Public Administration (MPA) - Criminal Justice Dual Degree

Program Overview

The Public Administration MPA, Criminal Justice MS Dual Degree Track grants two graduate degrees concurrently. Students complete 51 credit hours in core courses, research methods/statistics, electives, and capstones, gaining proficiency in public administration and criminal justice. Upon graduation, they earn diplomas for both the MPA and MSCJ, preparing them for diverse careers in both fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Public Administration MPA, Criminal Justice MS Dual Degree Track offers students the opportunity to earn two graduate degrees concurrently: a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ). This program equips students with the skills and analytical techniques necessary for successful careers in both public administration and criminal justice. Upon completion, students receive two diplomas, one for the MPA and one for the MSCJ.

Outline:

The dual degree track consists of 51 credit hours, broken down as follows:

• Core Courses (33 credit hours): Students complete 11 core courses covering topics in both public administration and criminal justice.
• Public Administration:
• PAD6035 - Public Administration in the Policy Process (3)
• PAD6037 - Public Organization Management (3)
• PAD6053 - Public Administrators in the Governance Process (3)
• PAD6207 - Public Financial Management (3)
• PAD6227 - Public Budgeting (3)
• PAD6335 - Strategic Planning and Management (3)
• PAD6417 - Human Resource Management (3)
• Criminal Justice:
• CCJ5015 - The Nature of Crime (3)
• CCJ5456 - The Administration of Justice (3)
• CCJ6106 - Policy Analysis in Criminal Justice (3)
• CCJ6118 - Criminal Justice Organizations (3)
• Research Methods/Statistics (6 credit hours): Students complete two courses in research methods and statistics.
• Public Administration:
• PAD6700 - Research Methods in Public Administration (3)
• PAD6701 - Analytical Techniques for Public Administration (3)
• Criminal Justice:
• CCJ6704 - Research Methods in Criminal Justice (3)
• CCJ6706 - Data Analysis in Criminal Justice I (3)
• Electives (6 credit hours): Students choose two electives from a list of courses in criminal justice.
• Electives:
• CJC5020 - Foundations of Corrections (3)
• CJE5021 - Foundations of Law Enforcement (3)
• CJJ6020 - The Juvenile Justice System (3)
• CJL6568 - Law and Social Control (3)
• CJL6520 - American Criminal Courts (3)
• Capstone Experience (6 credit hours): Students complete two capstone courses.
• Capstone Courses:
• PAD6062 - Advanced Concepts and Applications in Public Administration (3)
• CJE6718 - Proseminar in Criminal Justice (3)

Careers:

Students who successfully complete the MPA/MSCJ dual degree program will be prepared for careers in both public administration and criminal justice. The program provides the skills and knowledge necessary for positions such as:

• Public Administration:
• Policy Analyst
• Budget Analyst
• Program Manager
• City Manager
• County Administrator
• Criminal Justice:
• Law Enforcement Officer
• Corrections Officer
• Probation Officer
• Criminal Justice Researcher
• Crime Analyst

Other:

• The program may be completed fully online, although not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online.
• Newly admitted students choosing to complete the program exclusively online may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.
• International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters.
Only 3 of the 9 credit hours may be taken in a completely online format.
• Students must achieve a grade of "B" or higher in every CCJ/CJE course and a grade of "B-" or higher in every PAD course in the core courses, research methods/statistics courses, and the Capstone courses.
• Students must maintain a program of study and graduate status GPA of 3.0 or higher and can only graduate with a graduate status GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• The capstone courses, PAD 6062 and CJE 6718, provide the independent learning experience.