Criminal Justice Masters Courses

 

Course
Description
Credit Hours
Contact Hours

CJE 500 Advanced Criminal Procedures

This graduate-level course examines the processes and legal principle relating to the United States judicial system. This course takes an advanced look at case law, statutes, constitutional framework, procedural rules and governing practice in criminal casework.

Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Analyze and apply constitutional principles within criminal proceedings.
• Evaluate the impact of legal and legislative actions on criminal procedures.
• Assess the ethical implications of investigative and prosecutorial strategies.
• Demonstrate expertise in legal research, writing, and oral advocacy.
• Create strategies for addressing administrative concerns, emerging issues and procedural reforms within the criminal justice system.

Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate coursework in criminal law or permission of the instructor.

3 3

CJE 505 Law Enforcement Administration

This graduate-level provides a comprehensive examination of law enforcement, including relative theory, practice, and contemporary matters. This course also studies organizational, managerial, and leadership effecting law enforcement agencies. Critical and analytical skill are employed to address complex problems faced by law enforcement administrators.

Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Analyze and evaluate practices in law enforcement related to organizational structure and management.
• Apply leadership and communication skills to manage complex tasks faced in law enforcement.
• Explain the legal and ethical frameworks central to law enforcement operations.
• Design strategic plans and policy to improve the effectiveness and accountability of law enforcement agencies.
• Assess issues and propose evidence-based solutions for improving contemporary law enforcement practices.

Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate coursework in criminal justice, public administration, or related fields, or permission of the instructor.

3 3

CJE 510 Correctional Administration

This graduate-level offers a wide-ranging examination of issues, policies, and practices within corrections. This course analyzes management, operations and challenges encountered in correctional administration. It draws upon theoretical perspectives, empirical research and case studies pertaining to administration in the correctional setting. Special focus is given to rehabilitation, institution safety concerns and maintaining constitutional standards.

Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Analyze historical and theoretical foundations of correctional administration.
• Evaluate the efficiency of correctional policies and practices use by correctional administration to attain institutional goals.
• Critically assess legal, ethical, and constitutional aspects of decision making in correctional administration.
• Formulate strategies for correctional administration to employ which enhancing safety, security, and rehabilitation within correctional facilities.
• Apply leadership principles and management theories to address issues in correctional administration.

Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate coursework in criminal justice, criminology, or related fields, or permission of the instructor.

3 3

CJE 600 Advanced Criminology and Criminological Theory

This graduate-level course focuses on advanced concepts, debates, and empirical research relating to criminological theory. Key theoretical perspectives are explored relating to the etiology of crime, the social construction of deviance, and criminal behavior. Exploration includes theoretical readings, empirical studies, and application.

Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Compare criminological theories based upon explanatory power, empirical support, and policy implications.
• Apply criminological theory to analyze criminological issues present in society.
• Synthesize theoretical perspectives to explain the myriad of factors linked to criminal behavior.
• Critically assess the practicality of criminological theory in explaining contemporary issues and emerging trends in criminology and criminal justice.
• Explain research methodology relating to design, data analysis, and theoretical application.

Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate coursework in criminology, sociology, psychology, or related fields, or permission of the instructor.

3 3

CJE 605 Advanced Applied Statistics for Criminal Justice

The graduate-level course provided comprehensive knowledge of advanced statistical methods and application within criminology and criminal justice research. Instruction and practical application is conducted to ensure understanding of data collection, management, analysis, and data interpretation. Emphasis is placed on techniques to address research hypotheses, policy evaluation, and decision-making within the criminal justice system.

Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Understand advanced statistical concepts and techniques relevant to criminology and criminal justice research.
• Apply statistical methods to analyze data sets and address research hypotheses within criminology and criminal justice research.
• Interpret statistical output and communicate findings in criminology and criminal justice research.
• Critically evaluate research studies and policy reports that use statistical analyzes.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using statistical software application to conduct data analysis.

Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate coursework in statistics, research methods, or a related field, or permission of the instructor. Familiarity with basic algebra and computer skills is recommended.

3 3

CJE 610 Advanced Research Methods in Criminal Justice

This graduate-level course explores advanced research methodology used in criminology and criminal justice research. Advance emphasis is placed on methodology, ethics, and quantitative and qualitative methods used.

Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Understand the principles and procedures of research methodologies commonly used in criminology and criminal justice research.
• Develop research studies that are methodologically and ethically responsible.
• Critically evaluate empirical research and identify strengths and weaknesses in the methodological approaches used.
• Demonstrated quantitative and qualitative techniques, including collection, analysis and date interpretation.
• Create research reports and presentations which are comprehensive and understandable.

Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate coursework in research methods, statistics, or a related field, or permission of the instructor. Familiarity with basic statistical concepts and research design is recommended.

3 3

CJE 520 Juvenile Justice Administration

This graduate-level course provides instruction in the administration, policies, and practices within the juvenile justice system. It focuses on the historical, theoretical, and practical dimensions of juvenile justice and administration. Subject matter includes organization and management concerns, legalities, intervention strategies and other challenges faced by juvenile offenders.

• Evaluate the historical and theoretical aspects of the juvenile justice system.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of policies, programs, and practices within the juvenile justice system.
• Critically assess the legal and ethical dimensions of juvenile justice administration.
• Design and implement evidence-based interventions for addressing juvenile delinquency and promoting positive youth development.
• Promote reform and policy change based on empirical research and best practices for juvenile justice.

Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate coursework in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or a related field, or permission of the instructor.

3 3

CJE 521 Private Security Administration

This graduate-level course offers examination theory, practice and other relevant issues in private security administration. It focuses on the establishment of the knowledge and skills necessary for management in private security organizations. Emphasis is directed at strategic leadership, risk management, asset preservation, data utilization, and personnel matters.

Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Evaluate the roles and responsibilities of private security within society, corporate frameworks, and the criminal justice system.
• Evaluate security risks and develop comprehensive risk management strategies tailored to organizational needs.
• Apply principles of leadership and organizational management necessary to promote effective private security operations.
• Critically assess an aspect of private security administration relating to legal, ethical, and regulatory concerns.
• Determine the theoretical concepts and practical skills necessary to address challenges and opportunities in the field.

Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate coursework in criminal justice, security studies, or a related field, or permission of the instructor.

3 3

CJE 522 Probation and Parole Administration

This graduate-level course provides an exploration of the theory, practice, and issues associated with probation and parole administration. It focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to manage
probation and parole systems from effective reentry to public safety. Including leadership, decision-making, and collaboration with stakeholders.

Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Analyze the legal, theoretical, and historical fundamentals of probation and parole administration.
• Compare evidence-based practices and advanced approaches to community supervision in probation and parole.
• Determine proficiency in case management and client engagement and other probation and parole officer roles and responsibilities.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of community-based alternatives and reentry initiatives to incarceration.
• Critically assess probation and parole operations including legal, ethical, and policy issues affecting.

Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate coursework in criminal justice, criminology, or a related field, or permission of the instructor.

3 3

CJE 530 Cyber Crimes

This graduate-level course provides in-depth exposure to cybercrime. It focuses on case studies, legal frameworks, emerging trends, computer crimes, social media and other challenges to law enforcement. Additional topics include theoretical perspectives, investigative techniques, and strategies for prevention and response.

Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Analyze the nature, scope, and impact of cybercrime in contemporary society.
• Evaluate theoretical perspectives and conceptual frameworks for understanding cybercrime.
• Critically assess cybercrime investigation and prosecution related to legal, regulatory, and ethical issues.
• Apply investigative techniques and methodologies to identify, collect, and analyze digital evidence.
• Develop strategies to address cyber threats in various areas.

Prerequisites: Completion of foundational coursework in criminal justice, cybersecurity, or a related field, or permission of the instructor.

3 3

CJE 531 Principles of Cybersecurity

This graduate-level course offers an advanced overview of principles, practices and concepts relevant to cybersecurity operations. Knowledge will be obtained in the area of digital assets, cyber threats, confidentiality, integrity, and information systems, among others.

Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Evaluate the fundamental principles and concepts of cybersecurity.
• Assess cybersecurity risks within organizational contexts.
• Determine appropriate security measures and technologies to defend digital assets.
• Analyze and successfully respond to cybersecurity events.

Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate coursework in computer science, information technology, or a related field, or permission of the instructor. Familiarity with basic networking and computer concepts is recommended.

