The Departments of Political Science and Criminal Justice and Criminology offer a joint program leading to a Master in Public Administration (MPA) with a concentration in Criminal Justice. At the successful completion of this program of study, the student will have a Master in Public Administration degree with a Criminal Justice concentration. This program is designed to prepare individuals for leadership roles in criminal justice/ public administration agencies, as well as to provide a solid base from which to pursue doctoral study. Two groups of potential students are targeted by this program: inservice personnel who wish to further develop the skills and knowledge necessary for advancement in the criminal justice field, and undergraduates who wish to pursue graduate study in criminal justice and public administration. Today's criminal justice system faces new problems, issues, and initiatives for which few of its practitioners have received adequate preparation. These challenges include high levels of crime in our communities, public concern over violence in our schools and workplaces, and an increased number of offenders in courts and correctional settings. This program seeks to provide criminal justice professionals with the expertise and administrative skills necessary to address these problems.

The Course of Study:

Core Area of Study:

POLS 625 Research Mth (3.0)

15 hours from:

POLS 633 American Jud Sys (3.0)

POLS 642 Publc Policy (3.0)

POLS 648 Polcy Analys (3.0)

POLS 650 Pub Administ (3.0)

POLS 651 Adm Org Mgt (3.0)

POLS 652 Personnl Adm (3.0)

POLS 653 Pub Fin Adm (3.0)

CJC Concentration (12 hours):

CJC 650 Crim Jus Adm (3.0)

CJC 651 Intpr Rel CJC (3.0)

CJC 652 Phil Asp CJC (3.0)

CJC 690 Indpen Study (3.0)

Electives in Related Area: 3.00-6.00 hours

Research Requirement (One of the following):

POLS 626 Research Seminar (3.0)

RES 697 Research Paper (3.0)

RES 698 Thesis (3.0 - 6.0)

Total = 36 - 42 hrs.

The student's plan of study, including electives, will be selected in consultation with the program advisor.

Society is placing demands on the criminal justice system for which the average practitioner is unprepared to assume leadership roles. There is a clear need for individuals who have the background to identify and respond to the changes occurring within the criminal justice field. Assistance in addressing this lack of adequate leadership can come from two possible sources: new students with specific preparation for the criminal justice field, and practitioners who seek additional skills and knowledge to assume leadership roles. This program will accommodate students from both categories.

Prerequisites for Admission to the MPA Program: (1) A baccalaureate degree from a college or university of accredited standing. (2) Normally, a grade point average 2.8 overall on a 4.0 scale. (3) A Graduate Record Exam score and two letters of recommendation.

For further information on the MPA with a Concentration in Criminal Justice, please contact Dr.Jerome McKean, CJC Graduate Faculty Advisor, Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, at 765-285-5979 or jmckean@bsu.edu; or Dr. Roger G. Hollands, Graduate Faculty Advisor in the Department of Political Science at 765-285-8780 or rholland@bsu.edu. (Graduate Assistantships Available)