Master of Science in Criminal Justice (M.S.C.J.)
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The Master of Science in Criminal Justice is a graduate professional degree designed to prepare students to assume the growing number of professional and leadership positions within the criminal justice system.
The program allows students to pursue concentrations in corrections administration or healthcare management. Students in the program may opt to gain experience by completing an internship in a criminal justice agency, and all students are required to complete a three credit thesis project applicable to their concentration.
Upon completing the program of study in Criminal Justice, students will:
- Demonstrate advanced critical thinking, reading, and communication skills.
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of legal concepts.
- Demonstrate ability to apply criminological theory to real life situations.
- Demonstrate the capacity to make informed ethical decisions in their chosen profession.
- Demonstrate the preparedness to pursue a career in a criminal justice related field.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a nationally or regionally accredited institution approved by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in Criminal Justice and 2.8 in all other undergraduate coursework.*
- Proficiency in the business application of personal computers.
- For non-native English-speakers, a minimum score of 550 paper-based, 80 internet-based, or 213 computer-based on the Test of English as a Foreign Language .
- Proof of immunization in accordance with Connecticut state requirements.
- For fully online students, a driver’s license or DMV photo identification is required.
- Applicants intending to use VA benefits submit a copy of their certificate of eligibility to a school certifying official.
- Completion of at least 18 undergraduate credits in criminal justice.
The applicant must submit:
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- Official transcripts from all nationally and regionally accredited degree-granting institutions, approved by the USDE or CHEA, attended.
- An essay (of 500-600 words, double-spaced) on their professional career interests, reasons for entering the program and expectations of the program
- Two letters of recommendation from former professors or professional associates.
* Applicants who do not meet the above G.P.A. requirement may be admitted to the program on a provisional basis. You may be required to complete preparatory courses or to earn a 3.0 cumulative grade point average before being fully admitted to the program.
Transfer Credits
Albertus Magnus College will accept a maximum of 6 graduate hours from nationally
or regionally accredited institutions approved by the U.S. Department of Education
(USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) toward satisfying
the program requirements. Such credits must have been completed prior to entrance into the program and must
satisfy degree requirements. Transfer credits must have been completed with a minimum
grade of 3.0 within the last five years. Transfer credits will be considered on an
individual basis. Students must submit an official transcript showing proof of completion
of the course(s) to be transferred. All requests to transfer credits must be completed
prior to starting the program. Internal transfer students from other Albertus graduate
programs must complete at least 50% of their requirements (15 credits) in the Albertus
M.S. in Criminal Justice program.
Tuition and Fees
Costs vary by graduate program; please consult https://www.albertus.edu/admission-aid/business-office/accelerated-degree-program/graduate-tuition-fees.php.
- Application Fee: $50.00
- Tutorial Surcharge: $500.00 (for student requested tutorial)
- Thesis Continuation Fee: $250.00 per registration period (within seven years of matriculation) until completion of the thesis.
Fees and rates are subject to change.
Accreditation
Albertus Magnus College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice is accredited by the State of Connecticut Office of Higher Education.
Program Format
Classes are offered in five, eight-week modules during the calendar year. All classes are fully online.
Academic Advisement
Admitted students are assigned a faculty advisor, typically the program director. Together the student and advisor will develop a program of study. Throughout the program the advisor will assist students with course planning, registration and regular academic review.
Course Load
Students may register for no more than 6 credits per mod.
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of all requirements within seven years of matriculation, including completion of the capstone course.
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
- Minimum grade in each course of 2.0.
- Payment of all tuition and fees.
Graduation with Honors
Master’s degree candidates who have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.90 are awarded honors and will have the notation included on their transcript and diploma.
PROGRAM OF STUDY
Criminal Justice, M.S. - Correctional Administration
REQUIRED CORE (15 credits)
CJ 510 - Criminology
CJ 512 - Contemporary Issues in the Criminal Justice System
CJ 514 - Research Methods and Statistics
CJ 516 - Criminal Justice Ethics
CJ 661 - Criminal Justice Thesis
CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS (15 credits)
CJ 521 - Probation, Parole and Community-Based Corrections
CJ 530 - Issues in Correctional Supervision
CJ 536 - History and Future of American Corrections
Select two (6 credits): Criminal Justice (CJ) courses in consultation with the Program Director.
Criminal Justice, M.S. - Correctional Healthcare Management
REQUIRED CORE (15 credits)
CJ 510 - Criminology
CJ 512 - Contemporary Issues in the Criminal Justice System
CJ 514 - Research Methods and Statistics
CJ 516 - Criminal Justice Ethics
CJ 661 - Criminal Justice Thesis
CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS (15 credits)
MB 646 - Healthcare: Law, Policy and Systems
MB 647 - Financial Management of Healthcare Organizations
MOL 501 - Leadership in Theory and Practice
Select two (6 credits): Criminal Justice (CJ) courses in consultation with the Program Director.
Master of Science in Criminal Justice: 4 + 1 B.S./M.S. (Traditional Undergraduate Students Only)
This program is designed for traditional undergraduate students who have demonstrated an ability to excel and a desire to obtain a Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree in a minimal amount of time. A total of 150 credits are required to receive both the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Master of Science in Criminal Justice degrees. Of these, 120 credits are completed in the undergraduate program and 30 credits in the graduate program. During senior year, students take 2 graduate courses. There is no extra cost to the student for these credits during their undergraduate study if they have been accepted into the 4 + 1 program.
Students should apply to the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program during the spring of their junior year and must have an overall G.P.A. of 3.5 to be accepted into the 4 + 1 program. At the time of acceptance, students will be assigned a graduate faculty advisor in addition to their undergraduate faculty advisor.