M.A. in Counseling in Educational Setting
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M.A. in Criminal Justice
Glassboro
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Criminal Justice at Rowan University offers a program designed to equip students with the analytical and research skills necessary for leadership roles in criminal justice agencies and for further academic pursuits. The curriculum, available both on-ground and fully online, focuses on understanding the causes of crime, the impact of law on society, and contemporary issues within policing, courts, and corrections. Students can choose between a thesis and a non-thesis track, with the latter requiring a comprehensive examination. The program aims to develop graduates who can critically evaluate the effectiveness of crime prevention and control programs using research-based evidence.
Curriculum: The M.A. in Criminal Justice program at Rowan University requires the completion of 30 semester hours. The curriculum includes core courses such as Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice, Contemporary Developments in Theory, Research Methods I & II, Law and Society, and Criminal Justice Policy Analysis, totaling 18 semester hours. Students can then choose 6-12 semester hours of elective courses covering topics like Administrative Law/Ethics, Seminar in Criminal Justice Planning, Courts and Supportive Agencies, Prevention and Rehabilitation, Seminar in Violence, White Collar Crime, Police and Society, and more. For the thesis track, 6 semester hours are dedicated to Master's Thesis in Criminal Justice I & II.
Research Focus: The M.A. in Criminal Justice program at Rowan University places a significant emphasis on developing students' research skills. The curriculum includes dedicated courses in Research Methods I and II, aiming to equip students with the ability to use research to evaluate the effectiveness of programs designed to prevent and control crime. Faculty research interests within the Law and Justice Studies department are diverse, covering areas such as domestic and international policing, gun violence, capital juror decision-making, cognitive-behavioral programs, social justice issues, and more. Students in the thesis track engage in original research under the guidance of experienced faculty.
Industry Engagement: Rowan University's M.A. in Criminal Justice program prepares graduates for leadership positions in various criminal justice agencies at the federal, state, county, and city levels. It also caters to individuals seeking research positions in public, private, and non-profit research institutions. The program's focus on policy analysis and understanding the practical implications of criminal justice decisions aims to produce graduates who can contribute effectively to the field. Furthermore, the program provides a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing doctoral studies.
Global Perspective: While the program's primary focus is on the U.S. criminal justice system, some elective courses, such as International Criminal Law Seminar and Comparative & International Issues in Criminal Justice, offer a global perspective. These courses aim to broaden students' understanding of criminal justice issues in an international context. Additionally, the program's emphasis on understanding cultural and individual differences within the operation of the criminal justice system encourages a consideration of diverse populations, which can extend to a global awareness.
Location
Glassboro
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 19150
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $65
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 70 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Rowan University offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students in their academic pursuits. Understanding that studying abroad can be a significant financial investment, Rowan provides merit-based scholarships, awards, and grants to help ease the financial burden and reward academic excellence and leadership potential.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students at Rowan University may be eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These scholarships can range from partial to substantial tuition awards and are typically renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Global Academic Excellence Scholarship: One of the key awards available to incoming international undergraduate students is the Global Academic Excellence Scholarship, which recognizes outstanding academic records and exceptional leadership qualities. This scholarship helps reduce tuition costs and encourages high-performing students to join Rowan’s diverse community.
Departmental Scholarships and Awards: Many of Rowan’s individual colleges and departments offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing degrees in specific fields such as business, engineering, communication, or health sciences. These awards are often competitive and based on academic merit, portfolio submissions, or departmental recommendations.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: For international graduate students, Rowan provides assistantships and fellowships that offer tuition remission along with a stipend in exchange for teaching or research support. These positions not only help finance graduate education but also provide valuable professional experience and academic networking opportunities.
Graduates of the M.A. in Criminal Justice program at Rowan University possess a versatile and highly relevant skillset, opening doors to a variety of impactful career opportunities within law enforcement, courts, corrections, government agencies, research institutions, and non-profit organizations.
Police Officer/Detective (with advanced specialization): Utilizing advanced knowledge of criminology and research methods to inform policing strategies, crime analysis, and investigative techniques.
Probation/Parole Officer (Management/Policy Focus): Developing and implementing effective rehabilitation and reintegration programs, contributing to policy development within correctional agencies.
Correctional Administrator: Holding leadership positions within correctional facilities, overseeing operations, and implementing evidence-based practices.
Court Administrator: Managing the administrative functions of the court system, ensuring efficient operations and effective resource allocation.
Criminal Justice Policy Analyst: Researching and analyzing criminal justice policies, developing recommendations for reform and improvement at local, state, or federal levels.
Crime Analyst: Utilizing statistical methods and data analysis to identify crime patterns, trends, and hotspots, informing law enforcement strategies and resource deployment.
Federal Agent (various agencies): Working for federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, DEA, or ATF, conducting investigations and enforcing federal laws.
Research Analyst (Criminal Justice focus): Conducting research for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or academic institutions to evaluate the effectiveness of criminal justice programs and policies.
Victim Advocate: Providing support, resources, and advocacy for victims of crime within the criminal justice system or community-based organizations.
Professor/Instructor (Criminal Justice): Pursuing an academic career, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in criminal justice, and conducting scholarly research.
