Criminology and Criminal Justice M.A.
Offered as a master's (M.A.)
The Criminology and Criminal Justice Master’s program prepares you for leadership roles in various agencies and in the justice system. With flexible paths and evening/online classes, our program is ideal for the working professional.
Through our program, you’ll develop the knowledge and skillset to advance in the field. We have two paths. In the Accelerated 4 +1 Program, students take two graduate courses during the spring semester of their senior year to complete the program within 12 months. Through the traditional master’s program, alumni may begin their degree in the spring or fall semester.
To view degree requirements, click the "Academic Catalog" button, navigate to "Programs by Area: Majors and Minors," and select your program.
These individuals [Criminal Justice Professors] are incredibly dedicated not only to the field of criminal justice, but also to the success of their students. Saint A’s is such a unique environment where each student has the opportunity to really get to know their professor and learn from their expertise.
Featured Course
Victimization Seminar
In this course, you’ll develop a deep understanding of victimization based on age, race, gender, and location. There will be a focus on victims’ rights and the patterns and typologies of victimization, as well as the criminal justice system’s responses to victimization and victim needs.
Featured Faculty Member
Professor Clarke’s passion for criminal justice research first sparked during her CJ100 class as a Saint Anselm student. She later received her Ph.D. and returned to the college as a faculty member, and now is the director of the College’s first graduate program.
Paths to Earn MA in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Thesis track: For those who are interested in researching a specialized topic for two semesters while completing coursework. Students may work with faculty and field professionals through their desired thesis committee to publish articles. This track is for those interested in pursuing a higher degree. Complete full-time or part-time, online or in-person
- Professional Track: For those who are interested in strengthening their skill set in two substantive topics—crime typologies and crime mapping. Students will enhance their professional marketability with this additional knowledge. Complete full-time or part-time, online or in-person
*Students may choose a 10 hr./week internship for the entire semester or complete two credit special topics courses in both paths. Graduate housing is available.
Course Sequences by Track
Courses | Term |
| Advanced Research Design (CJ 475/500; 4cr.) | Spring term (Traditional) |
| Descriptive & Inferential Statistics (CJ 490/CJ 620; 4cr.) | Spring term (Traditional) |
| Understanding Crime Analysis (CJ 610; 4cr.) | Summer term (I) (follows summer schedule) |
| Master's Thesis I (CJ 700; 4cr.) | Summer term (II) (follows summer schedule) |
| Advanced Criminological Theory (CJ 600; 4cr.) | Summer term (III) (follows summer schedule) |
| Law & Justice Seminar (CJ 630; 4cr.) | Fall term (Traditional) |
| Victimization Seminar (CJ 650; 4cr.) | Fall term (I) (First 7.5 weeks) |
| Administration of Justice (CJ 510; 4cr.) | Fall term (II) (Second 7.5 weeks) |
| Master's Thesis II (CJ 700; 4cr.) | Spring term (Traditional) |
| ST: Pol Tech, Big Data & The Law (Cyber Crim.)- (CJ 665; 2cr.) | Spring term (I) (First 7.5 weeks) |
| ST: Forensics- (CJ 675; 2cr.) or Crime Mapping (CJ XX; 4cr.) or Internship (CJ 685; 4cr.) | Internship (Traditional)* |
| Issues & Trends (CJ 660; 4cr.) | Spring term (II) (Second 7.5 weeks) |
*Students can choose a 10 hour a week internship that runs the entire semester or complete the two credit special topics options, or the Crime Mapping Course.
Courses | Term |
| Advanced Research Design (CJ 475/500; 4cr.) | Spring term (Traditional) |
| Descriptive & Inferential Statistics (CJ 490/CJ 620; 4cr.) | Spring term (Traditional) |
| Understanding Crime Analysis (CJ 610; 4cr.) | Summer term (I) (follows summer schedule) |
| Crime Typologies (CJ 640; 4cr.) | Summer term (II) (follows summer schedule) |
| Advanced Criminological Theory (CJ 600; 4cr.) | Summer term (III) (follows summer schedule) |
| Law & Justice Seminar (CJ 630; 4cr.) | Fall term (Traditional) |
| Victimization Seminar (CJ 650; 4cr.) | Fall term (I) (First 7.5 weeks) |
| Administration of Justice (CJ 510; 4cr.) | Fall term (II) (Second 7.5 weeks) |
| Crime Mapping (CJ XX; 4cr.) | Spring term (I) (First 7.5 weeks) |
| ST: Pol Tech, Big Data & The Law (Cyber Crim.)- (CJ 665; 2cr.) ST: Forensics- (CJ 675; 2cr.) or Internship (CJ 685; 4cr.) | Spring term (I) (First 7.5 weeks) Internship (Traditional)* |
| Issues & Trends (CJ 660; 4cr.) | Spring term (II) (Second 7.5 weeks) |
*Students can choose a 10 hour a week internship that runs the entire semester or complete the two credit special topics options.
