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Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice (M.A.)

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The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (MACJ) program at Penn State Harrisburg guides students to be leaders in their field.  The program also helps develop research acumen for those students who may wish to consider doctoral studies.

Customize the program to advance your individual goals

Our core courses update students on cutting edge research to help them lead with evidence-based decisions in their field.  Course assignments are tailored to real-world applications, such as grant writing.

Grow your professional network connecting to other leaders in the field

Faculty have strong ties developed in state, local, and federal law enforcement, corrections, drug treatment, victimization, and crime control policy organizations.  Elective courses are often instructed by professionals in the field, including the FBI and the legal profession/judiciary.

Equip yourself to make the change you want to see for success in the community

The MACJ program teaches students the skills they need to become effective communicators and leaders, able to develop complex policy evaluations and recommendations. Graduates find success in:

  • Advanced positions in federal, state and local criminal justice agencies
  • Nonprofit and advocacy work
  • Case management
  • Policy Research
  • Law school
  • Doctoral studies

Become an evidence-based knowledge generator

Small class sizes mean students have personal attention from faculty in class. Outside of class, students have opportunities to work closely with faculty on answering research questions, evaluating community programs, publishing in academic journals and other outlets, and conference attendance.

Degree Conferred: M.A.
Program code: MACJ

Online Open House

Online Open House - Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
 

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Criminal Justice (M.A.)

  • Curriculum
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Emma Leaman

Grad student Emma Leaman discusses her research

In an interview with Sage Publishing, Criminal Justice graduate student Emma Leaman discusses her research on the evaluation of a mental health liaison program at a small police department.

Watch the interview
Apply to Penn State
How to Apply

Criminal Justice Programs

Criminal Justice (B.S.)
Criminal Justice (M.A.)
Criminal Justice Policy and Administration (M.P.S.)
Accelerated B.S./M.A. in Criminal Justice (IUG)
Criminal Justice (A.S.)
Criminal Justice (Minor)

See Also

  • Brochure (PDF)
  • Honor Society
  • Request Information
  • Criminal Justice Internships
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Penn State Harrisburg

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