MS in Criminal Justice: Law

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Kaplan University's Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Law program is an online program designed to help students grasp the scope of challenges confronting criminal justice professions. The program covers theory and research methods, and enrolled students are given a choice of three study tracks: thesis, comprehensive exam, or applied research. The curriculum includes courses in critical legal issues, criminological theory, organizational behavior, and applied research. Law specialization classes may include policy law, comparative criminal justice systems, evidentiary issues, or criminal procedures and law. The program gives students the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to pursue a position in some aspect of teaching, public safety, or law enforcement.

What Are the Prerequisites?

If you are interested in applying to Kaplan University's Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Law program, you should have a bachelor's degree and an active interest in learning about criminal justice, legal studies, or law enforcement. Applicants to Kaplan University's programs should be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. Since the program is offered online, applicants should have access to a computer.

What Are the Course Requirements?

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Law consists of 55 credits. Credit requirements are divided between 25-35 core credits and 20-30 elective (specialization) credits. You must complete at least four law electives as part of the specialization. Specific course requirements could change. If you are interested in enrolling in Kaplan University, speak to an Admissions Representative.

Thesis Track Requirements

• Critical Legal Issues in Criminal Justice
• Criminological Theory
• Research Methodology
• Organizational Behavior
• Data Analysis
• Research and Thesis I
• Research and Thesis II

Comprehensive Exam Track Core Requirements

• Critical Legal Issues in Criminal Justice
• Criminological Theory
• Research Methodology
• Organizational Behavior
• Critical Issues in Criminal Justice
• Comprehensive Examination

Applied Research Track Core Requirements

• Critical Legal Issues in Criminal Justice
• Criminological Theory
• Organizational Behavior
• Applied Research in Criminal Justice
• Applied Research Project

Law Specialization Requirements

• Select four of the following:
  • Advanced Topics in Criminal Law
  • Criminal Procedure and the U.S. Supreme Court
  • Evidentiary Issues in Criminal Cases
  • Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
  • Specialized Criminal Statutes and Complex Investigations
  • Employment and Policy Law

What Are My Post-Graduation Opportunities?

Career Opportunities

After successfully completing Kaplan University's Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Law program, you could pursue employment opportunities with various government, non-profit, or public agencies.* You could pursue these types of positions:

• Internal affairs investigator
• Police officer
• Security officer
• Paralegal
• Probation officer
• DEA agent

Advanced Degrees

Kaplan University's Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Law program could help prepare you to pursue employment, or you may choose to further your education at the doctoral degree level.** Here are several possibilities you might consider:

• Doctor of Criminal Justice
• Doctor of Public Administration
• Doctor of Public Policy
• Doctor of International Criminal Justice
• Doctor of Public Safety Administration

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* Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job or employed at all.

**While many of Kaplan University's degree programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue continued graduate- or doctoral-level education, the University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any graduate or doctoral programs.