M.Ed. in Special Education
Mississippi College, located in Clinton, Mississippi, offers a comprehensive Master of ...
Master of Administration of Justice
Clinton, Mississippi
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Administration of Justice at Mississippi College is typically a 30-credit-hour program, though a 36-credit-hour track may also be available, allowing students to deepen their knowledge through additional coursework or a concentration. The program aims to prepare graduates to become effective leaders capable of addressing complex issues in criminal justice and private sector security settings. It's built on a holistic approach that connects legal processes with an understanding of the underlying social, economic, and political factors contributing to crime and delinquency.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S. in Administration of Justice is structured to provide a robust foundation in key areas of justice administration. Core courses (often 9 credit hours) typically include "Police Rights and Responsibilities," "Police Personnel Administration," and "Police Problems and Practice." The program offers flexibility through electives and concentrations. For example, a Loss Prevention Concentration might include courses like "Introduction to Loss Prevention" and "Introduction to Physical Security." Other elective courses chosen with an advisor can further tailor the degree to individual interests, covering topics like White Collar Crime, Criminal Profiling, Organized Crime, or Forensic Behavior Analysis. The program emphasizes developing analytical, communication, and research skills relevant to the field.
Research Focus: While the M.S. in Administration of Justice at Mississippi College is largely practitioner-oriented, it incorporates a focus on understanding and applying research within the criminal justice field. The program aims to equip students with the critical thinking skills needed to analyze the social, economic, and political ramifications of administrative policies. Courses often involve exploring the relationship between crime, delinquency, and larger sociocultural patterns, encouraging students to consider evidence-based approaches to problem-solving. While a formal thesis option is not explicitly detailed as a core requirement for all tracks, the emphasis on developing strong analytical and communication skills suggests an engagement with scholarly inquiry and the use of data to inform decision-making in real-world justice contexts.
Industry Engagement: Mississippi College's M.S. in Administration of Justice program demonstrates strong industry engagement by preparing graduates for direct leadership roles across various sectors of the justice system. The faculty often comprises professionals with actual experience in the fields they teach, providing students with practical insights and real-world perspectives. The program's graduates frequently secure leadership positions at local, state, and federal levels of law enforcement and within the private security industry. Furthermore, the inclusion of concentrations like Loss Prevention and Homeland Security directly aligns the curriculum with specific industry needs and career paths.
Global Perspective: While the M.S. in Administration of Justice at Mississippi College primarily focuses on the U.S. criminal justice system and its administration, the broader field of justice inherently touches upon global issues. Topics such as organized crime, terrorism, and cross-border security challenges often have international dimensions. While the program may not explicitly offer courses on "International Criminal Justice Systems," the understanding of complex social problems, legal frameworks, and administrative policies developed within the curriculum provides a foundation for comprehending justice issues within an interconnected global context. Mississippi College's diverse student body may also contribute to discussions that incorporate varied cultural and international perspectives on crime and justice.
Location
Clinton, Mississippi
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 13856
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% 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 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 52 or higher.
Mississippi College is making quality education affordable for students from around the world. To support this goal, the college offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students, helping to reduce the overall cost of tuition and living expenses.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students with strong academic records are eligible for merit-based scholarships. These awards are determined by evaluating high school GPA (or equivalent), standardized test scores (such as SAT or ACT), and other academic achievements. The scholarship amount varies, with awards ranging from partial to significant tuition discounts, which are renewable based on academic performance.
Presidential and Dean’s Scholarships: Highly qualified international students may receive Presidential or Dean’s Scholarships, two of the most prestigious awards offered by Mississippi College. These scholarships are based on exceptional academic credentials and leadership potential and can cover a substantial portion of tuition costs.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Administration of Justice from Mississippi College prepares graduates for leadership and management roles within the diverse sectors of the criminal justice system and related security fields. This program provides a comprehensive understanding of law enforcement, judicial processes, corrections, and homeland security, equipping individuals with the critical thinking and administrative skills necessary for impactful careers.
Police and Detective Supervisor/Chief: Graduates can advance into leadership positions within local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies, overseeing teams of officers or detectives, managing operations, and contributing to strategic planning for public safety.
Correctional Officer Supervisor/Warden: This role involves managing the operations of correctional facilities, including jails, prisons, or detention centers. Graduates lead and train correctional staff, ensure safety and security, and oversee inmate rehabilitation programs.
Court Administrator/Director of Court Services: These professionals manage the administrative functions of court systems, including budgeting, personnel management, case flow, and technology implementation, ensuring the efficient and fair operation of judicial processes.
Federal Agent (e.g., FBI, DEA, US Marshal, Customs Inspector): An M.S. degree can enhance competitiveness for roles in federal law enforcement agencies, where agents investigate national-level crimes, enforce federal laws, and contribute to national security.
Probation/Parole Officer (Supervisor/Manager): Graduates can work with offenders released from incarceration, supervising their reintegration into society, enforcing parole/probation conditions, and connecting them with resources for rehabilitation and employment. A master's often leads to supervisory roles.
Loss Prevention Manager/Security Director (Private Sector): Leveraging the program's Loss Prevention concentration, graduates can manage security operations for large corporations, retail chains, or private organizations, focusing on preventing theft, fraud, and ensuring the safety of assets and personnel.
Intelligence Analyst (Law Enforcement/Government): These professionals gather, analyze, and interpret complex data to identify criminal patterns, assess threats (including terrorism and cybercrime), and provide actionable intelligence to law enforcement agencies and government bodies.
Emergency Management Specialist: Work with government agencies or private organizations to plan for, respond to, and recover from disasters and emergencies, which often have a significant law enforcement or public safety component.
Criminal Justice Policy Analyst: Graduates can work for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations to research, evaluate, and develop policies related to crime prevention, sentencing reform, police practices, or correctional systems.
Postsecondary Criminal Justice Teacher/Instructor: With an advanced degree, graduates can teach criminal justice courses at community colleges or act as adjunct faculty at universities, sharing their expertise and preparing the next generation of justice professionals.
