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.
Graduate Student Guidebook
Commonly Used Forms
Letter of recommendation for applicants