Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs in Michigan
Few states have been in the news for their criminal justice system quite as often as Michigan. With high-crime areas like Detroit and Flint, news outside of Michigan tends to paint this state in a dangerous light. In reality, Michigan has a thriving justice system that is aimed at keeping residents safe.
What Can I Do With My Master’s in Criminal Justice in Michigan?
Whether you are a longtime Michigan resident or you are considering moving to Michigan for school, criminal justice graduate programs in Michigan may be the educational opportunity you need. Use our list of schools below to learn more.
Managing the criminal justice system of this state requires quite a bit of expertise and area-specific knowledge, since professionals must take into account the different needs of the two peninsulas. Overall, current goals in this industry include reducing costs and maximizing the efficiency of the entire system (Advisor & Source, 2015). The prison system alone costs more than $2 billion per year.
In recent years, legislators have made huge changes to this field. A change in laws regarding nonviolent drug offenders allowed 6000 nonviolent offenders back into society, saving a significant amount of money for the state (MI Chronicle Online, 2015).
A master’s in criminal justice is quite versatile, which you can see when you look at the job options available to graduates. By 2022, job openings for Michigan police supervisors are expected to increase 1% (O*Net, 2015). The average annual salary for a police supervisor is $74,500 (O*Net, 2015). Graduates who go into academia as criminal justice professors may enjoy a 9% increase in demand through 2022 and an average salary of $66,400 per year (O*Net, 2015).
What Will It Take to Earn My Criminal Justice Graduate Degree in Michigan?
Learning about different criminal justice schools in Michigan and their expectations can help you properly prepare for this educational journey. Tuition rates in Michigan tend to be different for residents and nonresidents, which you should keep in mind as you compare tuition expenses. On average, you can expect to pay between $700 and $2,000 per credit hour. Financial aid may partially or completely offset these expenses, so look into programs funded by groups like the Michigan Corrections Organization.
Curriculum requirements are set by each school, but the average Michigan school requires you to earn 36 credits by graduation. This is often divided into 18 core credits and 18 elective courses. You can select elective classes that fit into your professional interests and career goals.
Many programs require you to prove your knowledge in one way or another. By looking at different curricula, you can find out which schools require an internship, a thesis, a final exam, or a capstone project.
By completing your school’s curriculum, you should be able to successfully meet their learning outcomes and display the competencies needed for graduation.
Courses that are commonly required in a master’s in criminal justice in Michigan include:
- Qualitative Methodology
- Criminal Justice Leadership
- Criminal Justice Policy and Program Evaluation
- Advanced Police Systems
- Advanced Corrections Systems
- Community Policing
- Forensic Behavior and Law
If you want to establish yourself in corrections, policing, law enforcement, or another area of criminal justice, a Master of Science in criminal justice in Michigan may be the next step for you. Request information from local schools today.
