Our online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration program was designed for professionals working within the criminal justice system and undergraduate degree holders looking to expand their mastery of criminal justice concepts. This convenient online program can help you gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing the criminal justice field, discover how to operate more efficiently and ethically, and compete for rewarding leadership roles within your current department or in other areas of criminal justice.
There are no GRE or thesis requirements for this program.
Over the course of the program, you'll discover how to:
Identify and create solutions to contemporary issues in administration areas ranging from criminal law to law enforcement and corrections.
Influence policy as a leader to effect positive change from within.
Protect your agency and its employees while simultaneously fulfilling the mission of serving the public good.
As a full-time student in our MS-CJAD program, you can complete your degree in as little as one year. Our online format provides the flexibility of a 24/7 virtual classroom accessible from anywhere—a significant advantage for professionals with nontraditional work schedules. Built upon a research-based curriculum, all program courses are taught by experts who have worked within the criminal justice field. When you reach the end of your program, you'll receive the same distinguished degree that students earn on campus.
Click here to read program testimonials from criminal justice administration alumni.
Check out the video below to see a UT Permian Basin criminal justice administration program alumna share her story:
Alumni Pathways
As a graduate of our online MS in criminal justice administration program, you’ll be prepared for meaningful and impactful careers within the criminal justice system. Equipped with key skills including leadership, policy analysis, and conflict resolution, you’ll be more than ready for leadership roles. This is your chance to join our alumni and bring about positive change.
Below are just a few of the organizations our MS in criminal justice administration alumni work for:
The State of Texas
The City of Odessa, Texas
Denton County, Texas
Midland Police Department
U.S. Army
Career Potential for MS-CJAD Graduates
The University of Texas Permian Basin's Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration provides a solid foundation for leadership roles at all levels of criminal justice, including:
Required Core Courses
18 Credit Hours
Courses
Duration
Credits
CJAD 6301 - Crime and Criminal Justice
8 weeks
3
This course gives candidates the opportunity to develop cultural diversity competence in order to face challenges in education and the social sciences. Research and reflection are emphasized. Students will learn advanced skills in spatial analysis and geographical crime analysis. In addition to practical work the course will address underlying theories of crime as well as available data sources for exploring relationships such as Census data and other sources of socioeconomic and criminal justice-related data.
CJAD 6302 - Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
8 weeks
3
Application of statistical methods in the design and analysis of criminological/criminal justice research. Topics include analysis of variance models, correlation and regression, and multivariate techniques with emphasis on their application in the criminal justice system.
Prerequisites:N/A
Semesters Offered:Summer A 2024Spring B 2025Summer A 2025
Foundations of research design, methodology, and analytic techniques as used in the criminal justice system to include a review and critique of research on crime causation, policing, corrections, and the courts.
CJAD 6304 - Public Administration and Criminal Justice
8 weeks
3
A critical analysis of criminal justice administration theories, research methodologies, and technologies that impact criminal justice administrations and application (law enforcement, courts, and corrections). Examines principles of administration, including organizational structure, function, and the processes of criminal justice systems.
Prerequisites:N/A
Semesters Offered:Fall B 2024Spring A 2025Fall B 2025
A critical examination, discussion, and assessment of the interplay between electoral politics, legislation, administrative policies and the criminal justice system.
Prerequisites:N/A
Semesters Offered:Summer B 2024Spring A 2025Summer B 2025
This course is designed to provide an understanding of trauma and crisis response for students who may work in a variety of criminal justice settings. The course will be geared toward and benefit those working in law enforcement, courts, and correctional settings. The field of criminal justice more generally is clearly moving toward recognition of the importance of trauma informed care and services. The course will address trauma theory and practice in a practical way. The course will be interactive in nature and derive course work and material from real world examples.
CJAD 6331 - Crisis Management and Conflict Resolution
8 weeks
3
Examination of dynamics, intervention strategies, and treatment for a variety of crisis situations with individuals, families, and institutions in a community justice perspective. Theoretical aspects of potential intervention and management strategies explored. Domestic violence and mediation techniques and overall structure of dealing with interpersonal violence within third parties is given priority.
Provides critical examination of the fundamental principles and practices of restorative justice while exploring needs and roles of key stakeholders. Course examines process of change and its effects upon people and organizations, approaches organizations must develop in order for community policing efforts to be successful. Special focus on prisoner re-entry and responsibility of community policing officer to support and facilitate prisoner re-entry to prevent recidivism and crime.
CJAD 6340 - Contemporary Problems and Issues In Police Administration
8 weeks
3
A study of the role of the police and policing in American society, emphasizing principles and practices of administration and their application to law enforcement. General problems and practices relating to contemporary police administration are discussed, including community policing and problem-oriented policing.
A socio-historical analysis of the effects of race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and gender on legitimate social opportunities, criminal behavior, victimizations, and differential treatment by the criminal justice system will be evaluated. The historical and legal foundation for equitable treatment in the public sector is explored.
CJAD 6350 - Contemporary Problems and Issues in Correctional Administration
8 weeks
3
A study of correctional components of the American criminal justice system, emphasizing principles of administration and their application to correctional practices. The impact of legal and social change on correctional agencies will be discussed as well as associated with their administration, management, and organization.
An international approach to the study of the criminal justice system across the globe. Each country’s different philosophical and practical approaches to criminal justice are analyzed and compared.
CJAD 6360 - Contemporary Legal Issues In Criminal Justice Administration
8 weeks
3
Examines legal problems and issues related to the administration of criminal justice in terms of their impact on the various components of the criminal justice system.
CJAD 6362 - Civil Liabilities for Criminal Justice Administrators
8 weeks
3
An in-depth consideration of the sources of liability exposure in criminal justice agencies, relevant court cases, and the administrator’s role in controlling liability exposure.
CJAD 6330 - Women and Minorities in the Administration of Criminal Justice
8 weeks
3
Analysis of roles and contributions, major issues, and controversies surrounding women and minorities in the criminal justice system as practicioners, offenders, and victims. Examines effect of court decisions, rule-making and contemporary criminal justice practices on women and ethnic minorities.
