This track provides opportunities to examine current criminal justice issues and to explore a wide range of strategic responses and their consequences. The correctional programming option is designed for individuals who will plan and evaluate programs designed to encourage behavioral change in criminals and juvenile offenders, particularly involuntary clients. This track may be selected by probation officers, social workers, juvenile and adult case workers in correctional institutions, detention facilities, alternative to incarceration programs, and drug rehabilitation centers. Requirements include planning and evaluating programs that encourage pro-social behavior in convicted offenders serving within correctional institutions. This course allows students to gain valuable, direct experience in organizations as interns.
Students complete the assignment under the supervision of a faculty coordinator.
The graduate program in criminal justice receives its strength and depth from participating faculty who are active in the discipline and recognized for their scholarship and expertise locally, nationally, and internationally. Students have access to faculty resources in regularly offered courses, for supervised field experiences or special projects, and to support their research endeavors. Faculty members engage in applied research, consulting, and public service. They have received grant awards to provide alcohol and drug abuse education and counseling for college students, to develop drug and AIDS education for prison inmates, and to help inmates adjust to family life upon release from prison. Participating faculty members also engage in consulting activities and community service endeavors on regional, national, and international levels.