Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's M.S. in Criminal Justice program with a specialization in Law and Public Policy is designed to increase your understanding of the factors that contribute to criminal behaviors. As a program participant, you could research the U.S. legal and democratic systems while further studying the correlation between law enforcement, corrections, and court systems. This specialization is designed to examine the ways in which public policy is influenced by various legal and court decisions. In addition to studying legal theories and the role of the U.S. Supreme Court on public policy, you will have opportunities to further your knowledge through the exploration of current case studies.

What Are the Prerequisites?

You should be motivated by the desire to develop legal policies and to ensure that justice prevails. Applicants to Walden University's master's programs, should hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Some programs may include additional requirements.

What Are the Course Requirements?

To earn this degree, you must complete 61 quarter credits, which consist of 45 credits of core courses, 15 credits in specialization courses and a one-credit foundation course. Estimated time to completion is 21 months. Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable.

Course Requirements

• Foundations of Graduate Study
• The Nature of Crime and Criminology
• Controversies in Criminal Justice
• Organizational Management and Leadership
• Criminal Justice Research
• Ethics and Social Justice
• Special Populations
• Technological Solutions and 21st-Century Crime
• Victimology
• Applied Communications
• Fundamentals of Law and Public Policy
• Legal Research for Policy Practitioners
• Contemporary Cases and Issues in the Courts

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Options

As a graduate of this program, you could have advanced knowledge of criminal justice issues and public policy theories. With newly acquired decision-making and policy-planning skills, you might be prepared to pursue career advancement opportunities in the areas of public policy, law enforcement, collegiate teaching, investigations, corrections, or human services. Positions you could pursue include:

• Criminal justice or corrections policy analyst
• Correctional administrator
• Crime analyst
• Criminal justice instructor

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

Advanced Degrees

Earning your master's could also prepare you for relevant doctoral programs. While you continue to study U.S. court and criminal justice systems, you could gain the competencies needed to pursue faculty or research positions or an upper-level criminal justice management career. Degrees listed are not institution-specific but constitute a sampling of continuing education options for graduates. Degree options that graduates could pursue include:

• Ph.D. in Criminal Justice
• Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration with a specialization in Criminal Justice