Applied Criminology: MS, Fresno, San Diego, and San Francisco

Applied criminology is the use of the empirical findings of criminology (prevention, criminal prognosis, sanctioning, informal social control, and the investigation of effects) in practice and policy. The ever-evolving criminal justice arena requires that those who work within the field have both exposure to theoretical foundations from a variety of related disciplines and the ability to apply this knowledge to real-world situations in a variety of contexts. While criminal justice agencies typically provide agency-specific training, the MS in Applied Criminology expands students’ evidence-based knowledge and requires demonstration of the integration of this knowledge in practice, thereby preparing students for advancement within the field.

The MS in Applied Criminology prepares graduates to serve as consultants, trainers, and executives in such fields as law enforcement, security and victim services. The program is designed to enhance the skillset and employability of those already working within or interested in entering these fields. The program enables students to achieve competencies necessary to work in management or executive capacities within law enforcement or private security agencies or within victim services.

Program Outcomes

Students will be able demonstrate:

An understanding of offender-victim dynamics.
An understanding of the American criminal justice system.
An understanding of the laws and procedures that directly influence work with offenders and victims.
An understanding of the importance of evidence-informed policy and practice to advancing criminology.
An understanding of the role culture has in criminogenic issues.

Specialized Admissions Requirement

All prospective applicants must satisfy the requirements stipulated in the “Admissions and Registration” section of the University catalog. Prospective applicants must also submit an application that requires completion of three essays (“Please tell us more about your interest in the field of Criminology;” and “What competencies do you wish to gain from participation in this program?’ and “What do you believe you will contribute to the CSFS learning environment?”. Additionally students will be asked to submit a resume.

Applicants will be evaluated based upon their successful compliance with the criteria outlined above. Additionally, prior professional and educational experience will also be considered.

Curriculum and Degree Requirements

The Master’s of Science, Applied Criminology program is a two-year, 40-unit program. Students must successfully complete a Master’s Thesis.

Curriculum Plan

Core Courses

32 units

FOR 6100 - Introduction to Applied Criminology (3 units)
FOR 6105 - Theories of Crime and Punishment (2 units)
FOR 6110 - Criminal Law (3 units)
FOR 6115 - Violence and Criminal Behavior (3 units)
FOR 6120 - Criminal Procedure (2 units)
FOR 7140 - Research Methods in Criminology I (2 units)
FOR 7145 - Research Methods in Criminology II (2 units)
FOR 7130 - Constitutional Law and Criminology (2 units)
FOR 7980 - Master’s Thesis Development (1 unit)
FOR 7126 - Criminal Justice Ethics, Values and Diversity in Post-911 America (2 units)
FOR 7135 - Criminal Justice Program Evaluation and Policy Analysis (3 units)
FOR 7990 - Master’s Thesis Completion and Defense (1 unit)
FOR 7156 - Conflict Resolution and Crisis Management (3 units)
FOR 7160 - Crime and Victimization in a Global Context (3 units)

Concentration Curriculum Plan

Victimology Concentration

8 units

FOR 6130 - Contemporary Issues in Victimology (2 units)
FOR 6150 - Violence and Victimization: Assessment of Risk and Prevention Strategies (2 units)
FOR 6155 - Victims and the Justice System (2 units)
FOR 7155 - Coursework into Practice: Applied Criminology Lab (1 unit)
and
FOR 7165 - Public/Private Partnerships: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Mitigating Crime and Terrorism (1 unit)
or
FOR 7140 - Research Methods in Criminology I (1 unit)

Criminal Behavior Concentration

8 units

Global Crime and Homeland Security Concentration

8 units

Cybercrime and Technology Concentration

8 units