Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Legal Studies


Since legal issues are encountered in nearly all professions, the Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Legal Studies may be earned by individuals with a variety of career interests. Law enforcement officers and individuals in government positions may pursue this degree in order to gain the skills necessary for management or leadership positions. The curriculum and course work in this legal studies degree also helps prepare students who may be seeking a law degree in the future.

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Legal Studies includes a study of the following topics: criminological theories; research and a methodological evaluation of criminal justice topics; historic and contemporary questions of constitutional rights; the roles psychology plays in the legal system; a comparison of the traditional goals of punishment with the concepts of restorative justice; legal research; organizational behavior and leadership in criminal justice; exploration of law and public policy; and international law in an increasingly interconnected world.

A capstone class concludes this legal studies degree and focuses on professional portfolio development and a final written proposal by the graduate. The portfolio contains the graduate‛s curriculum vitae, examples of writing from graduate courses, a statement of criminal justice philosophy, a 5-year plan for professional goals, and a research topic paper/written proposal.

Program Disclosure

Category Non-Traditional Traditional
Books & Supplies (Per Program) $935 $1,375
Tuition & Fees (Per Program) $20,350 $16,500
Room & Board (Per Semester, If Applicable) $3,434
On Time Graduation Rate 95% N/A
Median Private Loan Debt $0 N/A
Median TIV Loan Debt $37,554 N/A
Median Institutional Financing Plan Debt N/A N/A

Program SOC

Occupations
First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Police and Detectives
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
  1. It is the policy of the University to collect and remit sales, use, excise and/or gross receipts taxes in compliance with state and local taxing jurisdiction regulations which require the University to remit tax where applicable. These regulations vary by location. Please note: It is also the policy of the University to require payment of sales, use, excise, and/or gross receipts tax. Payment of tax is ultimately the student's financial responsibility to the University regardless of financing arrangements. Per Hawaii requirements: It is hereby stated that students residing in the State of Hawaii will be charged Hawaii General Excise Tax on all transactions. Students living in the District of Oahu will be charged 4.5%. Students residing in other Hawaii districts will be charged 4.0%.
  2. Book costs are based on an average. Costs may increase or decrease depending on electronic availability or publisher's book costs.
  3. Room and board costs may be higher or lower depending on housing and meal plan choice. This number is based on an average for students on campus.
  4. Some Non-Traditional programs may be offered on the ground campus or on-line.
  5. N/A identifies that a program is not offered in that modality or that fewer than 10 students graduated within the reported timeframe.
  6. Tuition and Fees for each program are based on current rates. Future Tuition and Fee Rates may vary. Tuition was calculated using the number of credit hours in the program times the current tuition rate and includes the Graduation Fee. Full time students enrolled at a program taken at the main campus include a Student Activity Fee, charged every semester. Online programs include a one time Learning Management Fee. Some programs may also include additional fees based on course materials.
  7. On-time graduation rates and median loan debt are based on students who graduated in the 2011-2012 award year.
  8. Not all GCU programs are available in all states and in all learning modalities.
  9. Program availability is contingent on student enrollment.

Disclosure Information

* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.

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