Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (MACJ)
Why a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice?
The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (MACJ) program at McKendree University is designed
to provide students with a scholar-practitioner model that will help them in the practice
of criminal justice in their present or future careers. In addition, this program
will provide the necessary tools for any student who wishes to continue his or her
education at the doctoral level. The Master’s program in Criminal Justice at McKendree
covers a wide variety of topics. There are four required courses for this program,
leaving students the opportunity to choose which area they would like to focus on
or allowing them to gain a variety of experience in several areas. By the end of the
program, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the nature of:
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Crime
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Patterns of criminal activity
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Decision making in the criminal justice process
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Research methods
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Ethical decision-making
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Why McKendree University?
The MACJ program at McKendree University combines academic excellence with the high
level of flexibility necessary for working adults to pursue an advanced degree. Our
low faculty to student ratio, combined with a variety of student services, ensures
that students receive the personal attention and support they need to succeed.
Curriculum Requirements
This 36 hour program requires five core classes and eight elective courses.
Core Courses
CRJ 600 ADVANCED STUDIES IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE (3)
CRJ 604 CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORY (3)
CRJ 606 RESEARCH IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE I: METHODS AND CONCEPTS (3)
CRJ 608 RESEARCH IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE II: DATA ANALYSIS (3)
CRJ 611 ETHICS, THE LAW, AND INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS (3)
Format
This program is offered 100% online with classes starting every eight weeks. Students
can complete the program in 18 months taking classes full-time or in two years taking
classes part-time.
Tuition
2019-20 Academic Year
Tuition for the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program is $510 per credit hour.
All online courses have a $70 per credit hour fee. Financial aid is available.
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Admission Requirements
McKendree University admits students who present evidence of their potential to complete
graduate level work. Applicants are considered on an individual basis without regard
to sex, race, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, or religion. The following
documentation is required for consideration of admission:
1. A completed graduate admission application (no fee).
2. A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
3. Official transcripts from each college or university attended. Official transcripts are those sent from institution to institution.
4. A minimum 3.0 GPA on a four-point scale in undergraduate studies.
5. A current resume or vita.
6. Three professional references.
7. An essay describing the personal and professional goals that will be met by completion of the degree.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Master of Arts in Criminal Justice find employment in:
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Law enforcement
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Correctional supervision
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Intelligence analysis
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Private security
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Criminal justice administration
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University instruction
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Program/policy evaluation
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Lobbying
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Victim advocacy
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Crime prevention specialist
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Private consulting
Interesting Courses
Since there are only four required courses in the program, students are given the
opportunity to take a wide variety of elective courses, such as:
CRJ 612 - Terrorism, Security, and the Modern World - This course is designed to help students gain a better understanding terrorism at
an international and domestic level. Students will learn what terrorism is and how
to respond to it. This course also teaches students the interactions and intersections
of the law and individual rights.
CRJ 621 - Issues in Policing - Students will learn about current topics in criminal justice. This course will cover
pressing topics such as police corruption, police use of deadly force, how the media
impacts criminal justice, and others.
CRJ 623 - Class, Race, and Gender in Criminal Justice - Research indicates that the justice system is not always as equal as we would like
to believe. During this course, students will learn about three areas that structure
different experiences within the criminal justice system. Students will explore class,
race, and gender; looking at these groups as both victims and culprits.
Internship Opportunities
MACJ students have the option of completing field experiences and/or independent studies
to earn hours in their area of interest.
Next Step...
Contact your student service specialist below and get details on the admission process and our next start date.
Patty Aubel
Student Service Specialist
(618) 537-6943
1-833-317-7236 (toll free)
plaubel@mckendree.edu
Key Faculty
Director of Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, University of Cincinnati
M.S. in Criminal Justice, University of Cincinnati
B.A. in Criminal Justice, East Tennessee State University
Webster has published six book chapters and journal articles, made several conference presentations, and received five grants. One of Webster’s articles received the “Most Outstanding Article of the Year” award for 2013 by Emerald Publishing.
Ph.D. in Sociology, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
M.A. in Sociology, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
B.A. in Sociology, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Hagan is an active member of the Midwest Sociological Association, American Society of Criminology, and the ASC Division on Critical Criminology. He is a reviewer for Critical Criminology, Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy, and Sociological Imagination.
Ph.D. in Criminology, University of Kentucky
M.A. in Sociology, University of South Florida
B.A. in Sociology Western Kentucky University
Quisenberry has published articles in journals such as Deviant Behavior, Sociological Quarterly, and Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency. His most recent article focused on texting while driving and was published in The American Journal of Criminal Justice.
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