Correspondence should be sent to:
Graduate Programs Office
Jana Bufkin, Director
Drury University
900 N. Benton
Springfield, MO 65802
Phone: (417) 873-6948
grad@drury.edu
Fax No.: 417 873-7529
http://crim.drury.edu

Criminology/Criminal Justice
The department of behavioral sciences is a component of the social science division of the university.

The undergraduate program in the department of behavioral sciences focuses on the disciplines of psychology, sociology and criminology. A primary goal of this department is to help the student function as an effective, informed person in our culture which is defined by enormously complicated contingencies of adaptation. To this end, the principles of human behavior are presented within the context of an interdisciplinary liberal arts educational program. Psychology, sociology and criminology address different dimensions of human behavior that can be integrated to form a comprehensive view of the human condition.

The masters in criminology and criminal justice program is carefully integrated with the undergraduate program and grows out of the institutional commitment to the liberal arts. It is intended to provide sound preparation for careers while explaining the breadth of perspective and flexibility which characterize the liberal arts graduate. The program and the faculty are seen as a significant enrichment to the undergraduate program and the graduate and undergraduate programs are intended to be mutually supportive. The master of arts in criminology degree is especially recommended for students who will eventually pursue a Ph.D. The master of science in criminal justice degree is recommended for students who wish to apply their knowledge in the field of criminology and criminal justice.

The master in criminology/criminal justice program consists of 42 (M.A.) to 48 The The master in criminology/criminal justice program consists of 42 (M.A.) to 48
(M.S.) semester hours of courses for students who have had no prior background in criminology/criminal justice in their undergraduate work. For the student who has an adequate background of course work in specified areas, the master's program consists of 30 (M.A.) or 36 (M.S.) hours of graduate study that may be completed in two calendar years.

Course work may be completed through full-time or part-time enrollment.

Program Assessment
Learning Objectives

Objective #1: To graduate students who demonstrate advanced, in-depth knowledge of criminology and the criminal justice system in American society. This is achieved by critically applying research methods, criminological theory and analyses of current justice issues to practical, political, theoretical concerns encountered in the criminal justice field.

Objective #2: To provide advanced education to students in the field of criminology and criminal justice which prepares them for entry and promotion to mid-level managerial and professional roles.

Objective #3: To prepare students for advanced study at the doctoral level or in professional programs, such as law school.

Assessment strategies used

Objective #1: Assessment procedure #1: Students enrolled in the internship program (six hours of graduate credit) provide the faculty sponsor with a detailed analysis of the experience in the form specified in internship guidelines. A portion of the work is devoted to addressing the agency’s interdependent position in the broader criminal justice system. In addition, the agency sponsor submits an evaluation of the student’s competence regarding agency dynamics.

Objective #1: Assessment procedure #2: The director of the criminology/criminal justice master's program requires that all members of the criminology/criminal justice faculty develop questions that capture the ideals noted in the objective. Graduating students are required to complete an examination based on these comprehensive questions. The examination is graded by individual faculty members on a pass/fail basis, the results of which are discussed in a formal meeting of that examining body.

Objective #2: Assessment procedure: Information for measurement of this objective is obtained from the annual alumni/student survey conducted by the university, through the vice president for academic affairs office.

Objective #3: Assessment procedure #1: All students selecting the master of arts degree plan defend a thesis. The graduate program director and a faculty member appointed by the director must approve the initial proposal. A thesis committee is then appointed and examines the written work and reviews an oral defense of the thesis.

Objective #3: Assessment procedure #2: Information for measurement of this objective is obtained from the annual alumni/student survey conducted by the university, through the vice president for academic affairs office.

Expected results

Objective #1: Part I: Students enrolled in the six hours of internship credit who complete the required essay described in the internship guidelines receive a favorable evaluation by the agency sponsor and subsequently, are awarded a letter grade of “B” or better.

Objective #1: Part II: Students pass comprehensive examinations (prepared by the faculty), which are administered in the semester in which students complete program requirements.

Objective #2: Those finding employment agree that the criminology/criminal justice courses prepared them for the entry-level or mid-level position which they hold and/or adequately prepared them for promotional competition.

Objective #3: Part I: All students encouraged to pursue a master of arts track because of their interest in obtaining a doctoral degree successfully defend a committee-approved thesis.

Objective #3: Part II: Students who make application to doctoral programs or other professional programs agree that the master's program in criminology/criminal justice adequately prepared him/her to successfully complete the program.

Admission to the Program

Only individuals who hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university are considered for acceptance into the program. A minimum grade point average of 3.25 is normally required for admission. However, GPA minimums may be waived if additional evidence of academic promise is presented (e.g., high MAT or GRE scores and strong letters of recommendation). Applicants having social science majors and criminal justice backgrounds are weighted more than others. In addition, all applicants must have successfully completed 12 hours of undergraduate work in statistics, introductory and advanced criminology and research methods. The admission procedure is as follows:

1. An application form and $25 application fee should be submitted to the Graduate Programs Office.

2. Official transcripts of all college work must be sent to the Graduate Programs Office by the issuing institution.

3. Each applicant must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT). The tests are used as a guide for determining full admission to the program and for advisor counseling. The MAT is given at Drury University and the GRE is a computer-based test. Foreign applicants are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Information regarding the TOEFL or the GRE may be obtained at www.toefl.org or www.gre.org Information regarding the MAT may be obtained from the Graduate Programs Office or student services.

