In addition to an in-depth examination of the U.S. justice system, the Master of Science in Justice Studies program at Southern New Hampshire University's gives you the opportunity to focus your education by offering concentration options in terrorism and homeland security, cybersecurity, and public administration. Discover more about the Master of Science in Justice Studies program here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Program Is It?
The online Master of Science in Justice Studies program at Southern New Hampshire University is a comprehensive examination of the nature of law, its place in the political system, and the relationship between law, morality, ethics, and the American legal system. You'll have the opportunity to explore the role of police and law enforcement in a free society, the federal courts and judicial process, and correctional law and institutional processes and operations, including the responsibilities of correctional officers and the constitutional rights of inmates. You'll also learn about the legal method, research procedures, and research tools, such as judicial reports, court digests and encyclopedias, annotated law reports, legal periodicals, and non-legal research aids. The program offers concentrations in terrorism and homeland security, cybersecurity, and public administration.
What Are the Prerequisites?
Before applying to the Master of Science in Justice Studies program, you should be interested in developing a comprehensive understanding of policing, corrections, and the courts; you may also have some experience working in law enforcement, although it is not required. All applicants to Southern New Hampshire University programs must have earned a high school diploma or equivalent.
What Are the Course Requirements?
The Master of Science in Justice Studies from Southern New Hampshire University is a 12-course program. It includes five major courses, three concentration courses, and four elective courses. If you select the public administration concentration, you will complete four concentration courses and three elective courses. Courses include:
- Police in the American Experience
- Correctional Policy and Practice
- Courts and Judicial Process
- Law, Ethics, and Justice System
- Legal and Justice Research
- Concentration Courses
- Elective Courses
What Could I Do After Graduation?
Career Opportunities
Upon successful completion of the Master of Science in Justice Studies program, you could be prepared for career opportunities in federal, state, local, and private law enforcement agencies. Just some of the agencies you could pursue positions with include the state police, county sheriff, Department of Defense, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Transportation, the court system, insurance companies, and private security companies. Positions you may be interested in could include:
- Police Officer
- Corrections Officer
- Immigration and Customs Agent
- Detective
- Security Officer
- Intelligence Analyst
- Local law enforcement: Park police, County police, Juvenile Justice Centers, Sheriff Department
- State law enforcement: Crime labs, State Crime Commissions, The Court System, Attorney General Offices, Narcotics Bureaus, Liquor Control Boards, State Police
- Federal law enforcement: Department of Defense , Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Transportation, Federal Trade Commission, Veterans Affairs, Customs Agency, Immigration and Naturalization Service , Food and Drug Administration, Office of the Inspector General,
- Private sector law enforcement: Insurance companies, Private detectives, Safety officers, Security patrol officers
