MS in Criminal Justice: Leadership & Executive Management

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Kaplan University's Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Leadership and Executive Management program is an online program designed to give students a solid understanding of leadership and management in 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 applied research, organizational behavior, criminological theory, and critical legal issues. Leadership and executive management specialization classes include human resource development for organizations, psychological and social issues in criminal justice administration, fiscal concerns, and employment and policy laws. The program gives students an opportunity to learn the skills needed for positions in some aspect of leadership in criminal justice, 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 Leadership and Executive Management program, you should have a bachelor's degree and an active interest in learning about management in criminal justice, public safety organizations, or law enforcement. Many applicants will already have experience in the field. 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 Leadership and Executive Management consists of 55 credits. Credit requirements are divided between 25-35 core credits and 20-30 elective credits. You must complete at least four policing 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

Leadership and Executive Management Specialization Requirement

• Employment and Policy Law
• Theoretical Applications of Justice management
• Fiscal Issues in Criminal Justice
• Human Resource Development

What Are My Post-Graduation Opportunities?

Career Opportunities

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

• Corrections counselor
• Police officer
• Internal affairs investigator
• Public safety consultant
• Probation officer
• Corrections officer

---

* 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.