Today’s employers are seeking adaptable problem solvers with strong leadership capabilities. With Monmouth’s Master of Arts in Criminal Justice with a track in Leadership, you will stand out in the job market with the skills to analyze real-world challenges, think critically about social responsibility, and influence important policy decisions in the field.
Monmouth’s 12-credit Leadership track focuses on the practical application of leadership and management theories. Under the direction of faculty with prominent experience in the criminal justice field, you will learn how to analyze complex public sector challenges and manage the day-to-day operations of law enforcement and public agencies. An additional 18 credits of core criminal justice courses—including a capstone—completes your 30-credit master’s degree. In the capstone course, you will work one-on-one with an experienced faculty advisor to choose a topic of interest, conduct thorough research, and produce a high-quality, publishable thesis that will enhance your professional resume.
Graduates of the Leadership track will be able to:
- Discuss how criminal justice laws and policies are adopted, implemented, and evaluated
- Conduct research and use findings to evaluate factors related to crime and the impact of crime on criminal justice policies, practices, and procedures
- Analyze the impact of the criminal justice process on victims and perpetrators
- Synthesize principles from criminal justice through theories, processes, and practices to promote social justice and positive change
- Hold managerial and supervisory positions in criminal justice-related organizations
This track is tailored to prepare students for an executive role within the field of criminal justice and will benefit law enforcement officers, criminal justice professionals, government employees at the federal, state, county, and municipal levels, members of the Armed Services, and more.
Job Outlook
Our graduates are qualified for executive, supervisory, and managerial roles throughout the growing criminal justice landscape. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates four percent overall employment growth for first-line supervisors of police and detectives through 2024. According to the BLS, employees in these positions earn a median salary of $82,090 per year. Those employed in federal agencies typically receive higher salaries, incentives, and benefits depending on the workload, location, and occupation.
After completing Monmouth’s criminal justice master’s program, you can explore exciting opportunities in both public and private agencies, including police departments, federal security agencies, and emergency management firms. Potential career opportunities may include:
- Attorney General Investigator
- Border Patrol Agent
- Correctional Administrator
- Correctional Officer Supervisor
- DEA
- FBI or CIA
- Federal Probation Officer
- Homeland Security Agent
- Police and Detective Supervisor
- Private Sector Security Management
- Prosecutor’s Office Detective
- Secret Service Agent
- U.S. Marshals Service