Courses | Term |
| Advanced Research Design (CJ 475/500; 4cr.) | Spring term (Traditional) |
| Descriptive & Inferential Statistics (CJ 490/CJ 620; 4cr.) | Spring term (Traditional) |
| Understanding Crime Analysis (CJ 610; 4cr.) | Summer term (I) (follows summer schedule) |
| Master's Thesis (CJ 700; 4cr.) | Summer term (II) (follows summer schedule) |
| Advanced Criminological Theory (CJ 600; 4cr.) | Summer term (III) (follows summer schedule) |
| Law & Justice Seminar (CJ 630; 4cr.) | Fall term (Traditional) |
| Victimization Seminar (CJ 650; 4cr.) | Fall term (I) (First 7.5 weeks) |
| Administration of Justice (CJ 510; 4cr.) | Fall term (II) (Second 7.5 weeks) |
| Master's Thesis (CJ 700; 4cr.) | Spring term (Traditional) |
| ST: Pol Tech, Big Data & The Law (Cyber Crim.)- (CJ 665; 2cr.) ST: Forensics- (CJ 675; 2cr.) or Internship (CJ 685; 4cr.) | Spring term (I) (First 7.5 weeks) Internship (Traditional)* |
| Issues & Trends (CJ 660; 4cr.) | Spring term (II) (Second 7.5 weeks) |
*Students can choose a 10 hour a week internship that runs the entire semester or complete the two credit special topics options, or the Crime Mapping course.
Courses | Term |
| Law & Justice Seminar (CJ630; 4cr.) | Fall term (Traditional) |
| Victimization Seminar (CJ 650; 4cr.) | Fall term (I) (First 7.5 weeks) |
| Administration of Justice (CJ 510; 4cr.) | Fall term (II) (Second 7.5 weeks) |
| Advanced Research Design (CJ 475/500; 4cr.) | Spring term (Traditional) |
| Descriptive & Inferential Statistics (CJ 490/CJ 620; 4cr.) | Spring term (Traditional) |
| Issues & Trends (CJ 660; 4cr.) | Spring term (II) (Second 7.5 weeks) |
| Understanding Crime Analysis (CJ 610; 4cr.) | Summer term (I) (follows summer schedule) |
| Crime Typologies (CJ 640) | Summer term (II) (follows summer schedule) |
| Advanced Criminological Theory (CJ 600; 4cr.) | Summer term (III) (follows summer schedule) |
| Internship (CJ 685; 4cr.) or Special Topics Course (4cr.) | Fall term (Traditional) |
| Crime Mapping (CJ XX; 4cr.) | Fall term (I) (First 7.5 weeks) |
Program Information
Application Deadline
July 1, 2024 | Traditional Fall Semester Master’s
August 1, 2024 | 4+1 Students
Decision Letters
August 1, 2024 | Traditional Fall Semester Master’s
September 1, 2024 | 4+1 Students
Deadline to Accept Offer
August 15, 2024 | Traditional Fall Semester Master’s
December 1, 2024 | 4+1 Students
Courses Begin
August 26, 2024 | Traditional Fall Semester Master’s
January 22, 2025 | 4+1 Students
CJ500 - Advanced Research Design
This course is designed to explore various data-driven options for conducting original research. Students will build quantitative literacy while exploring simple analytical tools afforded by the Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR). Cross-listed as CJ 475.
CJ510 - Administration of Justice
The course provides students with a critical examination of the key components of the criminal justice system and reviews the administrations of federal, state, and local agencies, including a focus on managing the justice organization. Cross-listed as CJ 480.
CJ600 - Advanced Criminological Theory
This course provides a detailed examination of the most influential and empirically supported theories of crime causation and the correlates of crime. Topics include theory construction, theory integration, research, and policy. Cross-listed as CJ 465.
CJ610 - Understanding Crime Analysis
Students will learn both quantitative and qualitative research methodology. The course will cover topics such as challenges to descriptive and causal evidence, specific problems with generalization, issues of measurement techniques and the collection of data, and other procedures that are involved in and influence a study's results and conclusions. Cross-listed as CJ 485.
CJ620 - Descriptive & Inferential Statistics
This course is designed to explore various data driven options for conducting original research. The objective for this course is to provide the student with the opportunity to address fundamental questions concerning crime causation and/or society's response to crime based on governmental reports, academic journals, books and databases. Students will develop their research question and provide a proposal for their thesis. This will include training for protecting human research. Cross-listed as CJ 490.
CJ630 - Law & Justice Seminar
This course will examine the relationship between the law, behavior, and social order. Emphasis is placed on how individuals operate within and against the American system of law.
