About
The Criminal Justice Master of Arts degree is a broad-based graduate program. The program addresses issues of crime and criminal justice within an analytical framework and emphasizes theory and research and their implications for social policy. The curriculum is grounded in the social and behavioral sciences and in legal approaches to crime and social control. It draws from contemporary research and theoretical developments across a spectrum of academic disciplines. The criminal justice master’s degree is designed to prepare students for doctoral studies in the field and in related areas of the social and behavioral sciences, assume teaching positions at the community college level, and serve the needs of professionals currently working in justice-related agencies by providing the knowledge and skills to enhance their performance in current positions and/or prepare them for career advancement.
Available Options
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Thesis Track
Students who complete a master’s thesis in criminal justice will conduct a research project and data analyses relating to an issue of theoretical and empirical significance. Students are expected to display the ability to integrate the elements of the core courses and related programs of study into their thesis projects.
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Comprehensive Examination Track
Students who complete a master’s comprehensive examination must pass a written test designed to assess their ability to synthesize and apply the knowledge learned throughout the criminal justice M.A. program curriculum.
Accreditation
For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the Criminal Justice Master's Degree Program, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced theoretical knowledge of the nature of crime and patterns of criminal activity.
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the law and the legal system, as well as decision-making in the criminal justice process, the social and political context of the legal system, important constitutional issues, and how criminal law differs from other forms of law.
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of criminal justice institutions and processes, and current criminal justice policy.
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of research methods, statistics and program evaluation.
- Demonstrate the basic theoretical, empirical, and substantive knowledge and skills required for graduate education at the doctoral level, teaching at the community college level, and for research, social policy positions, and professional positions in criminal justice-related fields.
Career Possibilities
Individuals with a Criminal Justice background have a wide range of career opportunities.
Law enforcement
- Federal Agent (FBI, DEA, Immigration, Secret Service, Federal Air Marshal, etc.)
- State of Local Police Officer
- Park Ranger
- Private Security
- Private Investigator
- Campus Police Officer
- Military Officer
- Cooperate Loss Manager
Investigation
- Arson Investigator
- Gaming Investigator
- IRS Special Agent
- Postal Inspector
- Coroner
Courts
- Attorney
- Law Clerk
- Paralegal
- Court Administrator
- Pre-Trial Services Officer
- Forensic Psychologist
- Drug Court Coordinator
- Crime Scene Investigator
Corrections
- Correctional Officer
- Correctional Treatment Specialist
- Warden
- Parole Officer
- Juvenile Detention Officer
Technical Support and Analysis
- Crime Analyst
- Forensic Technician
- Ballistics Expert
Social Services
- Social Worker
- Youth Advocate
- Victim Advocate
- Teacher
Requirements
Documents/Downloads
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice
Contacts
Graduate Coordinator
Seong Park, Ph.D.
Department of Criminal Justice
The Department of Criminal Justice provides undergraduate and graduate degree programs designed to give students comprehensive understanding of the nature and causes of crime. Our students also learn about the criminal justice processes, criminal justice organizations and agency practices, and the law and legal system.
Website
Phone
Greenspun College of Urban Affairs
The Greenspun College of Urban Affairs is committed to creating contemporary solutions for resilient communities. Our academic programs focus on making effective public policy, creating support structures to meet behavioral and mental health challenges, ensuring cities are safe and prepared to meet emergency situations, effective and ethical journalism, and interpersonal and public communication strategies.