Criminal Justice Administration

Goals

The master’s degree program in criminal justice administration has two goals:

1. To provide advanced education and professional development in criminal justice administration for those currently working in the criminal justice system.
2. To provide advanced education for those seeking future leadership positions in the criminal justice field.

The program serves two student populations:

• those currently working full time in criminal justice who seek further education in the field
• those not yet working in criminal justice who plan to pursue criminal justice-related careers in operations, research or teaching

The philosophy of the program is closely intertwined with the mission of Niagara University. It is designed to prepare its graduates for productive roles in society, as well as to provide them the opportunity to fulfill their potential. A holistic education is offered through an integrated program that encourages students to develop powers of discrimination and judgment, and fosters their commitment to ethical, intellectual and social values. The program aims to accomplish these objectives through a core of courses that develops skills in management, statistics, methodology, research, justice, ethics, liability, writing, and speaking. As the curriculum suggests, the program aims to do more than train competent managers and administrators. It also strives to inculcate communication, analytical and decision-making skills, as well as professional ethics that will enable graduates to function as effective leaders in any organizational environment. The curriculum also helps graduates to anticipate, address and correct problems faced in the criminal justice professions in an efficient, effective and ethical manner.

Unique Program Characteristics

The courses combine a variety of skills, information and concrete applications for a gratifying educational experience. Small class size, computer availability for all students, and state-of-the-art library facilities provide a supportive learning environment.

All faculty members in the graduate program hold earned doctorates in criminology, criminal justice, or a related field, an attribute not found in any comparable regional program. All are published authors and experts in a variety of specializations within the field. They are all experienced teachers and regularly make presentations at professional conferences. The faculty draws upon a wealth of knowledge and expertise that makes the learning experience both enlightening and enjoyable.

Administration skills, computer applications, professional ethics, and low student-faculty ratios are combined with an interdisciplinary flavor. Several classes can be taken as electives in the university’s M.S. in counseling program. Included in this sequence are: 651, 654, 658, 617 and 669.

A combined maximum of four courses (12 credit hours) including transfer credit from an accredited institution and courses outside of the criminal justice administration department at Niagara University may be allowed. Preapproval by the director of the criminal justice master’s program to take any courses outside of the criminal justice department at Niagara University (MBA, MA Interdisciplinary Studies, or EDU counseling courses) must be obtained by the student prior to registration for the course(s).

Admission Requirements

Candidates for admission must submit application materials.

1. The application, accompanied by a $30 fee (U.S. funds), payable to Niagara University.
2. Official transcripts of all previous college and university work, to be sent directly from the registrar of each institution.
3. Two letters of recommendation to be sent directly to Niagara University by persons who know your qualifications and can assess your ability to perform graduate work.
4. A personal statement of no more than 500 words that explains why you wish to pursue the master’s degree program.
5. Scores on the GRE aptitude test, to be sent directly to Niagara University from the Educational Testing Service (which administers the exam). NU alumni who received a B.A. or B.S. from the College of Arts and Sciences in the previous five years may waive the GRE requirement if their overall under-graduate QPA was 3.0 or better. Also, GRE scores may be waived by the department depending upon professional experience and undergraduate performance. For further details, please contact the department.
6. For students whose native language is not English, scores on the TOEFL must be sent directly by the testing service.

Master's in Criminal Justice Administration 

Program of Study

The master of science degree in criminal justice administration consists of an 11-course sequence totaling 33 credit hours. All courses earn three credits. All classes are offered at 4 p.m. or later, and convenient class scheduling permits students to take two courses on some class evenings.

Six of the 11 courses are core requirements, the remainder are electives. The master’s degree program is designed for completion in one calendar year for full-time students and three calendar years for part-time students.

Courses