4. A personal statement indicating applicant’s desire to pursue a graduate degree in criminology or criminal justice must be submitted.

5. Two letters of recommendation are required of all applicants.

The graduate council determines whether an individual is accepted for the program on the basis of the information obtained in the steps above. Because enrollment is limited, an individual should submit an application at the earliest possible date prior to the semester in which admission is desired.

Full admission to the M.A./M.S. program is based upon evaluation of the applicant’s: (1) undergraduate transcripts, (2) performance on the GRE or MAT, (3) letters of recommendation, and (4) professional experience.

Normally, students enter the graduate program in the fall semester (August) but may enter in the spring semester (January) and summer (June) as well.

Graduation Requirements

Listed below are the general graduation requirements for the conferral of a master of arts and a master of science degree at Drury University:

1. Satisfactory completion of the 12 hours of introductory work outlined in the program of study.

2. Satisfactory GRE or MAT score.

3. Completion of the prescribed 30-36 hours of graduate study outlined under the graduate curriculum.

4. A cumulative grade point average of “B” (3.00) or better.

5. All program requirements must be completed no later than seven calendar years (including transfer work) after the student has begun graduate level work.

The graduate council reserves the right to change the above requirements for the M.A./ M.S. degrees.

Academic Probation

Students with cumulative grade point averages below 3.00 are automatically placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation are subject to possible dismissal from the graduate program.

Graduate students are expected to do work of high caliber and standards. Receiving a grade below a “B-” requires the student to meet with the graduate program director and discuss academic performance. Any student receiving two grades below a “B-” will be dismissed from the program.

M.A. in Criminology
M.S. in Criminal Justice

Required Prerequisite Courses
12 hours

Introduction to Criminology
Advanced Criminology
Research Methods
Social or Psychological Statistics

Students may enroll and complete prerequisite courses at Drury University through the traditional undergraduate program or through the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies. Graduate students may take some graduate courses while completing the prerequisite courses if they have completed the appropriate prerequisite courses.

The program is designed so that individuals who are employed full-time may pursue graduate study on a part-time basis. Students who are employed may take as many as six hours of graduate work each semester and obtain the degree in two calendar years, if all introductory work has been completed during their undergraduate years. The normal course load for such students is two courses each semester of the academic year and two courses during the summer session.

Required Courses
12 hours

600 Research Methods
601 Statistical Analysis
605 Proseminar in Criminology
631 Contemporary Criminological Theory

Professional and Liberal Arts Elective Courses
12 hours for M.A. in Criminology
18 hours for M.S. in Criminal Justice

Professional Elective Courses
M.A. candidates are required to take three hours; M.S. candidates are required to take nine hours.

611 Foundations of Criminological Theory
613 Race, Ethnicity, and Social Justice
615 Police and Society
619 Alcohol, Drugs, and Crime
621 The Correctional System
623 Social Justice and Punishment
634 Deviant Behavior
637 Political Economy of Crime and Justice
641 Gender, Crime, and Justice
645 White Collar Crime
651 Juvenile Justice
661 Seminar in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Liberal Arts Elective Courses
Students select one course from each of three areas totaling six hours:

I. Humanities:

671 Philosophical Issues in Contemporary Society
675 Ethics in Criminology and Criminal Justice

II. Sciences:

625 Forensics
639 Biological Bases of Criminal Behavior

In addition, students have the opportunity for study and experience in an interdisciplinary department (criminology, sociology and psychology). At the completion of the master's degree the student should possess computer skills necessary for success in either additional graduate school work or in the marketplace.

M.A. in Criminology
Thesis 700 and 701
6 hours

The thesis is designed to generate independent inquiry and original research. Students who plan to earn the M.A. degree make arrangements with the graduate program director in accordance with thesis guidelines. A supervisory committee, appointed by the graduate program director, assists the students with their thesis and consists of the advisor and one other faculty member. A successful oral defense of the thesis is required.

M.S. in Criminal Justice
Internships 697 and 698
3 hours each

This component of the program requires students to successfully complete an internship and present their experiences through a paper. Students discuss the internship program with the graduate program director who describes internship sites, and discusses expectations and guidelines for completion of the M.S. requirement. In consultation with the student, the graduate program director appoints a faculty sponsor who works together with a prearranged on-site supervisor. The faculty sponsor arranges an initial meeting with the student to review expectations and discuss in detail the guidelines for the final paper.

Comprehensive Examinations

All students are required to take a comprehensive examination in theory and research methods. Comprehensive examinations for both the M.A. in Criminology and the M.S. in Criminal Justice are administered in the semester in which students are to complete program requirements. Research methods and theory have a suggested reading list to assist the student in preparing for the comprehensive examination. Comprehensive examinations are evaluated by a grading committee appointed by the program director. Students receive either a “passing” or “failing” grade on the examination and are notified by the director in writing.

Students who receive a failing grade will be provided a written evaluation detailing the reasons for the failure. If a student remains dissatisfied with the grade, he/she may appeal to the graduate program director. Students who fail a comprehensive exam are required to retake it the next time comprehensive exams are offered. Students are permitted to take the examination twice. Students who fail the exam twice shall not be allowed to continue in the master's program.

Course Descriptions

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