Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Master of Science in Criminal Justice Overview

The influence of technology and the changing face of crime have magnified the need for criminal justice specialists. South University's online master’s degree in Criminal Justice program offers you an accelerated curriculum designed to meet the growing need for professionals in this high-demand field.

Earn your Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree and become a part of a learning community of criminal justice experts who will provide knowledge about the law enforcement, correctional, political, and legal arenas. Our Criminal Justice classes utilize the same concepts taught at our campus locations, while providing you with the convenience of attending class online, anytime of day or night. Students can elect a broad course of study in Criminal Justice or select one of the following four specializations:

• Homeland Security: Geared for law enforcement and other emergency personnel with responsibilities including homeland security matters, the concentration in Homeland Security is designed to enhance graduates’ response and effectiveness in the event of terrorism and natural disaster.
• Corrections: Geared for law enforcement and corrections personnel, the concentration in Corrections is designed to enhance graduates' ability to manage correctional institutes or private security firms.
• Cyber Crime: The specialization in Cyber Crime provides more in-depth knowledge, skills and applications relating to the recovery of digital information related to criminal activities. This program is aimed at current law enforcement personnel either with responsibilities in computer-related criminal activities or those seeking to enter the field. Studies specific to this concentration include computer security, networks and systems, digital forensics and cyber crime and security.
• Public Administration: Building on the graduate study of criminal justice, the specialization in Public Administration is aimed at those professionals seeking to expand their knowledge of key aspects of the public sector with particular attention to the unique character of public sector organizations as well as budgeting, intergovernmental relations, grant writing/contact administration and public policy analysis.

Graduates of our Criminal Justice master’s degree program are prepared for entry-level management, administrative, research, and teaching positions as well as for enhancing their career potential within existing law enforcement, correctional, local and state government, and legal institutions.

Employment Opportunities

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, "Overall opportunities in local police departments will be excellent for individuals who meet the psychological, personal, and physical qualifications." "There will be more competition for jobs in Federal and State law enforcement agencies than for jobs in local agencies. Employment of police and detectives is expected to grow 11 percent over the 2006-16 decade, about as fast as the average for all occupations." "Applicants with a bachelor’s degree and several years of law enforcement or military experience, especially investigative experience, will have the best opportunities in Federal agencies."

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Police and Detectives, on the internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos160.htm.

Academic Requirements

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed for prospective students who have:

• A bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or better OR
• A bachelor's degree with required GRE minimum test scores, 450 verbal, 450 quantitative, and 3.5-4.0 analytical
• A bachelor's degree and Miller Analogies Test (MAT): achieve a minimum overall scaled score of 402.

Getting Started

Set a course for your own career growth by enrolling in our online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program. Click here to get started.

Master of Science in Criminal Justice - 48 Total Hours

Students pursuing the Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree can choose a general study track or one of four specializations: Corrections, Cyber Crime, Public Administration or Homeland Security.

General Study Foundation Curriculum - 12 Credits
Students are required to take 3 foundation courses as follows:

LEA5100 - Leadership, Organization Theory, and Change

Leading organization-wide structural and cultural change is a significant challenge facing today's organizations. This course will explore the nature of these changes, the basis for their adoption, and both the management and leadership of organizational change in the 21st century, including issues of managing growth, resistance to change, intervention phases, crisis management, and inter- and intra-group conflict/power.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ5001 - Foundations of Criminal Justice

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the process and relationships between the components of the criminal justice system. Topics will include an evaluation of theoretical and applied criminal justice models, interactions between practitioners, defendants, victims, witnesses, the media, and the public. Discussions also include a critical examination of the myths and misconceptions that surround the criminal justice system and the controversial issues and trends it produces.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ5003 - Ethics and Moral Behavior in the CJ System

This advanced course in ethics and moral behavior discusses, examines, considers and critiques the various facets of justice, crime, and ethics within the criminal justice system. A major emphasis will be placed on the theoretical foundations of ethics as they apply to the fields of criminal justice practice. Students will examine the diverse values and ethical dilemmas that arise in law enforcement, the courts and corrections. In addition, we will explore the same concerns in the formulation of crime control policies at the federal, state, and local levels.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6003 - Criminological Theory

This course provides a comprehensive analysis of major classical and current criminological perspectives including social, behavioral and biochemical theories of crime. Particular attention is given to sociological constructions of criminality.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

General Study Major Curriculum: General - 28 Credits
Students are required to take 10 major courses (28 credits) as follows and 2 electives (8 credits) from the list below:

MCJ5002 - Advanced Techniques in Basic and Applied Research in Criminal Justice

This course focuses on the application of advanced scientific methods used as a means for inquiry, description and analysis of crime and the behavior of the criminal justice system.

