Emphasis - Criminal Justice Leadership
M.C.J. in Criminal Justice
Description
The Master of Criminal Justice (M.C.J.) promotes evidence-based policy and practice and prepares future leaders in the fields of criminal justice, emergency management, and homeland security by conducting relevant, innovative research and offering cutting-edge courses.
Admission Requirements
1) Evidence of an awarded baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
2) Quality of the applicant’s academic record, as evidenced by cumulative grade- point average. At least a 3.0 or equivalent grade-point average on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework is required.
3) Three (3) letters of professional recommendation, preferably from professors familiar with your academic qualifications or others familiar with your work ethic and ability to be successful in graduate school.
4) A 400- to 500-word statement of interest that describes your interest in pursuing the Master of Criminal Justice degree, your chosen emphasis in a) Policy and Practice (in-person), b) Homeland Security and Emergency Management (fully online), or c) Criminal Justice Leadership (fully online), your future career goals, and why you believe you will be successful in graduate school.
5) Submit a sample of your recent written work that best showcases your skills as a writer and critical thinker. Writing samples should be in English and no more than 10 double-spaced pages in length. There are no specific formatting requirements. This could be a term paper, professional report, policy brief, or any other document that demonstrates writing and analytic skills.
6) Curriculum vitae or resume.
7) International students must demonstrate compliance with the University of Mississippi's English Language Proficiency Score Requirements and Exemptions policy.
Prospective students that are interested in a graduate assistantship position (only applicable for the in-person emphasis in CJ policy and practice) should also submit:
- Resume or curriculum vitae.
- Brief statement of interest of no more than 300 words in the assistantship position, including interest in research and/or teaching and skills that you will bring to the position.
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 30
Course Requirements
The M.C.J. is a 30-graduate-hour program. All students must complete the 12 hours of core courses.
- CJ 600 - Criminal Justice Administration
- CJ 601 - Criminal Justice Statistics
- CJ 602 - Criminal Justice Research Methods
- CJ 624 - Theories of Criminal Behavior
Students will select an emphasis in either Criminal Justice Policy and Practice, Homeland Security and Emergency Management, or Criminal Justice Leadership.
Other Academic Requirements
The minimum requirements to graduate are: An overall graduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher; must complete a minimum of three (3) classes in their emphasis; and students must complete all core classes with a minimum grade of B-.
Completion option for the degree will vary by emphasis area.
Emphasis - Criminal Justice Leadership
Description
The M.C.J. with emphasis in emergency management and homeland security prepares a graduate for a variety of criminal justice and related positions.
Course Requirements
Students enrolled in Criminal Justice Leadership emphasis (online) are required to take the 12 hours of core classes as online courses. This emphasis also requires a minimum of three (3) of the following (i.e., 9 credits):
- CJ 671: Communications for Criminal Justice Leaders
- CJ 672: Conflict Resolution and Decision-Making
- CJ 673: Criminal Justice Evidence-Based Decision-Making
- CJ 674: Budgeting & Finance
- CJ 676: Principles of Leadership
- CJ 678: Diversity and Inclusivity
- CJ 679: Special Topics in Criminal Justice Leadership (May be taken 2 times with different topics)
- CJ 680: Personnel Management
- CJ 649: Independent Study (May be taken 2 times with different topics)
Degree Culmination: Criminal Justice Capstone
All students must complete the CJ 693: Capstone Course. This class is 3 credit hours. All students must receive approval from the Graduate Program Coordinator.