Justice Studies M.A.

Admission Requirements

1. A completed application form accompanied by a $50 nonrefundable application fee.
2. A bachelors degree, if not applying for the combined B.A./M.A. program.
3. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate records.
4. Prior course work in research methods and quantitative analysis, PLUS at least four undergraduate courses in sociology, a major in a related field, or substantial work experience in a justice-related field.
5. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in undergraduate course work.
6. Statement of professional goals including how the program will prepare the candidate for these goals.
7. Three letters of recommendation that address potential to succeed in a graduate program. Must include at least one letter from a professor in a social science course.
8. A plan of study approved by the advisor and appropriate dean.
9. An interview may be required.

 

Provisional Admissions

Please see Graduate Admissions Requirements for details.

B.A./M.A. Admissions Option

Students matriculated in the Rhode Island College undergraduate Justice Studies or Sociology majors may apply for a combined B.A./M.A. option. Such students will apply after completing 75 credits, including at least 20 credits in courses counted towards the Justice Studies or Sociology major, and must have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0. Application requirements include all of those listed above. B.A./M.A. students are permitted to count 9 graduate credits towards their undergraduate requirements.

Course Requirements

Courses

Course	Title	Credits	Offered
SOC 501	Professional Writing for Justice Services	4	Fall.
SOC 504	Advanced Quantitative Analysis	4	Spring.
SOC 509	Advanced Criminological Theory	4	Fall.

ONE COURSE from

Course	Title	Credits	Offered
SOC 532	Advanced Qualitative Methods	4	Spring.
SOC 533	Evaluation Research	4	As needed.

Or another research methods course in a related discipline selected with department chair’s consent.

EIGHT ELECTIVE CREDITS from

Course	Title	Credits	Offered
SOC 450	Topics in Sociology	4	As needed.
SOC 536	Current Legal Issues	4	As needed.
SOC 551	Topics in Criminology	4	As needed.
SOC 552	Topics in Stratification	4	As needed.
SOC 553	Topics in the Sociology of Law	4	As needed.
SOC 554	Topics in Social Problems	4	As needed.

Relevant 400-500 level courses from other departments will be considered with approval from advisor.

Choose A or B:

A. Thesis Plan

Course	Title	Credits	Offered
SOC 592	Masters Thesis	3	As needed.
	Total Credit Hours:	30

SOC 592 is to be taken twice for a total of 6 credits.

B. Project Plan

Course	Title	Credits	Offered
SOC 593	Final Project	3	As needed.
	FOUR ELECTIVE CREDITS selected from the list above.	4
	Total Credit Hours:	31