Master's in Law Enforcement and Administration

The Master’s in Criminal Justice Administration degree program prepares students for careers in the field of criminal justice, particularly law enforcement, and will enhance the careers of those already in the field. The program is designed as a cohort group to be completed within six semesters and includes an internship and final paper in the last semester. There are twelve required courses for a total of thirty six (36 hours). Students will be required to take two (2) courses per semester for six consecutive semesters. These courses focus on administration, management, policymaking, law, and ethics.

Admission Requirements

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university in a criminal justice, law enforcement or related field.

• Satisfactory completion of an undergraduate or graduate course in research methods and/or statistics prior to admission to the program.

• A minimum overall GPA of 2.7 on a 4 point scale.

• GRE General Test Scores and or Miller’s Analogies test score at the 50th percentile or higher.

• TOEFL Scores for students whose native language is not English.

• Three letters of recommendation which address the applicant’s academic competencies, work performance and fitness to pursue this graduate degree.

• Satisfactory performance on Preadmission Interview.

Program Requirements

Students are responsible for knowing this bulletin and fulfilling requirements for graduation. The University cannot assume responsibility for failure of students to fulfill catalog and curriculum requirements. If questions arise about requirements, students should consult with the appropriate department chair, college dean, or the Registrar several semesters prior to graduation. Participation in the commencement exercise is required.

Performance Standards

Universally, a normal course load for most graduate programs is 9 credit hours for full time graduate student status. However, for this cohort program approach, students will take six semester hours each semester and go year-round. All students must complete coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4 point scale. Students who accumulate more than two (2) “C” grades will be dismissed from the program. Students must also complete all requirements within a period of seven years following the date of admission to the program. The Dean of the College of Professional Studies may extend these limits upon recommendation of the Criminal Justice Department Chair and approval of the Criminal Justice Department Graduate Committee.

Curriculum – 36 Hours Required

• LE 520 Introduction to Law Enforcement Administration

• LE 530 Technology Applications for Criminal Justice

• LE 540 Ethical Practices in Administration

• LE 550 Law Enforcement and the Community

• LE 600 Research Methods & Statistics in Criminal Justice

• LE 610 Human Resource Management

• LE 620 Leadership Psychology

• LE 630 Planning Organizational Staff Development

• LE 640 Strategic Planning & Policy Formulation

• LE 650 Legal Aspects of Law Enforcement Administration

• LE 660 Crisis Management, Homeland Security & Critical Incident

• LE 680 Experience and Analysis in the Field of Criminal Justice (Internship)

Criminal Justice Administration Program Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

Students will demonstrate and apply an understanding of leadership and administration in the criminal justice system, particularly in the law enforcement field.

Professional Integrity & Responsibility

Students will understand and demonstrate the ethical standards and professional behavior of administration in the Criminal Justice field, particularly in the law enforcement field.

Critical Thinking

Students will demonstrate graduate level quantitative and/or qualitative research skills with proper data analysis to summarize finding in clear and concise written narratives.

Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills and problem solving skills through course work, case studies, work experience and internship.

Communication

Students will demonstrate and apply graduate level written and verbal communication skills.

Technology

Students will demonstrate and apply use of technology related to the administration field, particularly in terms of law enforcement and criminal justice administration.