Prerequisite(s): CRJ3002 Criminal Justice Research Methods or equivalent

Credits: 4

MCJ6001 - Criminal Justice Administration

A critical examination of theories, concepts, and principles concerned with organizational behavior and functions of personnel administration with special attention paid to criminal justice applications. More specifically, how these concepts may be practically applied to administrative and managerial practices in criminal justice organizations.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6002 - Juvenile Justice Administration

This class will provide an assessment of the current policies and practices of agencies that process youthful offenders. Students will examine, discuss and critique the underlying philosophy, procedures, and administration of the juvenile justice system. Major concerns will center on the effectiveness of the contemporary juvenile court, including an assessment of the policies and practices of agencies involved in processing youthful offenders through the juvenile court system. Student discussions will relate these issues to current and developing public policy.

Prerequisite(s): CRJ3003: Juvenile Delinquency or Equivalent

Credits: 4

MCJ6003 - Criminological Theory

This course provides a comprehensive analysis of major classical and current criminological perspectives including social, behavioral and biochemical theories of crime. Particular attention is given to sociological constructions of criminality.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6004 - Criminal Justice Planning and Innovation

The application of planning theory and techniques to the criminal justice system as well as to agency-specific problems. Emphasizes problem identification, goal-setting, forecasting, and the selection of alternative courses of action. Students become familiar with computerized data analysis and case study simulation in order to illustrate suitable planning techniques as well as pitfalls that can be avoided by implementing such techniques.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6401 - Critical Issues: Law Enforcement

This course focuses upon contemporary critical and controversial issues confronting law enforcement organizations. Discussions may include such topics as police functions; discovery of crime; gender, sexual orientation and/or race-ethnicity issues; the changing role of the police; police training and abuse of authority; local, State and Federal interagency relations; domestic terrorism; police/media relations; police/community relations; civil liability; hazards of policing; and, progressive changes in law enforcement. This course examines systems of law, police, courts, and corrections in different countries to show how the various ways policing, adjudication, and corrections systems can be organized and operated, and influence and interact with each other.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6996 - Applied Research Project I

Prerequisite(s): MCJ5002

Credits: 1

MCJ6997 - Applied Research Project II

Prerequisite(s): MCJ6996?Applied Research Project I

Credits: 1

MCJ6998 - Applied Research Project: Part III

Prerequisite(s): MCJ6996 Applied Research Project: Part I MCJ6997 Applied Research Project: Part II

Credits: 1

MCJ6999 - Applied Research Project: Part IV

The objective of this course (the fourth in the series) is to complete the research project, as part of which, students will write the section (Chapter 5) of their research prospectus, finish the book-end sections of their paper (for example, the table of contents, a list of references, and, if required, a list of tables and graphs), and write an abstract and submit the final draft of their completed research prospectus.

Prerequisite(s): MCJ6996 Applied Research Project: Part I MCJ6997 Applied Research Project: Part II MCJ6998 Applied Research Project: Part III

Credits: 1

General Study Approved Electives - 8 Credits
Choose Two:

LEA5100 - Leadership, Organization Theory, and Change

Leading organization-wide structural and cultural change is a significant challenge facing today's organizations. This course will explore the nature of these changes, the basis for their adoption, and both the management and leadership of organizational change in the 21st century, including issues of managing growth, resistance to change, intervention phases, crisis management, and inter- and intra-group conflict/power.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6402 - Critical/Controversial Issues: Corrections

This course presents an incisive discussion of diverse issues in corrections today by examining contemporary challenges facing corrections, such as the realities of prison life, the courts and corrections, the rehabilitation debate, and corrections in the community. Discussions will also include a critical overview of problems and issues confronting contemporary correctional institutions such as AIDS in prison, prison gangs, aging populations, physical and mental disabilities, women in prison, privatization, professionalism among correctional officers, and the use of technology and community rehabilitative options.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6403 - Special Topics in Criminal Justice Organizational Management

This course presents an in-depth analysis of the latest professional literature in criminal justice organizational management. Emphasizes interrelationships among law enforcement, law/courts, corrections and juvenile justice components of the criminal justice system. Discussions will challenge current and prospective practitioners to come face to face with critical issues confronting today's criminal justice agency administrators and staffs.

Prerequisite(s): MCJ5002 MCJ6001

Credits: 4

MCJ6404 - Political Terrorism

This course presents an overview of the characteristics and causes of terrorism emerging in the 21st century. Students are exposed to the emergence of modern terrorism from several different areas of the world as well as an analysis from a criminal justice perspective of terror movements affecting the United States. Relevant issues include domestic terrorism undertaken for political purposes in liberal states, state-sponsored international and domestic terrorism, and the dilemmas of counterterrorism in a democracy.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6405 - Organizational Leadership

This course provides a survey overview of the major theories and research on leadership and managerial effectiveness in formal organizations with practical suggestions for improving leadership skills. Students will focus on the practical and theoretical applications of charismatic and transformational leadership, creating and communicating vision and values, inspiring others to act, risk management, empowerment, building trust and teamwork, mentoring, managing change, and converting crisis into opportunity.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6410 - Legal Issues in Criminal Justice Administration

Using case law, this course examines a variety of legal issues critical to a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the criminal justice system. Case briefs in this course provide accurate and concise coverage of topics of vital importance to criminal justice managers and personnel including: law enforcement, prison law, probation, parole, the death penalty, juvenile justice, and sentencing mandates.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

Homeland Security Foundation Curriculum - 12 Credits
Students are required to take 3 foundation courses as follows:

