MSSU Master of Science Degree Partnership in CJA

SEMO MSSU

Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Offered through a Partnership Between
Southeast Missouri State University
&
Missouri Southern State University

About the Program

This unique program is the product of a partnership between Southeast Missouri State University and Missouri Southern State University. Participating students will enroll in classes from both institutions in a fixed rotation covering six consecutive academic terms; four semesters with two summer terms. All courses offered in this program are available on-line.

Spring 2009 Enrollment
Here you will find the registration details for the Spring 2009 Semester. This is provided so you can secure the texts before the classes start January 12, 2009. To file a plan of study see the Initial Study Plan.

Admissions Qualifications and Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements for regular admission to the School of Graduate Studies:

Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Students who have not earned their Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice may be required to complete at least the following courses prior to acceptance to the Masters of Science in Criminal Justice.

Criminal Law
Introduction to Criminal Justice

Have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Application Process
Students must complete the following:

Contact Wayne Thomason at (417) 625-9864 or Thomason-w@mssu.edu
The following items will be needed to complete the application process

Forward official copies of transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities to the Southeast School of Graduate Studies office after online application is completed.
A nonrefundable transcript evaluation fee of $25.
Student will sign and submit a release of information form so both schools can share required academic information.
Student will be assigned a graduate MSSU advisor and assigned to the graduate coordinator of the Department of Criminal Justice at Southeast.

Financial Aid:

Students who wish to apply for financial aid for graduate programs offered in coordination with Southeast should complete the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) and list the Missouri Southern University school code (002488). Students may access the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Following is the rate at which financial aid will be distributed:

5 to 8 hours part-time aid
9 or more hours full-time aid

For more information about financial aid, please contact
the financial aid office at 417-625-9325.

Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Tuition per credit hour

Missouri residents . . . . . . . . $231.65
Non-residents . . . . . . . . . . $231.65

Students will pay tuition and fees to the University in which they are enrolled in a given semester. Enrollment is subject to the drop policy of the respective University. Students with questions about payment of tuition and fees at MSSU should contact Alicia Hughes at (417) 625-9841 or hughes-a@mssu.edu.

MSSU will pay financial aid for students even in those semesters that they enroll strictly with Southeast. A consortium agreement will be used between the Universities to maintain financial aid status for the students.

Southeast students who are not in the cooperative program that take a course offered by MSSU will have their financial aid processed through Southeast and are responsible for paying MSSU for courses taken.

Students in the Cooperative Master’s Program who desire financial assistance will receive their aid through MSSU, even if they are not exclusively taking courses at MSSU each semester. To receive aid, students are required to be enrolled as a half-time student (at least 5 hours) each semester. If they are exclusively at Southeast for any semester, they will use a consortium agreement to ensure financial aid is applied accordingly. For information, students are encouraged to contact the MSSU financial aid office at 417-625-9325.

Curriculum/Degree Requirements:

Master of Science in Criminal Justice

		Credit Hours
Core Requirements			15
CJ 600	Overview of Criminal Justice	3
CJ 526	Statistical Analysis in CJ	3
CJ 601	Research Methodology in CJ	3
CJ 615	Criminal Justice Theory	3
CJ 535	Civil Law & Liability	3

Other Requirements

Elective Courses (Select Six Hours) from:			6
CJ 510	Comparative Criminal Justice System	3
CJ 525	Crime and Criminal Policy	3
CJ 610	Seminar in Law Enforcement	3
CJ 625	Adult Correctional Org & Admin	3
CJ 630	Contemporary Juvenile Justice	3
CJ 693	Independent Study in CJ	3

Cognate Area Electives			9-12
These hours will be selected in consultation with Graduate Criminal Justice Coordinator.
	non-thesis select 12 hours,
	thesis option select 9 hours

Thesis, Internship, or other Capstone experience :			6
All Criminal Justice students must complete a thesis on their primary interest of study OR complete a graduate-level internship and write and defend an internship paper.
—Thesis Option
CJ 694	Thesis in Criminal Justice	3
CJ 695	Thesis in Criminal Justice	3
OR —Non-Thesis Option
CJ 699	Criminal Justice Internship	3
GR 699	Comprehensive Examination	0
	Three more elective graduate hours	3

Total Hours			36

COURSE ROTATION SCHEDULE***

THESIS OPTION
	Southeast	MSSU
1st Year Fall	CJ 615	CJ 510
1st Year Spring	CJ 535	CJ 525
1st Year Summer	CJ 600	CJ 526
2nd Year Fall	CJ 630	CJ 601
2nd Year Spring	CJ 694	CJ 625
2nd Year Summer	CJ 695	CJ 610

NON-THESIS OPTION
	Southeast	MSSU
1st Year Fall	CJ 615	CJ 510
1st Year Spring	CJ 535	CJ 525
1st Year Summer	CJ 600	CJ 526
2nd Year Fall	CJ 630	CJ 601
2nd Year Spring	CJ 693	CJ 625
2nd Year Summer	CJ 699	CJ 610

**Transfer graduate courses are evaluated by the graduate criminal justice coordinators to determine transferability as electives for the Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree.
***Course Rotation Schedule is subject to change without notice.

Advising procedures/information: All admitted students are advised by the Graduate Coordinator. Contact the Department of Criminal Justice for information by calling (417) 625-9684 or emailing thomason-w@mssu.edu.

Extended Career Opportunities: Graduates of the program possess the skills and expertise to compete for high-level positions. Current practitioners find themselves more competitive for promotion and assignment. Graduates without previous professional experience compete with veteran professional for prestigious state and federal positions. The public’s concern for crime and safety generates interests and ensures a future for graduates.

Real-World Experience: Students may complete graduate internships where they will work with the agency of their choice. Graduates have completed internships with United States Probation, the Federal Defenders and the United Nations. All participants must complete a major project as a requirement of the internship.

Research Opportunities: All Criminal Justice students must complete a thesis on their primary interest of study or a graduate-level internship and write and defend an internship paper. In addition, the department is consistently involved in grants and serves the region by providing research assistance to many criminal justice agencies. Faculty and students work cooperatively to present research papers at major conferences and to later hone those projects for publication.

Missouri Southern / Southeast Online: Online classes are ready when and where you are, day or night, providing you with maximum flexibility so you can get that much-needed education. You can access our online classes any place you have access to an Internet connection. If you experience any technical difficulties associated with your online course, for a Southeast Missouri State University course you can contact the Southeast Online office for assistance by (573) 651-2298 or e-mail. For a Missouri Southern course you can contact the MSSU Help Desk by calling (417)625-9885 or e-mail: blackboardhelp@mssu.edu. If you live outside our local calling area, we have a toll free number: 1-(866) 727-4108.