Graduate course of study
MA in Criminal Justice
The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice degree requires a minimum of thirty-one credit hours, including the completion of a master's essay.
Curriculum objectives
Through their coursework, students develop an understanding of the complexities involved in the functioning of the criminal justice system. They learn how to conduct and evaluate applied research used by policy makers and criminal justice professionals. The close association among the SHOT Lab, DGSS and the Criminal Justice program affords students the opportunity to engage in meaningful research and gain experience working with a variety of criminal justice agencies—in law enforcement, courts, and corrections.
This training prepares students to meet the primary need faced by the criminal justice system: well-educated professionals capable of making policy decisions based on up-to-date research and theory. Students earning their MA in Criminal Justice at WSU Spokane are also well prepared to continue their studies in pursuit of a PhD.
Program requirements
-
Pol S/Crm J 503: Introduction to Political Science Research Methods
-
Crm J 530: Criminal Justice: Processes and Institutions
-
Crm J 504: Quantitative Methods in Political Science and Criminal Justice
-
Crm J 555: Seminar in the nature of Crime
-
Two courses in the area of policing, corrections, or courts
Master's candidates round out their program with electives and with the completion of a master's essay developed in cooperation with the student's committee.
Two core and two elective courses are offered each semester, rotating such that students can complete the program in one year, if they so desire. In addition to catalog courses, we offer special topics courses every year, allowing students the opportunity to explore different aspects of the criminal justice system.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
PhD in Criminal Justice
Doctoral candidates build on their master's coursework, pursuing more in-depth and specialized studies in developing their dissertation. Students examine the criminal justice system, criminological theory, and methods of analysis. Students can begin their PhD studies at WSU Spokane; some courses must be completed at WSU Pullman.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
For advising, contact
David Brody, JD, PhD
Associate Professor and Department Chair
E-mail: brody@wsu.edu
Telephone: 509.358.7952
For admissions and registration information, contact
Student Affairs, WSU Spokane
E-mail: enroll@wsu.edu
Telephone: 509.358.7978
Students must be registered by the first day of class to avoid a late registration fee. Students are encouraged to apply for graduate admission as soon as possible. Acceptance to a class does not guarantee admission to a graduate program.
Admissions
Graduate school application (indicate Spokane as your campus choice)
For prospective students
Financial aid
Contacts
Zachary Hamilton, Ph.D.
Graduate Faculty Advisor
zachary.hamilton@wsu.edu
Phone: 509-358-7961
Azra Rasic
Administrative Assistant
azra.rasic@wsu.edu
Phone: 509-358-7950
Academic Center, Suite 401
Mailing address
Criminal Justice, WSU Spokane
PO Box 1495
Spokane, WA 99210-1495
Shipping address
Criminal Justice, WSU Spokane
412 E Spokane Falls Blvd.
Spokane, WA 99202