MCJ5001 - Foundations of Criminal Justice

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the process and relationships between the components of the criminal justice system. Topics will include an evaluation of theoretical and applied criminal justice models, interactions between practitioners, defendants, victims, witnesses, the media, and the public. Discussions also include a critical examination of the myths and misconceptions that surround the criminal justice system and the controversial issues and trends it produces.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ5003 - Ethics and Moral Behavior in the CJ System

This advanced course in ethics and moral behavior discusses, examines, considers and critiques the various facets of justice, crime, and ethics within the criminal justice system. A major emphasis will be placed on the theoretical foundations of ethics as they apply to the fields of criminal justice practice. Students will examine the diverse values and ethical dilemmas that arise in law enforcement, the courts and corrections. In addition, we will explore the same concerns in the formulation of crime control policies at the federal, state, and local levels.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6003 - Criminological Theory

This course provides a comprehensive analysis of major classical and current criminological perspectives including social, behavioral and biochemical theories of crime. Particular attention is given to sociological constructions of criminality.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

Major Curriculum: Specialization in Homeland Security - 28 Credits
Students are required to take 10 major courses (28 credits) as follows and 2 electives
(8 credits) from the list below:

MCJ5002 - Advanced Techniques in Basic and Applied Research in Criminal Justice

This course focuses on the application of advanced scientific methods used as a means for inquiry, description and analysis of crime and the behavior of the criminal justice system.

Prerequisite(s): CRJ3002 Criminal Justice Research Methods or equivalent

Credits: 4

MCJ6004 - Criminal Justice Planning and Innovation

The application of planning theory and techniques to the criminal justice system as well as to agency-specific problems. Emphasizes problem identification, goal-setting, forecasting, and the selection of alternative courses of action. Students become familiar with computerized data analysis and case study simulation in order to illustrate suitable planning techniques as well as pitfalls that can be avoided by implementing such techniques.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6404 - Political Terrorism

This course presents an overview of the characteristics and causes of terrorism emerging in the 21st century. Students are exposed to the emergence of modern terrorism from several different areas of the world as well as an analysis from a criminal justice perspective of terror movements affecting the United States. Relevant issues include domestic terrorism undertaken for political purposes in liberal states, state-sponsored international and domestic terrorism, and the dilemmas of counterterrorism in a democracy.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6505 - Management of Critical Incidents

This course will examine the policies and systems necessary to govern in a wide variety of emergency situations. It will explore appropriate responses to serious incidents and disasters. Students will learn the techniques involved in planning and preparing for crises, and forecasting potential crisis situations.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6601 - Resource and Agency Coordination

This course exposes students to large-scale coordination challenges involved in responding to critical incidents when dealing with the wide variety of resources and agencies. Topics include identification, prioritization, and assessment of resources (including financial, human, information, and physical) and agencies (including local, state, national, and international).

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6620 - Special Topics in Homeland Security

This course will focus on changes in American policy and contemporary issues confronting local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies as they relate to homeland security. Specifically, students will analyze the issues, the organizations, and the resources developed since 9/11 and explore the policies and practices that have been developed for this purpose. Additional topics include the adjudication process as it relates to issues of national security and the correctional practices employed to maintain national security.

Prerequisite(s): MCJ6601 & MCJ5002

Credits: 4

MCJ6996 - Applied Research Project I

Prerequisite(s): MCJ5002

Credits: 1

MCJ6997 - Applied Research Project II

Prerequisite(s): MCJ6996?Applied Research Project I

Credits: 1

MCJ6998 - Applied Research Project: Part III

Prerequisite(s): MCJ6996 Applied Research Project: Part I MCJ6997 Applied Research Project: Part II

Credits: 1

MCJ6999 - Applied Research Project: Part IV

The objective of this course (the fourth in the series) is to complete the research project, as part of which, students will write the section (Chapter 5) of their research prospectus, finish the book-end sections of their paper (for example, the table of contents, a list of references, and, if required, a list of tables and graphs), and write an abstract and submit the final draft of their completed research prospectus.

Prerequisite(s): MCJ6996 Applied Research Project: Part I MCJ6997 Applied Research Project: Part II MCJ6998 Applied Research Project: Part III

Credits: 1

Homeland Security Approved Electievs - 8 Credits
Choose Two:

LEA5100 - Leadership, Organization Theory, and Change

Leading organization-wide structural and cultural change is a significant challenge facing today's organizations. This course will explore the nature of these changes, the basis for their adoption, and both the management and leadership of organizational change in the 21st century, including issues of managing growth, resistance to change, intervention phases, crisis management, and inter- and intra-group conflict/power.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6401 - Critical Issues: Law Enforcement

This course focuses upon contemporary critical and controversial issues confronting law enforcement organizations. Discussions may include such topics as police functions; discovery of crime; gender, sexual orientation and/or race-ethnicity issues; the changing role of the police; police training and abuse of authority; local, State and Federal interagency relations; domestic terrorism; police/media relations; police/community relations; civil liability; hazards of policing; and, progressive changes in law enforcement. This course examines systems of law, police, courts, and corrections in different countries to show how the various ways policing, adjudication, and corrections systems can be organized and operated, and influence and interact with each other.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6402 - Critical/Controversial Issues: Corrections

