Program Overview
Fisher College's Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) is a fully online, 30-credit program designed to prepare professionals for career advancement and specialized unit positions. The program emphasizes research-based learning, critical thinking, and ethical considerations, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to address contemporary criminal justice issues. Graduates are eligible for a variety of careers in law enforcement, corrections, courts, and other criminal justice fields.
Program Outline
Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MS) - Fisher College
Degree Overview:
Objective:
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) at Fisher College aims to prepare professionals for career advancement and specialized unit positions. Additionally, the program equips students for doctoral programs by enhancing their academic research and professional knowledge. The MSCJ aids students in developing problem-solving skills to address contemporary and evolving issues with innovative, ethical, and evidence-based solutions.
Key Features:
- Fully online format: The program offers flexibility for students who need to balance their education with other commitments.
- 30-credit program: Students can complete the program in as few as 10 months.
- Open to all backgrounds: Students do not need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or prior work experience to be admitted.
- Focus on diverse skills: The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, research design, ethical considerations, and leadership skills.
Program Highlights:
- Students gain a comprehensive understanding of criminological theory, its application in criminal justice practices, and its connection to social, political, and economic factors.
- Students develop proficiency in research design, both quantitative and qualitative, and learn to evaluate criminal justice policies and programs using research methodologies.
- Students explore ethical theories and their application to criminal justice practices, policies, programs, and research. They learn to evaluate and resolve ethical dilemmas within the field.
- Students learn to synthesize scholarly sources to evaluate criminal justice programs and policies, recognize policy and program implications, and guide policy and program decisions.
- Students develop leadership skills and an understanding of leadership theories relevant to managing and leading criminal justice agencies.
Outline:
Program Structure:
- 10 3-credit courses
- Total of 30 credits
- Offered online in six 8-week terms
- Continuous enrollment allows completion in as little as 5 terms (10 months)
Course Descriptions:
- CJ501 Criminal Justice Administration: Examines the organization, operation, and management of criminal justice agencies.
- CJ510 Ethics in Criminal Justice: Explores ethical theories and their application to criminal justice practices, policies, programs, and research.
- CJ516 Research Methods: Introduces research methods in criminal justice, including quantitative and qualitative approaches.
- CJ517 Descriptive and Inferential Statistics: Covers descriptive and inferential statistics relevant to criminal justice research.
- CJ520 Criminological Theory: Surveys major theories of crime and criminal behavior.
- CJ602 Correlates of Crime: Examines the relationship between crime and various social, economic, and demographic factors.
- CJ603 Criminal Profiling: Explores the techniques and methods used to create criminal profiles.
- CJ610 Violence in America: Analyzes the nature, causes, and consequences of violence in the United States.
- CJ620 Criminal Justice Management: Focuses on the principles and practices of effective management within criminal justice organizations. However, each course can be considered a module, focusing on a specific area of criminal justice.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- The program likely uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Exams
- Papers
- Presentations
- Projects
- Participation
Assessment Criteria:
- The specific assessment criteria are likely to vary depending on the course and the specific assessment being used. However, general criteria likely include:
- Accuracy
- Clarity
- Critical thinking
- Depth of analysis
- Originality
- Research skills
- Writing skills
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- The program likely uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Case studies
- Simulations
- Online resources
Faculty:
- The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in criminal justice.
Unique Approaches:
- The program emphasizes research-based learning and the application of theory to real-world issues.
- The fully online format provides flexibility for working professionals.
Careers:
Career Paths:
- Graduates of the MSCJ program are prepared for a variety of careers in criminal justice, including:
- Law enforcement
- Corrections
- Courts
- Probation and parole
- Juvenile justice
- Victim services
- Research and academia
Career Opportunities:
- Graduates may qualify for positions such as:
- Police officer
- Detective
- Probation officer
- Parole officer
- Correctional officer
- Court administrator
- Victim advocate
- Research analyst
- Professor
Career Outcomes:
- The program prepares students for career advancement and leadership positions within the criminal justice field.
- Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on their communities.
Other:
- The Master of Science in Criminal Justice is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
- The program is offered as part of Fisher College's School of Education and Human Services.
- The Detective Mario Oliveira Scholarship
- Fisher College is accredited with the Police Career Incentive Pay Program (PCIPP), allowing police officers to earn degrees in law enforcement and criminal justice with financial incentives.
Fisher College - Boston
Overview:
Fisher College is a private, non-profit institution located in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1903, the college has a long history of providing students with a life-changing educational experience. Fisher emphasizes education, dedication, and life as the three most important aspects of a college experience.
Services Offered:
Fisher College offers a variety of services to its students, including:
Academic Resources:
Tutoring, academic advising, and student accessibility services.Student Life:
Housing, health and wellness services, campus police, and student activities.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, grants, and loans.Career Services:
Job placement assistance, career counseling, and internship opportunities.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Fisher College provides a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Students can expect small class sizes, personalized attention from dedicated professors, and a variety of opportunities for both academic and personal growth. The college is located in the heart of Boston, offering students access to the city's vibrant culture, diverse industries, and numerous landmarks.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Small Class Sizes and Personalized Attention:
Fisher College boasts a 14:1 student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention and a close-knit learning environment.Career-Focused Curriculum:
The college emphasizes practical training and real-world applications, preparing students for success in their chosen fields.Strong Alumni Network:
Fisher College has a network of over 18,000 alumni, providing students with valuable connections and career opportunities.High Job Placement Rate:
95% of Fisher College graduates are employed or enrolled in an advanced degree program within a year of graduation.Location in Boston:
The college's location in the heart of Boston provides students with access to the city's cultural attractions, industries, and research centers.Academic Programs:
Fisher College offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including:
