Curriculum
Course Work:
The M.S. in Criminal Justice trains individuals through an interdisciplinary focus in an online environment. The program prepares students through the core curriculum and allows for specialty training through various tracks. This facilitates choice for students and fosters the development of specialized expertise. Additionally, students may choose among elective courses available at the graduate level throughout NSU. The program requires successful completion of thirty-six hour program that includes core courses, specialty track, and electives.
Core Courses:
(Required of all Criminal Justice Students) (15 Credits)
Curriculum (36 credits required for total program)
CJI 510 Survey Issues in Criminal Justice (3 Credits):
Course Director: Irving Rosenbaum, D.P.A.
Sample Syllabus
This course will review historical context, theory, policy making, political factors, and behavioral influences related to criminal justice policy department.
CJI 520 Social Administration of Criminal Justice (3 Credits):
Course Director: Vincent Van Hasselt, Ph.D.
Sample Syllabus
This course will provide an overview of the federal, state, and local criminal justice systems. An introduction to management and methods of conflict management will be provided.
CJI 530 Legal Issues in Criminal Justice (3 Credits):
Course Director: Johnny Burris, J.D., LL.M.
Sample Syllabus
This course will provide an overview to the legal issues that govern criminal justice activities that will included state and constitutional perspectives of law. An historical development of the various statutes that regulate criminal justice activities will be provided.
CJI 540 Program Evaluation in Criminal Justice (3 Credits):
Course Director: Frank DePiano, Ph.D.
Sample Syllabus
This course will provide a fundamental analysis of research and methodology as related to evaluation of criminal justice administration. Included in this course will be an introduction to statistical analysis and the use of current technology.
CJI 550 Investigative Processes (3 Credits):
Course Director: Catherine Arcabascio, J.D.
Sample Syllabus
This course will provide a fundamental background for investigative processes to include the responsibilities of the investigator from the initial crime scene all the way trough follow-up. Felony cases will be used to demonstrate examples of criminal principles.
Specialty Tracks (15 Credits)
(Choose one among the following)
- Track 2: Behavioral Science
- Track 3: Business Administration
- Track 4: Public Administration
- Track 5: Substance Abuse
- Track 6: Community Solutions and Partnership
- Track 7: Information Systems
- Track 8: Conflict and Crisis Management
- Track 9: Child Protection and Juvenile Justice
- Track 10: Information Security
- Track 11: Investigative Forensic Technology
>>Specialty Track Request Form
Electives (choose one of the following for a total of 6 Credits)
- Two, three (3) credit classes
- Practicum Placement
(3, 6, or 9 Credit options)
- This practicum will provide the criminal justice student with first-hand experience working alongside law enforcement agents. During a ten-week term, students will have the opportunity to observe various entities within a department of police or corrections. Student will participate in selected area of study to fullest extent. S/he will engage in direct activity while assigned to CJI practicum. Direct activity includes activities such as, but not limited to observation of role model, attending lectures, and performing assigned duties and does not include activities related to personal affairs.
- Practicum Application Form
- Master's Thesis
(6 Credits)
- Work with NSU faculty member creating your own research project.
- Thesis Guideline