There are two options available to the student pursuing the Master of Arts degree in Criminology at the University of South Florida.
The Thesis Option is designed for students seeking a research career in criminal justice and for those intending to pursue a Ph.D. and ultimately an academic career at the university level. In the Thesis Option, students learn to conduct methodologically sound and theoretically grounded research. As they complete their graduate studies, students will produce an original piece of research that makes a unique contribution to the scientific body of literature in criminology and criminal justice.
The Non-Thesis Option is designed for students seeking entry-level positions in the field of criminal justice who do not plan to pursue the Ph.D. In the Non-Thesis Option, students will learn to assess the practical applications of theory and research to policy and program development. As they complete their graduate studies, students demonstrate their understanding of the research process and its implications for criminal justice through either a comprehensive examination or a detailed research proposal or project.
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| CCJ 6937 |
Pro Seminar in Criminology
Provides a forum for presentation and discussion of research ideas by faculty, students, and guests, with a view toward the development of thesis topics. This 1-credit course course is taken twice--during the first and second semesters of the student's program of study |
1 |
| CCJ 6285 |
Law, Crime, and Justice
An exposition of historical and contemporary legal principles, procedures, and issues as reflected in Constitutional provision, statutes, and case law. |
4 |
| CCJ 6305 |
Theory, Practice, and Research in Corrections
Examination of the complex interrelationships between theory and practice in corrections, as these are affected by empirical research and systematic program evaluation. |
3 |
| CCJ 6309 |
Current Issues in Corrections
This course is designed to review and analyze the major issues and dilemmas that confront corrections today. Topics may include: overcrowding. inmate rights, privatization, control of gangs, control of inmates, and the availability of programs and services. Attention will also focus on the strategies and/or controversies associated with these issues. (Repeatable with different subject matter). |
3 |
| CCJ 6406 |
Theory, Practice, and Research in Law Enforcement
This issue-oriented course explores those relationships among theory, practice, and research as these are reflected in the problems and challenges which confront law enforcement. |
3 |
| CCJ 6118 |
Theoretical Approaches to Criminal Behavior
An introduction to, and comparison of, major historical and contemporary theories that seek to explain criminal behavior. |
4 |
| CCJ 6705 |
Research Methods in Criminology
Introduction to the methods of criminological research; overviews philosophy of science, research ethics, research design issues such as sampling and measurement, and methods of data collection, including survey, experimental, and evaluation research. |
4 |
| CCJ 6706 |
Quantitative Analysis I
Introduction to data management utilizing computer statistical packages and elementary statistical techniques used in criminological research: descriptive and inferential statistics, group comparisons, measures of association, linear regression. |
4 |
| CCJ 6707 |
Quantitative Analysis II
Intermediate-level data analysis and statistical techniques applied to problems in criminology. Emphasis on multivariate techniques, including multiple regression, path analysis, and nonlinear models. |
4 |
| CCJ 6708 |
Quantitative Analysis III
This course familiarizes students with advanced multivariate linear and nonlinear statistical procedures appropriate for analyzing criminological data. |
3 |
| CCJ 6709 |
Qualitative Research Methods
An in-depth analysis and discussion of several qualitative perspectives and corresponding methodological designs as they pertain to criminological research and inquiry. |
3 |
| CCJ 6716 |
Evaluation Research in Criminology
This course provides basic and advanced methods of evaluation research in a real world environment, paying particular attention to the idiosyncrasies of working within and with the criminal justice system. Grant preparation, survey techniques, and research design will be covered along with policies, pressures, and peculiarities associated with evaluating agencies. |
3 |
| CCJ 6931 |
Seminar in Criminological Theory
This course is designed to provide an in-depth analysis of specific theoretical areas or issues in criminology. (Repeatable with different subject matter). |
3 |
| CCJ 6935 |
Topics in Criminology and Criminal Justice
This course provides an opportunity for analysis and discussion of topics of major concern in criminology and criminal justice that are not covered in regular courses. (Repeatable with different subject matter) |
3 |
| CCJ 6936 |
Current Issues in Law Enforcement
This course will focus on some of the most significant issues facing law enforcement agencies today. Topics include: police use of deadly force, review of police conduct, police unionization, police corruption, media relations, civil liability, and community/problem-oriented policing. (Repeatable with different subject matter) |
3 |
| CCJ 6905 |
Directed Independent Study
Independent study in which student must have contract with instructor. |
3 |
| CCJ 6910 |
Directed Research
Repeatable. (S/U only) |
VAR |
| CCJ 6971 |
Thesis Hours
Repeatable. A maximum of 6 hours may be counted toward the minimum number of hours required for the Master's degree. |
|
Courtney Lewellen
