Advancing one’s career in criminal justice is made possible through completion of the appropriate master’s degree program. Kaplan University offers the Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Law to individuals seeking to examine the legal principles and doctrines in relation to professional practice in criminal justice. These would include principles and doctrines related to criminal law, evidentiary issues, specialized criminal statutes, criminal procedure, comparative legal and justice system, and employment law. Accreditation for Kaplan University is provided by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Students are required to complete fifty-five (55) credits consisting of Core Courses and Specialization Courses. Law Specialization Courses consist of any four of the offered courses which include Advanced Topics in Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure and the US Supreme Court, Evidentiary Issues in Criminal Cases, Comparative Criminal Justice Systems, Specialized Criminal Statute and Complex Investigations, and Employment and Policy Law. Core courses vary depending on the chosen track. Core Requirements for the Thesis Track include Critical Legal Issues in Criminal Justice, Criminological Theory, Research Methodology, Organizational Behavior, Data Analysis, Research and Thesis I, and Research and Thesis II. The Comprehensive Exam Track also requires the first 4 Core Courses plus Critical Issues in Criminal Justice and the Comprehensive Exam. The Applied Action Research Track requires the same first 3 Core Courses plus Applied Action Research in Criminal Justice and the Action Research Project in Criminal Justice.

Students can lessen the cost by having qualified transfer credits that can be applied towards the program. Qualified students can avail of federal aid, scholarship, or tuition discount.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Possible job positions include law enforcement, court clerk, private security, or legal assistant. Graduates can also pursue further studies through a doctoral degree program.

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