CJ640 - Crime Typologies Seminar
This course will provide a critical review of theoretical and empirical literature on selected topics including general deviant behavior, prostitution, child abuse, family violence, organized crime, psychopathy, drug abuse, substance abuse and cyber-crime. Cross-listed as CJ 470.
CJ650 - Victimization Seminar
The course will provide an overview of victimization based on age, race, gender, and location. Emphasis will be centered on examining patterns of victimization, typologies concerning victimization and the rights of victims, including the criminal justice system's responses to victimization and victim needs.
CJ660 - Issues & Trends in Criminal Justice Seminar
This course provides a comprehensive review of extant issues and recent trends observed and encountered by the criminal justice system by focusing on how law enforcement, courts, and corrections have handled these various issues and how legislators have changed corresponding laws.
CJ665 - Special Topics in Cyber Criminology
This course examines the major types of cybercrime and their criminological motivations, including how they are perpetrated, who and what they target, where and why they persist, and the role the Internet plays in changing the definition of crime. Topics will focus on current law enforcement and prosecutorial responses to cybercrime, protected rights of computer users, procedural law protections of the accused, the challenges faced nationally and internationally at combating cybercrime, and the steps being taken by security and law enforcement agencies to address these challenges.
CJ670 - Special Topics in Criminal Justice
Special topic courses are offered in response to student demand, faculty interest, and the everchanging field. This occasional course offering will focus on contemporary topics in criminal justice or delve into specific fields of the discipline.
CJ675 - Special Topics in Forensic Science
This course exposes students to foundational concepts of chemistry while training them to use modern techniques and procedures utilized in the application of forensic science, including but not limited to the documentation and examination of specimen types, sample preparation, instrumentation, analytical methods, and interpretation of findings. Cross-listed as CH 402.
ST: Criminal Minds (CJ 685b; 2 cr.)
This course delves into the emotions and actions that lead to criminal acts, both violent and nonviolent or known as deviant acts, and is studied through a theoretical lens. By examining scientific evidence, students will gain an in-depth understanding of the origins and evidence of violence and will be challenged to determine whether the individuals responsible are more often evil and societal roles for how we define evil. Factors that contribute to the development of criminal mentality will be explored, with a focus on mental illness. Additionally, the course will explore the current and past responses of the criminal justice system to repeat offenders. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of who criminals are and how the justice system can respond to their behavior.
CJ685 - Internship
Criminal Justice 4 + 1 students may be selected to spend one semester interning with a Criminal Justice agency. The student must spend an average of 10 hours per week with the agency.
CJ700 - Master's Thesis - I
This course represents a student's initial thesis enrollment. Students will work on their independent research and will receive approval by a faculty committee under the supervision of one faculty member. The thesis requires students to develop, design, and complete an original research project.
Note: Course is graded as Pass/Fail/Incomplete
CJ710 - Master's Thesis - II
This course represents the student's last thesis enrollment. Students will continue to work on their original research project, culminating in an oral defense of their thesis before the thesis committee and the public.
Note: Course is graded as Pass/Fail/Incomplete
Frequently Asked Questions
To accommodate all students. Courses will be offered hybrid and online. Hybrid and synchronous online courses will be offered during the evening to afford students the opportunity to work during the day. Typically, courses begin after 4:30pm. The exception to this is the 4 + 1 accelerated track and the Criminal Justice Master’s Program thesis track: CJ 475/500 Advanced Research Design and CJ 490/620 Descriptive & Inferential Statistics will be held during the day, synchronously online. For those that work, the professor teaching the course will provide recordings of the class and work with the graduate students in order help them successfully complete the course.
Housing will be available the summer term and then, depending on space, may be available the 5th year for graduate students.
The Saint Anselm College Accelerated Criminal Justice 4+1 Program is financially competitive with other regional programs. Tuition is based on $675 per credit, with the cost for each 4-credit course being $2,700. There is an additional comprehensive fee of $700. This results in a total tuition cost of $25,000 for the graduate portion of the Accelerated Master’s Degree.
The Criminal Justice Master’s Program total tuition is $30,400.
A small amount of Merit scholarship is available. An objective rating system will be used to award merit. The rating system is based upon GPA, department contribution, and research within the department.
Any student receiving merit aid must earn a minimum 3.0 CGPA. If a student falls below the 3.0 GPA threshold, s/he will lose their merit aid for the remainder of the program.
Merit aid will be divided between the fall and spring semester during the student’s fifth year.
A student must enroll full-time to receive merit.
Yes, we are accepting equivalent courses. Your statistics and research methods courses may be taken in another department other than Criminal Justice. It is strongly suggested though that if you received transfer credit or AP credit that you consider taking both courses with the Criminal Justice Department.
Students should still apply and may be accepted on a conditional basis. Conditions for admittance would be covered in their acceptance letter.
For more information, please contact Kaitlyn Clarke, Director of Criminology and Criminal Justice Graduate Program, kclarke@anselm.edu
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