Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Colorado Technical University’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) degree program is designed for professionals seeking new opportunities in law enforcement, corrections and the court systems. The curriculum serves as preparation for students interested in pursuing roles throughout the criminal justice industry.

This program is structured specifically to develop the knowledge base and skills essential to those who strive to pursue opportunities in policy development, planning and decision-making in the criminal justice system. The MSCJ reflects the information base necessary to enhance responsible policy-making.

What You Will Study

Coursework in this program focuses on a number of substantive areas applicable to the field of criminal justice. Course content has been designed to focus on problem solving with real life applications of issues related to many areas of the industry. For example:

• In Terrorism and Homeland Security Management, students explore the intergovernmental system relationships in homeland security as they study an interdisciplinary approach in defining terrorism in analysis of counterterrorism strategies for planned responses.
• In Leadership and Ethical Decision-Making, students examine a variety of complex ethical issues confronting industry professionals as they work with various stakeholders of an organization.
• In Law Enforcement Management, course content blends law enforcement theory and practice to create a proactive approach for successful management of personnel, resources and services to the community.

Other courses in the MSCJ program include:

• Advanced Review of Criminal Justice
• Graduate Research Methods
• Criminology and Public Policy
• Court Services Management
• Operational Human Resource Management
• Issues of Diversity in Criminal Justice
• Corrections Management
• Special Topics in Criminal Justice
• Graduate Criminal Justice Capstone

Successful completion of the MSCJ program will give students an applicable foundation of career-related knowledge and skills, including how to:

• Discuss trends in the development of public policies in relation to criminal justice.
• Apply policy analysis techniques to current issues facing criminal justice and juvenile justice.
• Use research results to enhance problem solving and decision-making.
• Explore proactive strategies that reflect responsible organizational values, ethics and diversity.
• Examine how court rulings, public opinion, research findings and legislative actions have influenced justice-related policies.
• Analyze the realities of translating public policy into operational practice in the criminal justice system.
• Evaluate the impact and cost-effectiveness of justice policies and organizational practices.
• Identify innovative approaches for developing rational, fiscally responsible policy choices.
• Apply leadership theories to the challenges faced by modern public safety.

Who Will Teach Your Courses

In addition to a quality curriculum based on industry standards, courses in Colorado Technical University’s MSCJ program were developed and are taught by a faculty comprised of criminal justice professionals who bring a range of experience into their classrooms. Their firsthand knowledge and perspectives offer students the opportunity to learn from individuals willing to share their understanding of the qualities and skills sought in today's competitive marketplace.

To learn more about CTU, our MSCJ degree program or how to apply for admission, please contact us for more information.