Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs in Connecticut
One of the most challenging aspects of maintaining order in society is protecting residents rights, freedoms, and privacy. If you work in the front lines of criminal justice, you may be ready to explore administrative careers in this industry. If you’re coming from another field, you may discover that this industry gives you a unique way to utilize your skills, knowledge, and passions.
What Can I Do With My Master’s in Criminal Justice in Connecticut?
Are you ready to find out if you can make a difference in the justice system of Connecticut? Find out by contacting schools that offer a Master’s degree in criminal justice in Connecticut.
There are a multitude of ways that you can use this degree to contribute to the safety of Connecticut. The juvenile justice system is a fairly significant focus in Connecticut. Governor Malloy hopes to raise the age limit for juvenile processing from 18 to 20, therefore decreasing the prison population and minimizing the lifelong effects of youth incarceration (CT Mirror, 2015).
Earning a graduate degree can also prepare you for positions of authority in legislation, enforcement, and analysis. Events in Connecticut have led to stricter gun laws throughout the state, a decision that was reached with the input and research of many industry professionals (Courant, 2015).
Some graduates choose to become correctional officer supervisors, a position that pays an average of $75,800 per year in Connecticut (O*Net, 2015). Job openings are expected to swell 8% from 2012 through 2022 (O*Net, 2015). You may also look into becoming a security manager. Connecticut security managers bring in an average of $111,300 per year, and demand may swell 4% through 2022 (O*Net, 2015).
What Will It Take to Earn My Criminal Justice Graduate Degree in Connecticut?
To be considered for admission to a criminal justice Master’s degree program, you need a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. While a degree in a field like criminal justice, psychology, sociology, or social justice may be beneficial, schools often accept students with high grades from a range of degree programs. On average, you’ll need to earn between 30 and 36 credits to earn your degree.
Courses included in Connecticut curricula may include:
- Proseminar on the Nature of Crime
- Proseminar on Law and Social Control
- Proseminar on the Administration of Justice
- Research Methods in Criminal Justice
- Quantitative Analysis in Criminal Justice Research
- Drugs and Society
- Controlling Anger and Aggression
- Program Planning and Evaluation
- Offender Profiles
While undergraduate programs in this field are focused more on the procedures and hands-on skills required in criminal justice, earning a criminal justice Master’s degree in Connecticut involves taking a birds-eye view of the system, analyzing research, looking for areas of improvement, and developing plans for better outcomes. This is outlined in the learning outcomes for different programs. By the time you graduate, you may be expected to know how to craft research proposals, collect and analyze data, utilize various models of crime, and explore interventions used in different offender populations.
You may encounter different financial aid opportunities throughout your education, particularly if you are part of any professional organizations. The Connecticut Association of Women Police funds awards for female police officers who wish to further their education in law enforcement.