, the department requires:

1. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.  Applicants may also be considered conditionally with a 2.70 to 2.99 GPA.

2. One undergraduate social science research methods course with a grade of “C” or better

3. One undergraduate elementary statistics course with a grade of “C” or better

4. A formal application essay that focuses on (a) academic and work history, (b) reasons for pursuing graduate studies in criminal justice, and (c) future career goals

5. Resume

Consideration in the admission process is given to selecting applicants from diverse areas of criminal justice field (e.g., law enforcement, corrections, alternative sanctions, treatment and rehabilitation, and analysis). Students who do not meet these requirements may request consideration for admission with special requirements. No students may register for graduate-level criminal justice courses without first being admitted to the program.

The admissions application (apply online), application fee, and official transcripts from each college/university (except CCSU) where any course has been taken must be sent directly to the Graduate Recruitment and Admissions Office.

Instructions for uploading the essay and resume will be found within the online graduate application.

Contact: 860-832-3005                                                 

Course and Capstone Requirements

Note: No more than nine credits at the 400 level, as approved by the graduate advisor, may be counted toward the graduate planned program of study.