Online Master of Science in Administration of Justice
Program Description
Graduate studies in the Department of Justice Administration provide students with advanced social and behavioral science skills as well as a detailed and thorough understanding of crime, criminal justice and related processes. The goals of the Department of Justice Administration are for students to achieve a sound liberal arts education and a specialized understanding of the criminal justice system, criminal behavior, legal processes and the relationship of these phenomena to society.
The core curriculum includes an overview of the criminal justice system, theories of crime and delinquency, legal issues in criminal justice and advanced statistics and research methods. Elective courses cover specialized topics within criminal justice such as capital punishment, violent crime, domestic violence, issues in policing and ethics in criminal justice practice. Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are prepared to continue advanced studies in criminal justice or other social sciences and to assume mid and upper-level leadership positions within criminal justice programs and agencies. For additional information on career opportunities, visit the Justice Administration Departments Career Opportunities page.
Admission Requirements
- Evidence of a Bachelor's Degree and 2.75 cumulative grade point average (GPA.)
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work
- General Test score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) of 900 (verbal + quantitative)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Completion of Application for Admission and payment of a $50 non-refundable application fee
- Personal statement (300-500 words) including a brief autobiographical sketch and outlining your goals and aspirations
Conditional and non-degree admission is possible. Determinations are made on a case-by-case basis depending on the specific needs of the student.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language ( TOEFL ) is required of all foreign students from countries in which English is not the native language. Applicants holding a baccalaureate or advanced degree from an accredited college or university in the United States are exempt from the TOEFL requirement.
Program / Course Requirements
The program requires a minimum of 36 credits for completion: a core of 15 hours, 18 hours of electives and 3 credits for the completion of a professional paper. The core curriculum includes an overview of the criminal justice system, theories of crime and delinquency, legal issues in criminal justice and advanced statistics and research methods. Elective courses cover specialized topics within criminal justice such as capital punishment, violent crime, domestic violence, criminal justice in media, international terrorism, substance abuse and justice policy, and issues in policing and ethics in criminal justice practice.
A cumulative 3.0 grade point average must be maintained for all graduate coursework; grades of "D" must be repeated. students are advised to complete JA core courses prior to electives. Students are free to select electives specific to their area of interest.
* Additional elective courses are available for students who attend classes on campus.
Refer to the Schedule of Online Classes for a list of current, upcoming and past courses offered at a distance at U of L.– NOTE: All distance courses listed in the schedule of classes will have a section number in the 50’s and a note with the course
title that indicates it is offered either online or televised.
To search for both on-line and on-campus classes, go to the Schedule of Classes. Distance classes will have a section number in the
50s and will have a note indicating they are online or televised.
Information / Assistance:
Toll Free: 1-800-334-8635 extention 852-6456
Telephone : (502) 852-6456
Email : Service Account Online Students
U of L Course Descriptions
Disclaimer:
The course descriptions provided herein are for the guidance of students. The University, however, reserves the right to change course descriptions without prior notice. The provisions of this listing do not constitute an express or implied contract between the University and any member of the student body, faculty or general public.
JA 621 - The Criminal Justice System (3 credit hours) A study of the criminal justice system in the United States . A systems approach to the study of criminal justice and the interrelationships of the various components of the system. Social and political issues related to the criminal justice system are examined in depth.
JA 625 - Legal Aspects of Criminal Justice Management (3 credit hours) Examination of the legal issues within criminal justice management, the effects of constitutional provisions, statutes, ordinances, and judicial decisions on justice administration. A discussion of the legal aspects of selection, promotion, assignment, and termination of justice employees.
JA 643 - Theories of Crime and Delinquency (3 credit hours) A study of the psychological and sociological factors involved in criminal and delinquent behavior. The relationship of theory to the prevention and control of crime, treatment of offenders and administration of respective criminal justice agencies.
JA 649 - Applied Statistics in Criminal Justice (3 credit hours) Focuses on the use of statistical techniques in criminal justice. Emphasis on the application and interpretation of the statistics. Utilization of statistical application computer systems.
JA 650 - Research Methods in Criminal Justice (3 credit hours) The application of quantitative and qualitative analyses in criminal justice research. The concepts of validity, hypothesis, reliability, measurement, sampling, quasi-experimental construction, errors in reasoning, and statistics and approaches to the problems of the conduct of stringent and useful research.
JA 522 - Serial Murder (3 credit hours) Examination of serial murder in the United States . Topics include serial murder and its relation to race and gender; the myth of serial murder; the media and serial murder profiling.
JA 596 - Seminar: Criminal Justice (3 credit hours) An interdisciplinary seminar. Focuses on issues pertinent to the criminal justice system that reflect conflicting perspectives. Recent seminar topics have included: Crime and Criminal Justice in the Cinema; Domestic Violence; International Terrorism; CJ Studies in Belize.
JA 597 - Ethics in Criminal Justice (3 credit hours) A study of the need for ethics in criminal justice. The aims of ethics, ethical theories, ethical issues related to law making, law breaking and law enforcement. Prerequisite: Senior standing or faculty consent. Note: Approved for the General Education requirement in written communication.
JA 605 - Police on Our Political and Social Systems (3 credit hours) An examination of the police function as a component of the political system in the United States . The manner in which police give substance to the political system and are formed by it in turn. The interaction of the police with other governmental institutions in the political system.
JA 606 - Personnel Management in the Criminal Justice System (3 credit hours) Focus is on contemporary personnel management problems confronting agencies in the criminal justice system. Both the historical and the theoretical developments of personnel management are analyzed. Alternatives to current management procedures and systems are presented.
JA 612 - Criminal Justice Administration: Police (3 credit hours) An examination of the functions of police in society; principles of law enforcement organizations, administration, policy formulation, and management of personnel; statutory limitations on authority and jurisdiction.
JA 641 - Advanced Criminal Behavior: Treatment (3 credit hours) A study of the interaction between social institutions and law violators. An analysis of the concepts of behavioral control, law, normal behavior, deviance, crime and the relationships between criminals and victims.
JA 665 - Special Topics in Justice and Criminology (3 credit hours) Study of contemporary issues concerning the philosophy, management, and operations of criminal justice agencies. Recent topics have included: Race & Gender in Criminal Justice; Alternatives to Incarceration; Constitutional & Administrative Issues; Intelligence & Homeland Security; Substance Abuse & Justice Policy.
JA 698 - Professional Paper (3 credit hours)
Preparation of a paper of publishable quality based on research under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisite: Consent of chair.