Graduate Programs in Justice Studies

Several degree programs are available at the Graduate level in Justice Studies. These include the:

Ø Master of Arts in Justice Studies

Ø Combined BA/MA program

Ø Focus in Justice Politics and Policy for the PhD in Political Science

Master of Arts in Justice Studies

The M.A. in Justice Studies is designed to prepare highly motivated students for staff and administrative careers in those fields related to the prevention, treatment, and control of crime and delinquency. It also establishes a solid academic foundation for students interested in pursuing their studies at the doctoral level. The program is designed to be equally attractive for those interested in juvenile or adult work, and, although specializations per se are not defined, the selection of courses and internship possibilities are varied enough for the student to develop such an emphasis.

M.A. Admission Requirements

Students applying to the Master of Arts program must meet Kent State University Graduate College admission requirements, as outlined in the Graduate Schools Catalog. To be admitted unconditionally, applicants must also possess a minimum 3.2 undergraduate cumulative grade point average. In addition, admission requires (1) a one-page statement of career interests and goals, including motivation for pursuing the graduate degree, (2) recommendations from three persons (preferably academic) who can attest to the applicant’s potential for graduate study, and (3) submission of scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

M.A. Program Requirements

To earn the Master’s degree, a student must complete a total of 33 semester hours of coursework, consisting of 15 hours of required coursework, 12 hours of electives, and 6 hours of independent research (thesis, research and internship, or research plus an additional 60000 level course). The core courses are: Issues in Contemporary Justice (Proseminar), Theories of Crime and Delinquency, Justice Administration, Research Methods, and either Research Applications or Research Methods II. Elective course topics offered on a rotating basis include juvenile justice, victimology, policing, comparative justice, substance abuse, corrections, and law, justice, and society.

Combined B.A./M.A. Program

Undergraduate students with outstanding academic records may be eligible for enrollment in the combined baccalaureate and master’s program. Qualified students are able complete these two degrees simultaneously and can apply up to 12 hours of graduate work toward the completion of the B.A. degree requirements.

Focus in Justice Politics and Policy for the PhD in Political Science

A PhD degree with a concentration in Justice Politics and Policy (JPP) is available through the Public Policy program in the Department of Political Science. A total of 15 courses must be completed for the PhD, including four required courses in public policy, and methods. Doctoral students must complete four courses in their first major field, in this case, JPP, as well as three seminars in a second major field, two seminars in a minor field, one additional proseminar, and one additional methods course. Students also must pass a qualifying examination and complete a dissertation.

PhD Admission Requirements

Admission to the Ph.D. program in Political Science is based primarily on the applicant's academic record, standardized test scores, letter of intent, and references (three) from instructors. Graduate Record Examination scores on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections of the GRE are required of all applicants. Other admission requirements include a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and a writing sample demonstrating research and writing ability. International applicants whose native language is not English are also required to submit TOEFL scores. Applications for the Ph.D. program should be submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies by February 15 for anticipated enrollment in the ensuing fall semester. Applicants who wish to be considered for financial aid must also complete their applications by February 15.

Other program features:

- Students take classes with nationally and internationally recognized faculty from a variety of disciplines.
- Students have the opportunity to complete an internship in the justice field for academic credit.
- Financial aid, in the form of graduate assistantships, is available on a competitive basis.

Kent State University offers:

· Up-to date computer facilities with internet access, software, and email.

· Excellent academic resources such as the large Kent campus library.

· A Student Recreation and Wellness Center.

· A safe, small town feel with access to big city amenities.

...and much more!

For more information, contact:

Department of Justice Studies
Kent State University
113 Bowman Hall
Kent, OH 44242-0001
USA

Phone: 330.672.2775

Fax: 330.672.5394

Web site: http://dept.kent.edu/cjst/gradprog.html

E-mail the Graduate Coordinator for the MA program