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Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs in Minnesota

Throughout the state of Minnesota, dozens of criminal justice agencies work together to make Minnesota a safe and pleasant place to live. Whether you have prior experience in this industry or hope for a new way to use your education, a master’s in criminal justice in Minnesota may be what you’re looking for.

What Can I Do With My Master’s in Criminal Justice in Minnesota?

It you are ready to find out how you can contribute to the state’s criminal justice industry, take a look at our list of schools below and contact criminal justice graduate programs in Minnesota.

When you decide to earn a master’s degree in criminal justice in Minnesota, you learn how to look at the justice system as a whole, rather than simply carry out the tasks that are part of your job duties. For example, a recent look into Minnesota’s justice system found that there has been a 278% increase in the state’s incarceration rate since 1982 (Twin Cities Pioneer Press, 2015). Experts hope to tackle this problem by creating a more cost-efficient system.

Another major accomplishment of criminal justice professionals in Minnesota came from the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission, which established shorter sentences for offenders charged with nonviolent or minor drug charges (Twin Cities Pioneer Press, 2015).

Delving into career opportunities in this field may help you find your area of interest. An average salary of $84,100 per year is reported for police supervisors, while correctional supervisors bring in an average of $69,100 per year (O*Net, 2015). Job openings in these career paths are expected to increase 2% and 1% through 2022, respectively (O*Net, 2015).

What Will It Take to Earn My Criminal Justice Graduate Degree in Minnesota?

Different criminal justice master’s programs in Minnesota focus on different areas of expertise. In addition to conventional graduate criminal justice programs, you may find graduate level criminal justice programs in these areas:

  • Administration of justice and security
  • Forensic psychology
  • Homeland security
  • Public safety administration
  • Emergency preparedness and response

While evaluating different schools near you, pay special attention to the courses required of graduate students. The courses included in each program give you an inside look into the program’s expectations and the ways in which it prepares you for the job market.

For example, your curriculum may include classes like:

  • Applied Graduate Research Methods in Criminal Justice: Creating, analyzing, and utilizing research that is relevant to this industry
  • Program and Policy Evaluation in the Criminal Justice System: Techniques used to create new programs and policies; effectively evaluating existing programs and policies
  • Causation and Prevention of Crime: An analysis of research that looks at why people commit crime and which measures have been effective in preventing crime
  • Community Building and Social Change: The role of the community in the prevention of crime and the strengthening of society
  • Management Within the Criminal Justice System: Factors and policies used in the management of criminal justice professionals in different settings

In total, you should plan to complete between 36 and 42 credits during your two years in school. Many students utilize teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and scholarships to help with education costs. The Minnesota Corrections Association is one resource to research if you are interested in working in a correctional setting.

Now is a great time to find out how a criminal justice master’s degree in Minnesota can help you accomplish your professional and personal goals. Request information from the schools listed below to get started.

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