This course presents an incisive discussion of diverse issues in corrections today by examining contemporary challenges facing corrections, such as the realities of prison life, the courts and corrections, the rehabilitation debate, and corrections in the community. Discussions will also include a critical overview of problems and issues confronting contemporary correctional institutions such as AIDS in prison, prison gangs, aging populations, physical and mental disabilities, women in prison, privatization, professionalism among correctional officers, and the use of technology and community rehabilitative options.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6403 - Special Topics in Criminal Justice Organizational Management

This course presents an in-depth analysis of the latest professional literature in criminal justice organizational management. Emphasizes interrelationships among law enforcement, law/courts, corrections and juvenile justice components of the criminal justice system. Discussions will challenge current and prospective practitioners to come face to face with critical issues confronting today's criminal justice agency administrators and staffs.

Prerequisite(s): MCJ5002 MCJ6001

Credits: 4

MCJ6405 - Organizational Leadership

This course provides a survey overview of the major theories and research on leadership and managerial effectiveness in formal organizations with practical suggestions for improving leadership skills. Students will focus on the practical and theoretical applications of charismatic and transformational leadership, creating and communicating vision and values, inspiring others to act, risk management, empowerment, building trust and teamwork, mentoring, managing change, and converting crisis into opportunity.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6410 - Legal Issues in Criminal Justice Administration

Using case law, this course examines a variety of legal issues critical to a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the criminal justice system. Case briefs in this course provide accurate and concise coverage of topics of vital importance to criminal justice managers and personnel including: law enforcement, prison law, probation, parole, the death penalty, juvenile justice, and sentencing mandates.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

Corrections Foundation Curriculum - 12 Credits
Students are required to take 3 foundation courses as follows:

MCJ5001 - Foundations of Criminal Justice

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the process and relationships between the components of the criminal justice system. Topics will include an evaluation of theoretical and applied criminal justice models, interactions between practitioners, defendants, victims, witnesses, the media, and the public. Discussions also include a critical examination of the myths and misconceptions that surround the criminal justice system and the controversial issues and trends it produces.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ5003 - Ethics and Moral Behavior in the CJ System

This advanced course in ethics and moral behavior discusses, examines, considers and critiques the various facets of justice, crime, and ethics within the criminal justice system. A major emphasis will be placed on the theoretical foundations of ethics as they apply to the fields of criminal justice practice. Students will examine the diverse values and ethical dilemmas that arise in law enforcement, the courts and corrections. In addition, we will explore the same concerns in the formulation of crime control policies at the federal, state, and local levels.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6003 - Criminological Theory

This course provides a comprehensive analysis of major classical and current criminological perspectives including social, behavioral and biochemical theories of crime. Particular attention is given to sociological constructions of criminality.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

Major Curriculum: Specialization in Corrections - 28 Credits
Students are required to take 10 major courses (28 credits) as follows and 2 electives
(8 credits) from the list below:

MCJ5002 - Advanced Techniques in Basic and Applied Research in Criminal Justice

This course focuses on the application of advanced scientific methods used as a means for inquiry, description and analysis of crime and the behavior of the criminal justice system.

Prerequisite(s): CRJ3002 Criminal Justice Research Methods or equivalent

Credits: 4

MCJ6402 - Critical/Controversial Issues: Corrections

This course presents an incisive discussion of diverse issues in corrections today by examining contemporary challenges facing corrections, such as the realities of prison life, the courts and corrections, the rehabilitation debate, and corrections in the community. Discussions will also include a critical overview of problems and issues confronting contemporary correctional institutions such as AIDS in prison, prison gangs, aging populations, physical and mental disabilities, women in prison, privatization, professionalism among correctional officers, and the use of technology and community rehabilitative options.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6701 - Theory and Practice of Community Corrections and Re-entry Programs

Theory and Practice of Community Corrections and Re-entry Programs

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

MCJ6705 - Theory and Practice of Institutional Corrections

Theory and Practice of Institutional Corrections

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

MCJ6710 - Penology

This course examines correctional practice and reform in the United States and the correctional component of the criminal justice system as a means of social control. A variety of political, social, and legal contexts will be explored.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6725 - Capital Punishment

This course presents an in-depth analysis of capital punishment in the United States. The course emphasizes capital punishment theories, policies, and effectiveness. Discussions will challenge current and prospective practitioners to come face to face with critical issues in the current correction environment.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6996 - Applied Research Project I

Prerequisite(s): MCJ5002

Credits: 1

MCJ6997 - Applied Research Project II

Prerequisite(s): MCJ6996?Applied Research Project I

Credits: 1

MCJ6998 - Applied Research Project: Part III

Prerequisite(s): MCJ6996 Applied Research Project: Part I MCJ6997 Applied Research Project: Part II

Credits: 1

MCJ6999 - Applied Research Project: Part IV

The objective of this course (the fourth in the series) is to complete the research project, as part of which, students will write the section (Chapter 5) of their research prospectus, finish the book-end sections of their paper (for example, the table of contents, a list of references, and, if required, a list of tables and graphs), and write an abstract and submit the final draft of their completed research prospectus.

