Master in Criminal Justice Leadership
Today’s multifaceted criminal justice system demands ethical leaders who possess the critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address the complex issues and challenges of criminal justice in the 21st century. Berkshire University’s Master of Criminal Justice Leadership is designed to prepare you for in-demand careers in government at the local state, and federal levels.
In as few as 12 months, you can earn your Master’s in Criminal Justice Leadership and be ready to confidently pursue high-level positions in law enforcement management, correctional administration, security administration, criminal justice research, and teaching or training assignments.
NU’s flexible, online learning format is designed to accommodate the demanding schedules of adult learners. Our four-week courses allow you to focus on a single topic and conveniently fit learning into your busy lifestyle. If you’re ready to become a leader in criminal justice, NU is ready to prepare you with the industry-current credentials to achieve your career goals.
Core Requirements
CJA 605 CJ Theory, Practice & Policy – 4.50
An overview of criminal justice administration, the history of police administration, organizational systems’ theory, principles, ideology, and managerial practice that has shaped the criminal justice profession.
CJA 608 Leadership in CJ – 4.50
Recommended: Prior completion of: CJA 605
Exploration of the theory and application of leadership in various forms. The course will analyze leadership as a complex process and will draw upon diverse positions, ethical considerations and applied approaches, particularly in the area of criminal justice. Leadership will be evaluated from multiple dimensions and perspectives. An examination of emerging forms of 21st century leadership, influence and power, chaos, and collaboration. Students will experience using leadership problem-solving skills with real-life classroom scenarios.
CJA 615 Legal Issues in CJ – 4.50
Recommended: Prior completion of: CJA 608
An assessment of legal issues, legal terminology and analysis of court decisions involving criminal justice agencies; and exposure to criminal or civil liability involving wrongful death, wrongful termination, police corruption, and discrimination lawsuits.
CJA 624 Professional Ethics in CJ – 4.50
Recommended: Prior completion of: CJA 615
A study of ethical, legal, and professional controversies, and personal dilemmas and approaches to solving those conflicts. Using a case study format, students evaluate personal values or biases and the abuse of power and authority. The course also examines police or justice practices involving cases of ethical or police policy violations.
CJA 630 Const Law & Criminal Procedure – 4.50
Recommended: Prior completion of: CJA 624
An exploration of the history of the U.S. Constitution, separation of powers, and the rights and protections of the accused; an exploration of case law, the judicial system and judicial review, and the rights and responsibilities of the government and citizenry.
CJA 645 Advanced Criminological Theory – 4.50
Recommended: Prior completion of: CJA 630
An overview course that explores the important criminological theories. The course will evaluate and compare the following theories: Classical, Positivist, Trait, Social Disorganization, Differential Association, Strain, Control, Labeling, Radical Choice, Deterrence, and Feminist theories. The course will analyze each theory and its relevance to crime in 21st century America.
CJA 690A Capstone I – 4.50
Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed three core courses in the MCJ program prior to being enrolled into CJA 690A.
A capstone project course in which students develop solutions to identified problems. In the capstone course students will learn to identify problems or issues in the criminal justice arena and develop solutions or responses to those problems. The course will culminate with a final presented project.
CJA 690B Capstone II – 4.50
Prerequisite: CJA 690A
This is the second half of the capstone project course in which students continue to develop solutions to identified problems. In the capstone course students will learn to identify problems or issues in the criminal justice arena and develop solutions or responses to those problems. The course will culminate with a final presented project.
Program Electives
CJA 628 Critical Issues in CJ – 4.50
A focus on contemporary issues related to problem-oriented policing (POP) and community-oriented policing (COP). Other topics include morale, motivation, retention, selection, recruitment, standards and training, evidence, arrest, lethal force, victim-witness, police reserves, and the cooperation of citizens in law enforcement by the criminal justice manager.
CJA 641 Comparative CJ Systems – 4.50
A comparison of the American criminal justice system with other systems around the world. Students will evaluate the systems of law, police, courts and corrections in 30 different countries and examine the diversity that exists in the world legal systems. Also examines and compares American and foreign justice policies.
CJA 670 Violence and Victimization – 4.50
This course examines the causes of criminal victimization and looks at theories associated with violent victimization. It analyzes the offender-victim relationship, and presents ideas on preventing violence, and on responding to criminal victimization.
Degree and Course Requirements
To receive a Master in Criminal Justice Leadership (MCJ), which is designed to provide students with the required knowledge and competence in administration, management and problem-solving skills in the challenging and demanding careers of Criminal Justice in the fields of criminal justice administration and criminal justice research and development. Students completing the Master in Criminal Justice Leadership are exposed to both theoretical and applied models and concepts in criminal justice administration, as well as qualitative and quantitative research methods. The Master in Criminal Justice Leadership program integrates theory with practice to provide graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to address the complex issues and challenges of criminal justice in the 21st century. Students in this program develop the problem-solving and research skills as well as technological expertise necessary to analyze reality-based cases and assignments to develop strategies and solutions that are both practical and effective. Challenging and demanding careers in government at the local, state, and federal level in the administration of justice, law enforcement management, correctional administration, security administration, and criminal justice research as well as teaching and training assignments await graduates with a Master in Criminal Justice Leadership. Students must complete at least 49.5 quarter units of graduate work. A total of 9.0 quarter units of graduate credit may be granted for equivalent graduate work completed at another institution, as it applies to this degree, and provided the units have not been used to satisfy the requirements of an awarded degree.
Students should refer to the section on graduate admission requirements for specific information regarding application and evaluation.
Program Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of Berkshire University’s Master’s in Criminal Justice Leadership program, you’ll have knowledge, skills, and capacities in the following areas:
Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to real world criminal justice administration issues.
Demonstrate critical thinking skills to differentiate leadership approaches utilizing current and emerging leadership theories and case studies.
Analyze theoretical, criminological, and philosophical foundations of criminal justice administration.
Evaluate the constitutional aspects of civil and criminal liabilities in modern society.
Evaluate leadership theory and integrate diverse leadership perspectives into real world application.
Appraise and determine what ethical and unethical conduct is.
Develop oral, written, and technological communication for criminal justice professionals.
Admissions
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To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.