Graduate Program

Our MS in CJC graduate program is unique in its simultaneous emphasis on rigorous, science-based education and applied, policy- and practice-oriented knowledge. Our graduate classrooms serve many students who are current or aspiring criminal justice professionals alongside students who approach the discipline from a purely academic standpoint. This heterogeneous student population is a strength of our program, as it requires us to provide a rigorous, theory- and research-based curriculum unified by a common goal: improving the criminal justice system and the experiences of people impacted by it. Our practitioner students bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom, further strengthening the connections that all students can—and should—make between academic Criminology and Criminal Justice and its practice.

Program Goals

To produce educated, critical thinkers in issues related to crime who have strong communication skills.
To produce practitioners and scholars who are knowledgeable regarding jobs and careers in the field of criminal justice and who are prepared to interact effectively with diverse individuals and groups.
To produce socially active and engaged consumers of knowledge who are able to interpret and respond to information in meaningful ways.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to design a research study using quantitative or qualitative methodology.
Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret quantitative data.
Students will possess an understanding of the prevailing explanations (micro and macro) for criminal behavior.
Students will possess a in-depth, broad, and critical understanding of the criminal justice system.
Students will be able to utilize the extant literature base to increase broad understanding of the Criminal Justice & Criminology.
Students will have developed strong writing skills, critical analysis, and analytical thought.

Specific requirements and tools for planning a degree can be found in the UMKC Course Catalog.