Program Overview
The Master of Science in Justice Studies (MSJS) program at Western Oregon University offers an interdisciplinary approach to social justice issues, equipping students with knowledge, skills, and research proficiency in advocacy, policy, and practice. The program emphasizes the analysis of complex social justice challenges and the development of effective strategies to address them. Students choose from a range of elective courses to specialize in areas of interest, and complete a capstone project as an exit evaluation requirement.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Science in Justice Studies (MSJS) program at Western Oregon University offers an interdisciplinary approach to social justice issues, encompassing both criminal justice and broader social justice concerns. The program is designed for students seeking to focus on advocacy, policy, and research in the administration of justice.
Objectives:
The program aims to equip students with the following skills and knowledge:
- Gain knowledge of complex social justice issues: Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of various social justice issues and how different systems interact within these realms.
- Analyze interdisciplinary theories and approaches: Students will learn to critically analyze diverse theoretical perspectives and approaches to address complex social justice challenges.
- Employ appropriate research methods: Students will acquire proficiency in social science research methods to investigate targeted problems and questions of justice.
- Demonstrate an understanding of strategies for addressing social justice issues: Students will gain knowledge of effective strategies for addressing complex social justice issues through activism, policy, practice, and intervention.
Outline:
Program Structure:
- The program requires 45 credit hours.
- It is comprised of three components:
- Core Coursework (25 credits): This includes foundational courses covering various aspects of justice studies.
- Capstone Coursework (12 credits): This culminates in a research project, either a thesis or a professional project.
- Elective Coursework (8 credits): Students can choose from a range of elective courses to specialize in their areas of interest.
Course Schedule:
- Core Courses:
- CJ 608 Workshop (1-15 credits)
- CJ 612 Research in Criminal Justice (4 credits)
- CJ 619 Ethics and Leadership in Criminal Justice Organizations (4 credits)
- CJ 627 Quantitative Methods in Social Science (4 credits)
- JS 629 Social Movement and Community Organization (4 credits)
- JS 658 Justice and Social Theory (4 credits)
- JS 659 Social Problems (4 credits)
- Capstone Sequence:
- CJ 623 Criminal Justice Research: Explore and Initiate (4 credits)
- CJ 624 Criminal Justice Research: Construct and Compile (4 credits)
- CJ 625 Criminal Justice Research: Compose and Complete (4 credits)
- Elective Courses:
- CJ 545 Race and Justice (4 credits)
- JS 655 Convict Criminology (4 credits)
- PS 579 American Constitutional Law (4 credits)
- PS 594 Human Rights (4 credits)
- SOC 537 Sociology of Race/Ethnic Relations (3 credits)
- SOC 554 Sociology of Deviant Behavior (3 credits)
- Or any two 500 or 600 CJ or JS courses (8 credits)
Exit Evaluation Requirement:
- Students must complete one of the following exit evaluations to receive their degree:
- Thesis: A comprehensive research paper on a chosen topic.
- Professional Project: A practical application of justice studies principles in a real-world setting.
Other:
- Faculty: The program is led by a dedicated faculty with expertise in various areas of justice studies, including:
- Professors: Vivian Djokotoe, Misty Weitzel
- Associate Professors: Miyuki Arimoto, Omar Melchior Ayala, Mari Sakiyama, Taryn VanderPyl
- Coordinator: Omar Melchior Ayala
- Mission: The program's mission is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to become effective advocates, policymakers, and researchers in the field of justice.
- Focus: The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to social justice issues, drawing on perspectives from criminal justice, sociology, and political science.
