- Overview
- Courses
- Requirements
- Faculty
Criminal Justice Administration Program Overview
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.
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 missing 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.
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:
- State and Local Law Enforcement
- Courts
- Institutional Corrections
- Community Corrections
- Probation and Parole
- Federal Agencies
- Nonprofit/Nongovernmental Agencies
Non-Thesis Option Required Core Classes
18 Credit Hours
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 - Statistical Applications in Criminal Justice
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.
CJAD 6303 - Advanced Research Methods in Criminal Justice
8 weeks
3
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.
CJAD 6310 - Public Policy
8 weeks
3
A critical examination, discussion, and assessment of the interplay between electoral politics, legislation, administrative policies and the criminal justice system.
CJAD 6312 - Crisis and Trauma Intervention
8 weeks
3
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.
Non-Thesis Option Electives Classes
12 Credits
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.
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.
CJAD 6335 - Restorative Justice and Social Change
8 weeks
3
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.
CJAD 6341 - Policy and Diversity
8 weeks
3
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.
CJAD 6351 - Comparative Criminal Justice System
8 weeks
3
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 6361 - Advanced Constitutional Law
8 weeks
3
An in-depth study and analysis of leading court cases and their impact on 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 6391 - Contract Study
8 weeks
3
Advanced independent study or research.
MPAL 6301 - Public Leadership and Ethics
8 weeks
3
Theories and readings in public and nonprofit leadership and ethical issues facing public leaders.
MPAL 6302 - Organizational Leadership and Administration
8 weeks
3
Historical, theoretical, and practical applications of developments in public leadership, public policy, and public organizational theory.
MPAL 6320 - Policy Evaluation
8 weeks
3
Theories and practices in public policy agenda setting and formation, working with other policy actors, implementation of public policies, and policy evaluation.
Thesis Option Required Core Classes
24 Credit Hours
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 - Statistical Applications in Criminal Justice
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.
CJAD 6303 - Advanced Research Methods in Criminal Justice
8 weeks
3
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.
CJAD 6310 - Public Policy
8 weeks
3
A critical examination, discussion, and assessment of the interplay between electoral politics, legislation, administrative policies and the criminal justice system.
CJAD 6312 - Crisis and Trauma Intervention
8 weeks
3
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 6399 - Master’s Thesis
8 weeks
3
Research and preparation of the Master’s Thesis. Meets the research requirements for the thesis option in master’s degree programs.
Thesis Option Electives Classes
18 Credits
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.
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.
CJAD 6335 - Restorative Justice and Social Change
8 weeks
3
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.
CJAD 6341 - Policy and Diversity
8 weeks
3
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.
CJAD 6351 - Comparative Criminal Justice System
8 weeks
3
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 6361 - Advanced Constitutional Law
8 weeks
3
An in-depth study and analysis of leading court cases and their impact on 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 6391 - Contract Study
8 weeks
3
Advanced independent study or research.
MPAL 6301 - Public Leadership and Ethics
8 weeks
3
Theories and readings in public and nonprofit leadership and ethical issues facing public leaders.
MPAL 6302 - Organizational Leadership and Administration
8 weeks
3
Historical, theoretical, and practical applications of developments in public leadership, public policy, and public organizational theory.
MPAL 6320 - Policy Evaluation
8 weeks
3
Theories and practices in public policy agenda setting and formation, working with other policy actors, implementation of public policies, and policy evaluation.
MS-CJAD Program Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in last 60 credit hours
- Resume showing relevant professional experience
- Essay (see section below for details)
- Three letters of recommendation from employers and/or professors
Conditional Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- GPA of 2.75-2.99 in last 60 credit hours
- Resume showing professional work history
- Essay (see section below for details)
- Other evidence:
- Three letters of recommendation
- Three years or more of employment experience or other qualifications in the criminal justice field, including government, private, nongovernmental, and nonprofit organizations
- Conditional enrollment will include a demonstrated academic achievement of a 3.0 GPA or better during the first 12 credit hours.
Essay
This should be a three-page, APA-formatted essay that explains who you are and how you would bring about positive social change to society with an MS-CJAD from UT Permian Basin. Describe yourself, your motivations for pursuing the degree, and your expectations of the program. Discuss relevant past experiences, such as your education, jobs, community activities, leadership roles, awards, and honors. Explain how these experiences have shaped you and prepared you for our MS-CJAD program.
Official Transcripts
Official copies of transcripts must come directly from the school in a sealed envelope and should be mailed to:
UT Permian Basin
Office of Admissions
4901 E. University Blvd.
Odessa, TX 79762
Official transcripts in electronic format can be sent to admissions@utpb.edu.
Supporting Documents
All supporting documents related to a graduate program, such as letters of recommendation, essays, statements of interest, resumes, professional work experience, and awards should be sent to the Graduate Studies Office:
UT Permian Basin
Graduate Studies
4901 E. University Blvd.
Odessa, TX 79762-0001
Electronic versions of supporting documents may be emailed to gradstudies@utpb.edu.
Application Fee
The application fee is $40.
