Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs in Ohio
When you look at the history of criminal justice over the years, you’ll see that the aims and goals of the industry have changed significantly. Once heavily based in punishment and imprisonment, criminal justice is now turning its focus to rehabilitation, prevention, and second chances.
What Can I Do With My Master’s in Criminal Justice in Ohio?
Are you interested in a career field that gives you the chance to improve society and work with those who are often forgotten by their communities? Contact criminal justice graduate programs in Ohio to get started.
To see industrywide change, you simply have to look at statistics in Ohio. Since 2010, there has been a 77% decrease in capital punishment across Ohio (Cleveland, 2015). The reasons for this shift are diverse, but most significant changes in the justice industry come from a greater understanding of research, punishment, and consequences.
Another way in which professionals are attempting to improve criminal justice is the juvenile justice system. Unfortunately, many offenders in this system go on to become repeat offenders in the adult justice system. In Ohio, professionals are working across agencies, job titles, and specialties to improve outcomes in the juvenile justice field (Circleville Herald, 2015).
There are numerous benefits associated with higher education in criminal justice, including a greater selection of job titles and options. Ohio correctional officer supervisors earn an average income of $60,000 per year and criminal justice professors bring in a median salary of $52,200 per year (O*Net, 2015). Through the year 2022, job openings for criminal justice professors are expected to increase 14% throughout Ohio (O*Net, 2015).
What Will It Take to Earn My Criminal Justice Graduate Degree in Ohio?
To earn a master’s degree in criminal justice in Ohio, you’ll need to meet the rigorous educational standards of that traditional or online program. Some programs require as few as 30 credits for graduation, but there are programs that require up to 39 credits.
Most of your credits should be earned in traditional classroom courses, but each school has its own practical education requirements. In one program, you may be required to complete an internship prior to graduation. In another, you may have to finish a capstone project, and others require you to participate in research.
Through a set curriculum of courses, you can develop your knowledge of advanced criminal justice theories and procedures. You may take courses like:
- Seminar in Criminology
- Seminar in Criminal Justice
- Research Methods in Criminal Justice
- Demonstration Research Project
- Applied Crime Prevention
- Theory and Practice of Crime Prevention
- Correctional Rehabilitation
- Seminar on Police Effectiveness
The specific graduate degree you choose plays a role in your curriculum. In addition to a master’s in criminal justice, there are graduate programs that explore specific facets of this field. Some of the specialties you may find in Ohio include justice studies, security administration, security policy studies, and justice and security.
Tuition rates vary quite a bit between private and public schools. However, you may qualify for different financial aid programs. Relevant experience or a history of consistent academic performance can be beneficial in this area. Look into resources like the Ohio Correctional and Court Services Association, which awards scholarships to those studying criminal justice at the post-graduate level.
A career in criminal justice could completely change the course of your life. Find out what your next step is—use our list of schools below to learn more about earning a criminal justice master’s degree in Ohio.
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