The Master of Criminal Justice and Criminology is a NEW PROGRAM approved by the UNC Board of Governors which began in August 2006.
The program now operates in Boone, NC on the main ASU campus, as well as in Hickory, NC at the Appalachian Center at Hickory.
The graduate program leads to a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology (MSCJ&C) , and is housed in the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice within the College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University . The MSCJ&C is an interdisciplinary degree designed to:
- Provide broad-based education for individuals preparing for employment in the field of criminal justice at the managerial level;
- Enhance the capabilities and performance of those individuals currently employed in the criminal justice field, whether already in management, or seeking promotion;
- Foster pertinent research within the academic disciplines of Criminal Justice and Criminology;
- Provide a graduate-level foundation for individuals wishing to pursue a terminal degree (Ph.D.) in Criminal Justice or Criminology.
Thus, the Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology is intended to meet the academic needs of individuals seeking: 1) employment or advancement in the field of Criminal Justice, and 2) a strong academic foundation for pursuit of a Ph.D. within the academic disciplines of Criminal Justice or Criminology.
The program consists of the following:
1) Required core courses in Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Sociology which are designed to provide an overview of the criminal justice system, research methods, as well as social and theoretical issues;
2) Elective courses offering concentrated areas of study within Criminal Justice, Criminology, and related disciplines;
3) An internship, directed research project, or thesis designed to link theory with practice.
Curriculum
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice & Criminology consists of:
1) Eight (8) required courses in Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Sociology;
2) Two (2) to three (3) elective courses within Criminal Justice, Criminology, Political Science /
Public Administration; Psychology; Sociology; and/or Management;
3) An internship, directed research project, or thesis designed to link theory with practice.