2019-2020 Catalog

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Justice Studies M.A.

Learning Goals

Admission Requirements

  1. A completed application form accompanied by a $50 nonrefundable application fee.
  2. A bachelors degree, if not applying for the combined B.A./M.A. program.
  3. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate records.
  4. Prior course work in research methods and quantitative analysis, PLUS at least four undergraduate courses in sociology, a major in a related field, or substantial work experience in a justice-related field.
  5. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in undergraduate course work.
  6. An official report of scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test Test is required unless the B.A. degree earned is from Rhode Island College or the University of Rhode Island in the academic fields of political science, psychology, sociology, justice studies or criminal justice. This consideration applies to qualified students with an overall G.P.A.of 3.0.
  7. Statement of professional goals including how the program will prepare the candidate for these goals.
  8. Three letters of recommendation that address potential to succeed in a graduate program. Must include at least one letter from a professor in a social science course.
  9. A plan of study approved by the advisor and appropriate dean.
  10. An interview may be required.

B.A./M.A. Admissions Option
Students matriculated in the Rhode Island College undergraduate justice studies major may apply for a combined B.A./M.A. option. Such students will apply after completing 75 credits, including at least 20 credits in courses counted towards the Justice Studies major, and must have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0. Application requirements include all of those listed above; however, the GRE may be waived for B.A./M.A. applicants. B.A./M.A. students are permitted to count 9 graduate credits towards their undergraduate requirements.

Course Requirements

Courses

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
SOC 501Professional Writing for Justice Services

4

Fall.
SOC 504Advanced Quantitative Analysis

4

Spring.
SOC 509Advanced Criminological Theory

4

Fall.

ONE COURSE from

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
SOC 532Advanced Qualitative Methods

4

Spring.
SOC 533Evaluation Research

4

Fall (odd years).
Or another research methods course in a related discipline selected with department chair’s consent.

EIGHT ELECTIVE CREDITS from

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
SOC 450Topics in Sociology

4

As needed.
SOC 536Current Legal Issues

4

Spring (even years).
SOC 551Topics in Criminology

4

As needed.
SOC 552Topics in Stratification

4

Asneeded.
SOC 553Topics in the Sociology of Law

4

As needed.
SOC 554Topics in Social Problems

4

As needed.
Relevant 400-500 level courses from other departments will be considered with approval from advisor.

Choose A or B:

A. Thesis Plan

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
SOC 592Masters Thesis

3

As needed.
Total Credit Hours:30
SOC 592 is to be taken twice for a total of 6 credits.

B. Project Plan

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
SOC 593Final Project

3

As needed.
FOUR ELECTIVE CREDITS selected from the list above.

4
Total Credit Hours:31