Prerequisite(s): MCJ6996 Applied Research Project: Part I MCJ6997 Applied Research Project: Part II MCJ6998 Applied Research Project: Part III

Credits: 1

Corrections Approved Electives - 8 Credits
Choose Two:

LEA5100 - Leadership, Organization Theory, and Change

Leading organization-wide structural and cultural change is a significant challenge facing today's organizations. This course will explore the nature of these changes, the basis for their adoption, and both the management and leadership of organizational change in the 21st century, including issues of managing growth, resistance to change, intervention phases, crisis management, and inter- and intra-group conflict/power.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6001 - Criminal Justice Administration

A critical examination of theories, concepts, and principles concerned with organizational behavior and functions of personnel administration with special attention paid to criminal justice applications. More specifically, how these concepts may be practically applied to administrative and managerial practices in criminal justice organizations.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6004 - Criminal Justice Planning and Innovation

The application of planning theory and techniques to the criminal justice system as well as to agency-specific problems. Emphasizes problem identification, goal-setting, forecasting, and the selection of alternative courses of action. Students become familiar with computerized data analysis and case study simulation in order to illustrate suitable planning techniques as well as pitfalls that can be avoided by implementing such techniques.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6403 - Special Topics in Criminal Justice Organizational Management

This course presents an in-depth analysis of the latest professional literature in criminal justice organizational management. Emphasizes interrelationships among law enforcement, law/courts, corrections and juvenile justice components of the criminal justice system. Discussions will challenge current and prospective practitioners to come face to face with critical issues confronting today's criminal justice agency administrators and staffs.

Prerequisite(s): MCJ5002 MCJ6001

Credits: 4

MCJ6405 - Organizational Leadership

This course provides a survey overview of the major theories and research on leadership and managerial effectiveness in formal organizations with practical suggestions for improving leadership skills. Students will focus on the practical and theoretical applications of charismatic and transformational leadership, creating and communicating vision and values, inspiring others to act, risk management, empowerment, building trust and teamwork, mentoring, managing change, and converting crisis into opportunity.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6410 - Legal Issues in Criminal Justice Administration

Using case law, this course examines a variety of legal issues critical to a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the criminal justice system. Case briefs in this course provide accurate and concise coverage of topics of vital importance to criminal justice managers and personnel including: law enforcement, prison law, probation, parole, the death penalty, juvenile justice, and sentencing mandates.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

Cyber Crime Foundation Curriculum - 12 Credits
Students are required to take 3 foundation courses as follows:

MCJ5001 - Foundations of Criminal Justice

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the process and relationships between the components of the criminal justice system. Topics will include an evaluation of theoretical and applied criminal justice models, interactions between practitioners, defendants, victims, witnesses, the media, and the public. Discussions also include a critical examination of the myths and misconceptions that surround the criminal justice system and the controversial issues and trends it produces.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ5003 - Ethics and Moral Behavior in the CJ System

This advanced course in ethics and moral behavior discusses, examines, considers and critiques the various facets of justice, crime, and ethics within the criminal justice system. A major emphasis will be placed on the theoretical foundations of ethics as they apply to the fields of criminal justice practice. Students will examine the diverse values and ethical dilemmas that arise in law enforcement, the courts and corrections. In addition, we will explore the same concerns in the formulation of crime control policies at the federal, state, and local levels.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6003 - Criminological Theory

This course provides a comprehensive analysis of major classical and current criminological perspectives including social, behavioral and biochemical theories of crime. Particular attention is given to sociological constructions of criminality.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

Major Curriculum: Specialization in Cyber Crime - 28 Credits
Students are required to take 10 major courses (28 credits) as follows and 2 electives (8 credits) from the list below:

IST5070 - Network and System Fundamentals

This course serves as an introduction to network and communication systems for nonmajor students. The goal of this course is to familiarize students with the fundamental terminology, applications, and principles of basic computing, network structure, and communication systems. Topics in this course will include basics of networking, signal transmission, communication connections, LANs, wireless networks, network security, and network management.

Prerequisite(s): Program specialization courses

Credits: 4

IST6102 - Computer Security and Forensics

The course covers computer and network forensics. Course topics include: computer security incident response process; computer criminal evidence collection, analysis and handling, e-mail investigation, malicious code investigation, network traffic analysis and router investigation, hacker tools analysis, and computer/network forensic report writing. The course identifies and examines information security threats, information security methods, and implementation approaches used in IT industry.

Prerequisite(s): Core courses (IST 6000 Principles of Systems Development; IST 6010 Project Management; IST 6020 Corporate Information Systems Management)

Credits: 4

IST6261 - Network Security

Principles and practice of network security, including authentication services, e-mail security, IP security, Web security, security systems and threats, wireless security, and security applications.

Prerequisite(s): Program specialization courses

Credits: 4

MCJ5002 - Advanced Techniques in Basic and Applied Research in Criminal Justice

This course focuses on the application of advanced scientific methods used as a means for inquiry, description and analysis of crime and the behavior of the criminal justice system.

