Law and Justice, MS

Program Description
The MS in Law and Justice program is designed to serve two distinct groups: (1) those in law and justice fields with professional experience, and (2) those without professional experience who aspire to law and justice careers, including research and data analysis.

The MS program focuses on the concept of empirical and research based practices in criminal justice, criminology, law, social justice, and public policy. Classes are designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of the mechanics of social science research and how research informs best practices in the field. Core classes in the program provide students with the detailed knowledge of social science methods of inquiry in Law and Justice where elective courses allow students understand how the science is applied to practice. During the culminating experience, students use social-scientific inquiry to address current issues and challenges in law and justice option A includes a comprehensive examination as the culminating experience and option B includes a thesis or research project as the culminating experience. Both options are 60 credits to complete. Option B is primarily designed for those interested in research or pursuing further graduate level work.

Program Delivery
With the idea of accommodating a diverse group of students, the courses MS in law and justice program are typically delivered in person during the evenings or online.

Admission Requirements
Applicants should have the following:

1. a bachelor’s degree related to the social sciences
2. a statement of objectives and purpose that outlines how the MS in law and justice would apply to their future goals
3. three letters of recommendation
4. an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
5. applicants may include a writing sample as a supplement to their application.

All materials for admission consideration should be submitted to the Central Washington School of Graduate Students and Research.  Applications will be accepted in early January and review of applications will occur around mid-March. Applications after mid-March will be accepted and admission decisions after this point will be made on a rolling bases based on program capacity.

MS in Law and Justice: 4 +1 Option:

Overview
The Department of Law and Justice’s 4 + 1 program is designed to allow students, who meet eligibility criteria, to enroll in select 500 level courses during their senior year to allow them to potentially complete the MS in law and justice the following year. Ultimately, this allows students to complete their MS degree in law and justice in one year following completion of the bachelor’s degree.

Requirements
In order to participate in the 4+1 program, students must:

1. meet with the graduate director, or other designee of the department, to discuss planning and expectations in program;
2. apply for admission to the MS in law and justice 4+1 program during the junior year;
3. have completed LAJ 400, or an equivalent research methods course approved by the law and justice department, with a B or higher prior to fall of senior year when students would be taking graduate level courses;
4. maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; and
5. have declared a major in law and justice, or a major another approved social science area. 

NOTE: In compliance with CWU graduate courses taken during the senior year may not be applied towards the undergraduate degree - they must be reserved for graduate credit only.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• formulate research plans/proposals that utilize contemporary methodologies for social science research (e.g., interviews, surveys, experiments, or secondary data analysis);
• evaluate the current policies of the criminal justice system (e.g., police, courts, corrections);
• critique the application of various theoretical perspective related to criminal justice policy, practice and/or research;
• analyze recent issues related to the U.S. Constitution from various theoretical or philosophical perspectives;
• interpret the intersectionality of race/ethnicity, class, gender identity, and age regarding criminal justice outcomes; and
• advocate for evidence-based approaches to criminal justice interventions.