Administration of Justice
Institutions of social control change constantly due to the public's demand for a quality system of justice. In this climate, government at all levels is insisting on a higher level of intellectual and educational preparation for those who participate in the operation and administration of its criminal justice systems.
The Department of Criminal Justice developed the master of science degree program in administration of justice in 1983. The program serves students who are contemplating careers in the criminal justice field, as well as further graduate study. The program also serves working professionals who enhance their understanding of theory and conduct research related to their organizations.
The program’s major strengths are its applied perspective and strong emphasis on theory, policy, research, and analysis. Philosophy, format, and implementation stress the practical application of a higher level of knowledge, skills, and strategies. The methodological and theory components are highly suitable as a preparation for entering advanced graduate studies and other professional programs.
Applicants must meet all requirements of the School of Graduate Studies as defined in the current Graduate Catalog. Applicants should have a baccalaureate degree in criminal justice, administration of justice, or a related social science field from an accredited college or university with a grade point average of 2.75 as a minimum. Applicants who do not meet the minimum grade point average requirement must take the GRE and submit their scores as part of their application.
To qualify for the degree of master of science in administration of justice, you must complete as a minimum 36 hours of graduate work distributed as follows:
- REQUIRED (24 s.h.)
- CRJ 501 Foundations of Justice
- CRJ 520 Justice Administration and Management
- CRJ 550 Graduate Seminar
- CRJ 560 Theories of Crime and Delinquency
- CRJ 590 Justice Policy Analysis
- CRJ 600 Research Methods
- CRJ 610 Quantitative Analysis
- CRJ 635 Restorative Justice
- Electives (12 s.h.)
- CRJ 570 Legal Trends and Issues
- CRJ 580 Juvenile Justice System
- CRJ 585 Treatment and Rehabilitation
- CRJ 591 Selected Topics
- CRJ 592 Selected Topics
- CRJ 593 Independent Study
- CRJ 594 Selected Topics
- CRJ 596 Selected Topics
- CRJ 599 Independent Study
- CRJ 612 Thesis I
- CRJ 613 Thesis II
- CRJ 617 Internship I
- CRJ 618 Internship II
NOTE: Students enrolled in the M.S. program affiliated with the Juvenile Court Judges Commission will complete six credits of Practicum as part of the electives for the program.
With approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator in the Department of Criminal Justice, a student may take up to three courses at the 500-level or higher offered by the following departments: Counseling/College Student Personnel, Educational Leadership and Policy/Special Education, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.
Shippensburg University is located near major cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C. State government in the capital city, Harrisburg, provides numerous opportunities to study and do research with state and federal agencies.Shippensburg University is located near major cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C. State government in the capital city, Harrisburg, provides opportunities to study and do research with state and federal agencies.
Students have opportunities to work on research projects with departmental faculty. Computer resources and excellent library facilities are available.
Graduate assistantships may be available for students who want to enhance their learning experience by assisting the faculty with research, teaching and other tasks during the academic year.