Prerequisite(s): CRJ3002 Criminal Justice Research Methods or equivalent

Credits: 4

MCJ6810 - Advanced Digital Forensics

This course presents an in-depth analysis of digital forensics techniques and their applications to cyber crime and information security. Topics include data collection and manipulation, data analysis and reporting, forensic tools and methodologies, applicable laws governing digital forensics, and documentation of forensic examinations.

Prerequisite(s): IST5070 or equivalent

Credits: 4

MCJ6820 - International Cyber Crime and Information Systems Security

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

MCJ6996 - Applied Research Project I

Prerequisite(s): MCJ5002

Credits: 1

MCJ6997 - Applied Research Project II

Prerequisite(s): MCJ6996?Applied Research Project I

Credits: 1

MCJ6998 - Applied Research Project: Part III

Prerequisite(s): MCJ6996 Applied Research Project: Part I MCJ6997 Applied Research Project: Part II

Credits: 1

MCJ6999 - Applied Research Project: Part IV

The objective of this course (the fourth in the series) is to complete the research project, as part of which, students will write the section (Chapter 5) of their research prospectus, finish the book-end sections of their paper (for example, the table of contents, a list of references, and, if required, a list of tables and graphs), and write an abstract and submit the final draft of their completed research prospectus.

Prerequisite(s): MCJ6996 Applied Research Project: Part I MCJ6997 Applied Research Project: Part II MCJ6998 Applied Research Project: Part III

Credits: 1

Cyber Crime Approved Electives - 8 Credits
Choose Two:

LEA5100 - Leadership, Organization Theory, and Change

Leading organization-wide structural and cultural change is a significant challenge facing today's organizations. This course will explore the nature of these changes, the basis for their adoption, and both the management and leadership of organizational change in the 21st century, including issues of managing growth, resistance to change, intervention phases, crisis management, and inter- and intra-group conflict/power.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6001 - Criminal Justice Administration

A critical examination of theories, concepts, and principles concerned with organizational behavior and functions of personnel administration with special attention paid to criminal justice applications. More specifically, how these concepts may be practically applied to administrative and managerial practices in criminal justice organizations.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6004 - Criminal Justice Planning and Innovation

The application of planning theory and techniques to the criminal justice system as well as to agency-specific problems. Emphasizes problem identification, goal-setting, forecasting, and the selection of alternative courses of action. Students become familiar with computerized data analysis and case study simulation in order to illustrate suitable planning techniques as well as pitfalls that can be avoided by implementing such techniques.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6401 - Critical Issues: Law Enforcement

This course focuses upon contemporary critical and controversial issues confronting law enforcement organizations. Discussions may include such topics as police functions; discovery of crime; gender, sexual orientation and/or race-ethnicity issues; the changing role of the police; police training and abuse of authority; local, State and Federal interagency relations; domestic terrorism; police/media relations; police/community relations; civil liability; hazards of policing; and, progressive changes in law enforcement. This course examines systems of law, police, courts, and corrections in different countries to show how the various ways policing, adjudication, and corrections systems can be organized and operated, and influence and interact with each other.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6402 - Critical/Controversial Issues: Corrections

This course presents an incisive discussion of diverse issues in corrections today by examining contemporary challenges facing corrections, such as the realities of prison life, the courts and corrections, the rehabilitation debate, and corrections in the community. Discussions will also include a critical overview of problems and issues confronting contemporary correctional institutions such as AIDS in prison, prison gangs, aging populations, physical and mental disabilities, women in prison, privatization, professionalism among correctional officers, and the use of technology and community rehabilitative options.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6403 - Special Topics in Criminal Justice Organizational Management

This course presents an in-depth analysis of the latest professional literature in criminal justice organizational management. Emphasizes interrelationships among law enforcement, law/courts, corrections and juvenile justice components of the criminal justice system. Discussions will challenge current and prospective practitioners to come face to face with critical issues confronting today's criminal justice agency administrators and staffs.

Prerequisite(s): MCJ5002 MCJ6001

Credits: 4

MCJ6404 - Political Terrorism

This course presents an overview of the characteristics and causes of terrorism emerging in the 21st century. Students are exposed to the emergence of modern terrorism from several different areas of the world as well as an analysis from a criminal justice perspective of terror movements affecting the United States. Relevant issues include domestic terrorism undertaken for political purposes in liberal states, state-sponsored international and domestic terrorism, and the dilemmas of counterterrorism in a democracy.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6405 - Organizational Leadership

This course provides a survey overview of the major theories and research on leadership and managerial effectiveness in formal organizations with practical suggestions for improving leadership skills. Students will focus on the practical and theoretical applications of charismatic and transformational leadership, creating and communicating vision and values, inspiring others to act, risk management, empowerment, building trust and teamwork, mentoring, managing change, and converting crisis into opportunity.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6410 - Legal Issues in Criminal Justice Administration

