Student-centered degree combines flexibility with innovative curriculum to shape well-informed, highly skilled and ethical leaders
November 28, 2018
USC has launched a flexible online criminal justice master’s degree to give working professionals the knowledge and skills to advance within this multifaceted field. Students can immediately apply what they learn in their current positions, while gaining the expertise required of leaders across the criminal justice field— from law enforcement agencies, forensic investigations and the court system to correctional institutions, parole/probation and rehabilitation programs, and policy.
“Our program is rooted in the latest research in the field, with particular attention to issues criminal justice leaders are facing today,” says Anthony Bailey, dean of USC Bovard College. “Students will examine the capacity of the criminal justice system to incorporate emerging technology, for example. They’ll touch on topics such as the use of the dark web by criminal organizations, and the integration of augmented and virtual reality to rehabilitate offenders in correctional facilities.”
The MS in Criminal Justice is offered fully online, and can be completed on a one-year or two-year track.
The curriculum was devised in collaboration with and will be taught by top experts in law enforcement, psychology, law, policy, homeland security, and corrections. In addition to foundational theories of criminology and criminal justice, students in the program will explore both the implementation and evaluation of policy design; learn to evaluate research and use statistical data to assess the efficacy of policies and practices in criminal justice; and judge the efficacy of new evidence-based practices in criminal investigations, corrections and community supervision — including restorative justice, trauma-informed practice and the use of technology.
Vulnerable populations, implicit bias, ethics and diversity are themes woven throughout the program. Courses in leadership development and organizational change will help students develop leadership skills within the context of criminal justice organizations.
The MS in Criminal Justice is offered through USC Bovard College, which fosters professional advancement by combining rigorous, up-to-date training in a supportive learning environment. The degree joins USC Bovard College’s MS in Human Resource Management and MS in Project Management in developing leaders who can meet the demands of the fast-paced global economy.
Learn more information about the online MS in Criminal Justice program.