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
Social Science Degrees for Busy Adults Brochure
Why McKendree?
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)
View a full list of core and elective courses with course descriptions.
Format
This program is offered in a campus-based blended format or a fully-online format.
The campus-based blended classes meet one evening a week for 8 weeks, with face-to-face
instruction supplemented by online learning. Online classes are also eight weeks
long. The program can be completed in 18 months full time or in two years part time.
Tuition
2018-19 Academic Year
Tuition for the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program is $495 per credit hour.
All online courses have a $70 per credit hour fee. Financial aid is available.
Admission Requirements
McKendree University welcomes applications for graduate study from students holding
a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution who seek a challenging
educational experience in a stimulating and friendly environment. Applicants are considered
on an individual basis without regard to gender, race, disability, nationality, orientation,
or religion.
The following documentation and/or components are required for consideration for admission
to the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice:
1. A completed graduate admission application (no fee).
2. Official transcripts from each college or university attended. Official transcripts
are those mailed from institution to institution.
3. A current vita or resume.
4. A 3.0 GPA on a four-point scale in undergraduate studies. Applicants with a GPA
below a 3.0 may be conditionally admitted.
5. A Statement of Purpose describing interests and goals in criminal justice as a
career and why the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice at McKendree University would
be helpful in achieving these goals.
6. Recommendation forms completed by three former instructors and/or professional references who can attest
to the applicant’s ability to pursue graduate work.
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.
Meet the 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.
Judge Dennis Middendorff
J.D, DePaul University Law School
B.A. in History and Political Science, Loyola University of Chicago
After four years as an Assistant State's Attorney, Middendorff was elected State's Attorney of Clinton County, Illinois and served in that capacity for seven years. Middendorff was then elected as an Associate Judge, and then Circuit judge. During his tenure on the bench he was assigned by the Illinois Supreme Court to hear special assignments in fifteen counties, appointed to the Illinois Appellate Defender's Commission, and was selected to preside over death penalty cases.
Chief David Roth
Graduate of Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy
M.A. in Human Resources, Webster University
Graduate of Southern Police Institute, University of Louisville Command College
B.A. in Law Enforcement Management, Sterling College
A.A.S., Administration of Justice, Southwestern Illinois College
Roth is an accomplished law enforcement administrator offering extensive experience and a strong record of performance. Roth is currently the Chief of Police in Lebanon, has served with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force and was Commander of the Major Case Squad in St. Louis, Mo.
Investigator Luke Lack
Doctor of Public Administration, University of Illinois Springfield (in progress)
Master of Public Administration, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
B.S. in Business Administration, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Lack currently works as an Investigator (sworn police officer) for the Illinois Secretary of State Police, Region 3 District 6 - Capitol. He is certified as a Bicycle patrol officer, and has taken several courses in cyber-crime at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. Lack is also a Certified Fraud Examiner with the ACFE and currently a doctoral student at the University of Illinois Springfield.
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Student Services
Graduate Admission Counselor
(618) 537-6943
(800) BEARCAT, ext. 6943
plaubel@mckendree.edu
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