Goals

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

1. To provide advanced education and professional development in information security and digital forensics for those currently working in the world of cyber security.
2. To provide advanced education for those seeking future leadership positions in the world of cybersecurity.

The program serves two student populations: those currently working full time who seek further education in the field, and those not yet working in the field who plan to pursue information security and digital forensics 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, data privacy, software security, research, 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 world of data privacy and security in an efficient, effective, and ethical manner.

Admission Requirements

Candidates for admission must submit application materials via www.niagarau.ca/students-and-alumni/admissions.

For specific program requirements please visit https://niagarau.ca/students-and-alumni/admissions/requirements-by-program.

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).

Courses