Using case law, this course examines a variety of legal issues critical to a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the criminal justice system. Case briefs in this course provide accurate and concise coverage of topics of vital importance to criminal justice managers and personnel including: law enforcement, prison law, probation, parole, the death penalty, juvenile justice, and sentencing mandates.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

Public Administration Foundation Curriculum - 12 Credits
Students are required to take 3 foundation courses as follows:

MCJ5001 - Foundations of Criminal Justice

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the process and relationships between the components of the criminal justice system. Topics will include an evaluation of theoretical and applied criminal justice models, interactions between practitioners, defendants, victims, witnesses, the media, and the public. Discussions also include a critical examination of the myths and misconceptions that surround the criminal justice system and the controversial issues and trends it produces.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ5003 - Ethics and Moral Behavior in the CJ System

This advanced course in ethics and moral behavior discusses, examines, considers and critiques the various facets of justice, crime, and ethics within the criminal justice system. A major emphasis will be placed on the theoretical foundations of ethics as they apply to the fields of criminal justice practice. Students will examine the diverse values and ethical dilemmas that arise in law enforcement, the courts and corrections. In addition, we will explore the same concerns in the formulation of crime control policies at the federal, state, and local levels.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6003 - Criminological Theory

This course provides a comprehensive analysis of major classical and current criminological perspectives including social, behavioral and biochemical theories of crime. Particular attention is given to sociological constructions of criminality.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

Major Curriculum: Specialization in Public Administration - 28 Credits
Students are required to take 10 major courses (28 credits) as follows and 2 electives (8 credits) from the list below:

MCJ5002 - Advanced Techniques in Basic and Applied Research in Criminal Justice

This course focuses on the application of advanced scientific methods used as a means for inquiry, description and analysis of crime and the behavior of the criminal justice system.

Prerequisite(s): CRJ3002 Criminal Justice Research Methods or equivalent

Credits: 4

MCJ6001 - Criminal Justice Administration

A critical examination of theories, concepts, and principles concerned with organizational behavior and functions of personnel administration with special attention paid to criminal justice applications. More specifically, how these concepts may be practically applied to administrative and managerial practices in criminal justice organizations.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6996 - Applied Research Project I

Prerequisite(s): MCJ5002

Credits: 1

MCJ6997 - Applied Research Project II

Prerequisite(s): MCJ6996?Applied Research Project I

Credits: 1

MCJ6998 - Applied Research Project: Part III

Prerequisite(s): MCJ6996 Applied Research Project: Part I MCJ6997 Applied Research Project: Part II

Credits: 1

MCJ6999 - Applied Research Project: Part IV

The objective of this course (the fourth in the series) is to complete the research project, as part of which, students will write the section (Chapter 5) of their research prospectus, finish the book-end sections of their paper (for example, the table of contents, a list of references, and, if required, a list of tables and graphs), and write an abstract and submit the final draft of their completed research prospectus.

Prerequisite(s): MCJ6996 Applied Research Project: Part I MCJ6997 Applied Research Project: Part II MCJ6998 Applied Research Project: Part III

Credits: 1

MPA5001 - Foundations of Public Administration

This course provides students with an overview of public administration and examines the political, social, institutional, and organizational setting in which practitioners in public administrators function.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MPA5005 - Public and Nonprofit Organizational Behavior

This course addresses the issues of motivation, leadership, and communication within public and nonprofit organizations. Included are negotiation, conflict resolution, and team building. Special attention will be paid to the unique character of public and nonprofit organizations operating with a mission of public service and within the context of the political leadership and public constituencies.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MPA5010 - Public and Nonprofit Budgeting and Accounting

This course examines the management of public funds and the preparation and administration of their related budgets. Basic accounting and financial management functions most relevant to public administration are examined, including the roles of treasury, comptroller, and auditing. Topics may include revenue projections, expenditure controls, fiscal management, the relevance of public policy in establishing budgetary priorities, and the utilization of information and accounting systems. Course will also include accounting and auditing requirements particular to nonprofit organizations.

Prerequisite(s): MPA5001: Foundations of Public Administration

Credits: 4

MPA6501 - State and Local Government and Intergovernmental Relations

This course analyzes the structures, principles, and operations of state and local government in the United States. It examines the governmental interrelationships contained in the U.S. federal system. Topics include the analysis of the executive, legislative, and judicial functions of state and local governments. In addition, special attention is paid to the similarities and differences among the levels and branches of government. Topics also cover the complementing and conflicting relationships between the state and federal government levels.

Prerequisite(s): MPA5001

Credits: 4

Public Administration Approved Electives - 8 Credits
Chose Two:

MCJ6004 - Criminal Justice Planning and Innovation

The application of planning theory and techniques to the criminal justice system as well as to agency-specific problems. Emphasizes problem identification, goal-setting, forecasting, and the selection of alternative courses of action. Students become familiar with computerized data analysis and case study simulation in order to illustrate suitable planning techniques as well as pitfalls that can be avoided by implementing such techniques.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MCJ6403 - Special Topics in Criminal Justice Organizational Management

This course presents an in-depth analysis of the latest professional literature in criminal justice organizational management. Emphasizes interrelationships among law enforcement, law/courts, corrections and juvenile justice components of the criminal justice system. Discussions will challenge current and prospective practitioners to come face to face with critical issues confronting today's criminal justice agency administrators and staffs.

