Admissions Contact

Graduate Recruitment & Admissions

Academic Contact

Michelle Cubellis
Associate Professor
Criminology & Criminal Justice
Graduate Program Director
Criminology & Criminal Justice
R.C. Vance Academic Center
407

Criminal Justice Administration, MA

Central to Becoming a Justice Leader.

Central’s Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration provides professionals working in the field with the knowledge and skills required for leadership positions and advancement in criminal justice and related fields.

Our program enhances student’s decision-making and administration skills through in-depth focus on evidence-based practices, program development and evaluation, and effective management of employees and organizations at the local, state, and federal level.

Program Features

  • Starts every January and August
  • 30-credit program
  • Attend full- or part-time
  • Geared towards professionals in the field
  • Ability to obtain an M.A. and specialized certificates
  • Courses offered in online and HyFlex format
  • Completion of capstone project that draws on your experience in the field
  • Access to nationally and internationally recognized experts in policing, probation, cybercrime, hate crimes, and victimization
  • No GMAT/GRE required

Program Options

For criminal justice professionals currently working in the field, this program covers relevant theory and practice relating to criminal justice leadership. This includes the interpretation and evaluation of research, management of criminal justice employees, development of criminal justice organizations, and implementation of program policy. Graduates learn the fundamental principles and methods needed to effectively lead in criminal justice and related organizations.

For criminal justice professionals currently working in the field, specifically those who work with victims and in victims’ advocacy organizations. This program covers relevant theory and practice relating to victims and their experiences in the Criminal Justice System. Relevant topics covered in the certificate programming include domestic violence, mental health, victimization, women’s issues, and hate crimes.

For criminal justice professionals currently working in the field, this program covers relevant theory and practice relating to forensic counseling. This includes instruction on offender counseling, risk assessment, offender profiling, and delinquency intervention.

The Advanced Detective Certificate program provides investigators with advanced knowledge, skills, and theoretical perspectives that can assist in the application of their role as a detective. Course titles of available classes include Death Investigations, Expectation of Privacy, Financial Crimes, Interview and Interrogation, Sexual Assault Investigations, and Police Involved Shootings. These courses are designed for detectives at all levels and ranks. The Connecticut State Detective Methodology Program Advisory Board endorses this program and is an integral part of the development and ongoing assessment of classes.

What You’ll Gain

  • Skills to analyze and evaluate data relevant to the development and management of criminal justice organizations.
  • Competence to apply leadership principles to understand agency needs and implement appropriate strategies.
  • Ability to translate research into applicable practice.
  • Understanding of how evidence-based practices can be used in the management of the organization.
  • Capacity to earn your MA, as well as multiple certificates in topic-specific areas to advance your career.
  • Pathway for Advanced Detective Certificate students to complete an advanced degree at Central.