3 3

CJE 532 in Cyber Crime and Cyberterrorism

This graduate-level provides a comprehensive overview of cybercrime and cyberterrorism. It addresses the theoretical, legal, and practical aspects relevant to challenges faces in society. Focus is placed on understanding cybercriminal and cyberterrorism activities and proactive strategies for prevention, detection, and response.

Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Analyze the methods, motivations, and effects of cybercrime and cyberterrorism.
• Evaluate legal, regulatory, and ethical issues related to cyber threats and cyber defense.
• Apply principles and techniques to prevent, detect, and respond to cybercrime and cyberterrorism threats.
• Evaluate weaknesses, conduct risk assessments, and develop mitigation strategies.

Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate coursework in computer science, cybersecurity, criminal justice, or a related field, or permission of the instructor.

3 3

CJE 540 Criminal Justice Reform

This graduate-level provides an in-depth exploration of the theories, policies, and practices shaping contemporary efforts to reform the criminal justice system. The course focuses on critically evaluating the current state of the criminal justice system. Focus areas encompass mass incarceration, racial disparities, police practices, sentencing reform, and alternatives to incarceration.

Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Critically analyze the criminal justice system and identify problem areas.
• Assess the effectiveness of reform policies and strategies.
• Apply a cross-disciplinary viewpoints to accomplish reform.
• Analyze the connection between community movements and social justice and ethical issues.

Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate coursework in criminal justice, or a related field, or permission of the instructor.

3 3

CJE 541 Restorative Justice Practices

This graduate-level delves into the theory, principles, and applications of restorative justice as an alternative approach to conventional criminal justice practices. Restorative justice, a key aspect of criminal justice reform, prioritizes healing harm, encouraging accountability, and fostering dialogue among offenders, victims, and the community.

Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Evaluate the impact of restorative justice models.
• Analyze the effectiveness of the restorative process and its core concepts.
• Implement restorative practices in practical situations.

Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate coursework in criminal justice, or a related field, or permission of the instructor.

3 3

CJE 542 Community Engagement, Learning and Cross-Cultural Competency

This graduate-level is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for effective and ethical engagement with diverse communities. This course examines community engagement, community-based learning, and cross-cultural competency, highlighting the need for collaboration and understanding.

Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Evaluate how power dynamics in communities affect the building of relationships.
• Assess community-based projects for enhancement.
• Develop skills in cross-cultural understanding and cultural humility.
• Design a project that is carried out through collaboration with the community.

Prerequisites: Completion of undergraduate coursework in criminal justice, or a related field, or permission of the instructor.

3 3

CJE 680 Directed Study in Criminal Justice

The Directed Study in the Criminal Justice course offers graduate students the opportunity to engage in directed research or scholarly study of a particular management or problem within criminal justice. Study takes place under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The course provides the opportunities to explore areas of interest not covered in existing coursework.

Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate proficiency in conducting independent research and scholarly study in criminal justice or criminology.
• Design a comprehensive research project, study or analysis that contributes to the knowledge base of criminal justice or criminology.
• Critically evaluate existing empirical research and apply relevant theoretical concepts.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional standards while conducting research.

Prerequisites: Completion of foundational coursework in criminal justice or a related field, approval of a faculty mentor, and permission of the department.

3 3

CJE 681 Internship in Criminal Justice

This graduate internship in criminal justice course allows students to earn academic graduate credit while engaging in an immersive experiential learning opportunity within the criminal justice system (CJS). These opportunities include practical experience, supervised field placement, reflective practice, ethical considerations, critical analysis and hands-on activities. Internships may be completed with or without compensation.

Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Demonstrate professional skills and competencies necessary for effective practice in criminal justice, such as communication, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making.
Critical think and reflect practice through the analysis of real-world criminal justice issues, challenges, and dilemmas.
Demonstrate students' understanding of the criminal justice system, its stakeholders, processes, and functions.

Prerequisites: Completion of foundational coursework in criminal justice or a related field, approval of a faculty mentor, and permission of the department.

3 3

Kentucky State University’s School of Criminal Justice and Government Relations provides extensive academic instruction for students interested in the criminal justice or political systems.  Each program is interdisciplinary drawing upon other academic areas such as sociology and psychology. 

Criminal justice provides a foundation in all areas of the criminal justice system. Political science offers three unique specialization options within the political system.  Both programs offer Bachelor of Arts degrees and minors.  We look forward to helping you determine which program best suits your needs.