Master of Public Administration - Criminal Justice Emphasis (M.P.A.)

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Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to communicate orally and in writing in a way that is productive and effective in a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.
Students will be able to solve problems using analytics, critical thinking, ethical thinking, and conceptualizing and applying best practices.
Students will be able to participate and contribute to the public fiscal and economic policy progress.
Students will be able to lead, manage, and apply effective public governance.
Students will be able to articulate and apply public service perspectives, norms, and legal skills.
Students will be able to exhibit extensive knowledge of the U.S. Criminal Justice System comprised of law enforcement, courts and corrections.
Students will be able to demonstrate ability to manage local, state, and federal law enforcement resources and programs in an effective and ethical manner.
Students will be able to navigate organizational structures within the criminal justice system.
Students will be able to communicate and coordinate between different levels of law enforcement in the United States.

Program Information

Graduate students must complete their program within six (6) years of matriculation.
All courses must be passed with a “B-” (2.7) or better to be counted in the program.
Students must earn a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 to graduate. Students who do not meet the 3.0 requirement within two (2) semesters of coursework will be dismissed from the program.

Curriculum Summary (36 Credits)

Core Courses (21 Credits)

PADM 6000 - Program Overview and Theory of Public Administration 3 Credit(s)
PADM 6200 - Public Sector Economics 3 Credit(s)
PADM 6300 - Administrative Law 3 Credit(s)
PADM 6440 - Research Methods 3 Credit(s)
PADM 6500 - Public Human Resources Management 3 Credit(s)
PADM 6620 - Critical Thinking and Ethics in the Public Sector 3 Credit(s)
PADM 6990 - Capstone in Public Administration 3 Credit(s)

Experiential Learning Courses (3-6 Credits)

Select two of the following courses for a total of 6 credits. In-service students (those who have at least one year of full-time, relevant work experience) may request an exemption from PADM 6890 - MPA Internship in exchange for an additional elective course.

PADM 6890 - MPA Internship 1 Credit(s)
PADM 6900 - MPA Thesis 1 Credit(s)
PADM 6950 - Professional Project 1 Credit(s)

Criminal Justice Emphasis Courses (9-12 Credits)

Select 9-12 credits from the following:

PADM 6610 - Public Policy Analysis 3 Credit(s)
PADM 6615 - Comparative Public Policy 3 Credit(s)
PADM 6630 - State and Local Government 3 Credit(s)
PADM 6640 - Constitutional Law 3 Credit(s)
PADM 6700 - Organization and Administration at the Criminal Justice Agency 3 Credit(s)
PADM 6720 - Criminal Justice Policy 3 Credit(s)
PADM 6750 - Special Topics in Public Administration 3 Credit(s)
PADM 6830 - Readings and Conferences 1 Credit(s)

Total Credits, M.P.A. Degree: 36

Note

Please note that some students may ultimately earn more credits than listed above for the master’s degree. If the capstone cannot be completed within one (1) semester, students must be enrolled continuously in PADM 6999 - Capstone Continuance until completion.