Master of Science in Legal Studies: Criminal Justice Curriculum
The criminal justice track of the legal studies Master of Science degree serves two primary purposes:
- To allow for advanced study of the functions and processes of the American justice system.
- To prepare students for career advancement in the justice system, whether in policing, law, corrections, investigations or human service positions.
The track offers a wide range of courses and an interdisciplinary approach that prepares you for a multitude of opportunities in the criminal and civil justice systems.
Get a description of each of Cal U's online criminal justice courses from our Course Catalog.
Below is a recommended framework of courses for completing the degree.
Core Courses12 Hours
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 600 | Law and Public Policy | 3 |
| LAW 601 | Law and Ethics | 3 |
| LAW 602 | Law, Civil Liberties and the Constitution | 3 |
| LAW 603 | Law and Legal Method | 3 |
Criminal Justice Track12 Hours
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PCJ 747 | Financial Investigations | 3 |
| PCJ 748 | Criminal Justice Organization and Management | 3 |
| PCJ 749 | Seminar in Justice Studies | 3 |
| PCJ 750 | Sexual Assault Investigations | 3 |
Criminal Justice Electives12 Hours
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PCJ 751 | Executive Protection | 3 |
| PCJ 752 | Digital Imaging, Forensic Photography and the Law | 3 |
| PCJ 755 | Polygraph and Lie Detection | 3 |
| AST 700 | U.S. Homeland Security | 3 |
| AST 740 | Terrorism, Threat & Vulnerability Analysis & Protection | 3 |
| AST 760 | Biological, Chemical, Nuclear & WMD Threats in Homeland Security | 3 |
| AST 780 | Intelligence Practice in Homeland Security | 3 |
| LAW 605 | Law and Police Process | 3 |
| LAW 606 | Law, Punishment and Corrections | 3 |
| LAW 607 | Law and Criminal Conduct | 3 |
| LAW 702 | Law, Science and Forensic Applications | 3 |
| LAW 730 | Independent Study in Law and Public Policy | 3 |
| RES 849 | Thesis | 4 |