Prerequisite(s): MCJ5002 MCJ6001

Credits: 4

MCJ6410 - Legal Issues in Criminal Justice Administration

Using case law, this course examines a variety of legal issues critical to a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the criminal justice system. Case briefs in this course provide accurate and concise coverage of topics of vital importance to criminal justice managers and personnel including: law enforcement, prison law, probation, parole, the death penalty, juvenile justice, and sentencing mandates.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MPA6105 - Grant Writing and Contract Administration

This course examines the strategies and execution of grant and proposal writing as well as contract administration in the nonprofit and governmental sectors. Topics include research into funding sources, use of prospectus documents, preparation of competitive proposals for grants and contracts, and peer review. Students will engage in all aspects of grant and proposal writing, including how to efficiently and effectively describe research and program design, outcomes, objectives and methodology, data management, evaluation, and budget development applied to the preparation of an actual proposal. Students will also examine the contract administrative responsibilities resulting from successful grants and contracts, including monitoring and reporting program and fiscal data.

Prerequisite(s): MPA5001

Credits: 4

MPA6501 - State and Local Government and Intergovernmental Relations

This course analyzes the structures, principles, and operations of state and local government in the United States. It examines the governmental interrelationships contained in the U.S. federal system. Topics include the analysis of the executive, legislative, and judicial functions of state and local governments. In addition, special attention is paid to the similarities and differences among the levels and branches of government. Topics also cover the complementing and conflicting relationships between the state and federal government levels.

Prerequisite(s): MPA5001

Credits: 4

MPA6505 - Legislative and Judicial Process

This course examines the process of enacting laws and performing other legislative, administrative, and judicial functions in the U.S. Congress and state legislatures. Special attention is paid to the relationship between public administrators and the legislative and judicial processes.

Prerequisite(s): MPA5001

Credits: 4

MPA6515 - Public Policy Analysis

The course provides an overview of the concepts and processes of policy research, including the relationship between policy analysis and programmatic planning. Topics include the role of policy analysis in improving government decision making and assessing the effectiveness of public programs.

Prerequisite(s): MPA5001

Credits: 4

MPA6520 - Legal Environment of Public Administration

Legal Environment of Public Administration

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

Software Requirements:

• Adobe Acrobat Professional
• Microsoft Office Professional
• Norton Antivirus
• Windows Media Player
• Quicktime
• Flash Viewer 8.0

Minimum Technology Requirements:

• PC: As a general guideline, students should not have computer specifications less than a Pentium III CPU, Windows XP with Service Pack 2, and 512 MB of RAM.
• Mac: As a general guideline, students should not have computer specifications less than a G3, G4, or G5 processor, MAC OS, and 512 MB of RAM.

Internet Requirements:

56K or faster Internet connection is required for online courses, however broadband is strongly encouraged.

Web Browser Requirements:

PC: At least one of the following browsers with Java enabled:

• Internet Explorer 6.0 (supported)
• Internet Explorer 7.0 (recommended)
• Internet Explorer 5.5 (supported)
• Firefox 1.x (supported)
• Firefox 2.0 (recommended)
• Firefox 3.0 (supported)

Mac: At least one of the following browsers with Java enabled:

• Safari 3.0 (supported for OS X)
• Safari 2.0 (recommended for OS X)
• Safari 1.2 (supported for OS X)
• Firefox 1.x (supported)
• Firefox 2.0 (supported)
• Firefox 3.0 (supported)

 

Software may be purchased through JourneyEd.

Dr. Lori Kepford

Dr. Kepford received a Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology and a Master of Arts from Bowling Green University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Bluffton University. Recognizing teaching as her vocation, Dr. Kepford has taught in some capacity since she was 6 years old.

Today, Dr. Kepford teaches in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program for South University Online. Most of her experience in the criminal justice system has been research in the field of corrections. Creating and facilitating online courses for more than 10 years, Dr. Kepford credits the online medium with improving her students' cognition and communication.

Mr. Michael Whalen

Mr. Whalen recently completed his EdD, with the acceptance of his study and dissertation "Identifying the Needs and Preferences of Highly-Intelligent College Students." He is interested in pursuing further research in gifted education at the college level as well as learning more about the relationship between personality and learning styles.

Mr. Whalen currently teaches Criminal Justice courses for South University Online, after having served for 14 months as Online Program Director for Criminal Justice & Legal Studies. He has written two textbook supplements for Cengage. Prior to coming to South, Mr. Whalen helped create the Criminal Justice programs at Keiser University in Florida, including conceptualizing most of their courses. He worked for the Florida Department of Revenue and the State Attorney's Office in Miami before beginning to teach in 2000. He lives in a West Virginia town near Pittsburgh.

Dr. Kristine Empie

Dr. Empie, who has been working in education since 1994, earned her Ph.D. in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, her Master's degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University, and her Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University. In addition to teaching, she has worked with substance abuse clients and with students in residential life. Dr. Empie has also authored a book entitled Workplace Violence and Mental Illness