| |  | | | Duluth Graduate Degree Program Criminology | Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information—Department of Sociology-Anthropology,
University of Minnesota Duluth, 228 Cina Hall, 1123 University Drive, Duluth,
MN 55812 (218-726-7551; fax 218-726-6386; crimma@d.umn.edu;
www.d.umn.edu/socanth/criminology/macrim_graduateprogram.php).
Curriculum—The core courses for the M.A. in criminology
feature relevant theoretical perspectives in understanding criminal behavior,
methods of research and data analysis, and critical analysis of the criminal
justice system. The curriculum is based on the premise that a liberal education
in the social sciences includes the development of a student's ability to a)
define problems effectively by asking appropriate questions; b) understand and
respect people with diverse opinions, backgrounds, characteristics, and lifestyles;
c) respect the right of freedom of inquiry, to willingly challenge conventional
wisdom, and to be intellectually flexible when challenged by factual information;
and d) understand the significance of inequality in the way that criminal justice
is administered. The departmental theme of inequality is incorporated into the
graduate program as it is in the undergraduate program. In particular, structural
forms of oppression are examined, and emphasis is placed on issues of social
justice, human rights, and treatment/rehabilitation.
The framework of the program provides students with opportunities to develop a knowledge base that enhances understanding of criminal behavior and the workings of the criminal justice system. Core requirements give students experience in utilizing various methods of research, analyzing and interpreting data, understanding and critiquing the main theoretical traditions in the field, and examining the organization of the criminal justice system. Furthermore, course electives enable students to focus on more specific interests (e.g., policing, courts, youth justice).
The M.A. in criminology provides an opportunity for both intellectual and professional development. The program serves those students with undergraduate degrees in criminology (or a related social science) who are interested in pursuing the advanced study of crime and justice. The program also serves those who have been employed in organizations and agencies who wish to expand their knowledge and understanding in ways that may enhance their professional career.
Admission Requirements—Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution or a foreign equivalent for admission to the M.A. program.
Preference will be given to applicants with undergraduate degrees with majors in criminology, criminal justice, corrections, or sociology. Applicants with an undergraduate minor in criminology, criminal justice, corrections, sociology, law enforcement or a major in a related field may also be considered. Undergraduate degrees in criminology, criminal justice, corrections, or sociology or a related field from foreign universities may also be considered, as long as those degrees are equivalent to a four-year American university baccalaureate degree.
Applicants are expected to have successfully completed an introduction to criminology
or criminal justice course, the equivalent of one semester of research methods
and/or statistics beyond the introductory level, and a course devoted primarily
to social/behavioral theory. The minimum GPA for regular admissions is 3.00 on
a 4-point scale. Students with a GPA less than 3.00 are considered on an individual
basis and may be admitted conditionally. Students admitted with a conditional
status are reviewed after completing six credit hours of graduate work and are
expected to have received grades of B or better and have successfully completed
remedial work with grade(s) of B or better to receive full admission to the M.A.
program.
Applicants must supply: official transcripts from all colleges and universities
attended and three letters of recommendation evaluating the applicant's scholarship
and potential for graduate study. At least two letters should be from academic
faculty familiar with the applicant. An essay explaining why an advanced degree
in criminology is of interest and why the applicant merits serious consideration
must also be submitted. The essay should include a personal statement of the
applicant's short and long-term professional goals and commitment and preparation
for graduate study in criminology (1-2 pages). International students whose native
language is not English are required to submit scores from the TOEFL examination
(minimum scores of 550 [paper], 213 [computer], or 79 [Internet]).
Admission to the M.A. program is competitive.
Key to test abbreviations (GRE, TOEFL, GMAT, MELAB).
 For an online application or for more information about Graduate School admissions, see the General Information section in this catalog, or visit the Graduate School Web site.
Use of 4xxx Courses—Upon the advice and approval of the director of graduate studies, students may use 4xxx courses in related fields as appropriate. Sociology 4xxx courses may not be included in the degree programs. |
M.A. Degree Requirements | | The
M.A. is offered under both Plan A and Plan B and each requires 38 credits.
The Plan A option involves thesis work; the Plan B option involves a special
project based upon a student's practicum work. The Plan B paper combines
theories, concepts, principles, and/or best practices from at least one
course in the student's program of study with work being done in
a practicum. All students must take SOC 8100 (3 credits), SOC 8200 (4 credits)
and SOC 8300 (3 credits). Plan A students must enroll in SOC 8777—Masters
Thesis Credits (minimum of 10 credits required). Plan B students must enroll
in SOC 8600—Criminology Practicum (minimum of 10 credits required).
In addition to the credits listed above, all students must choose at least
12 additional credits in sociology courses, 5xxx or above.
Students are expected to include additional elective courses (6 credits) outside the major (in a minor or related field) as part of their program of study. The choice and approval of related field courses is done in consultation with and approval of the student's advising/examining committee.
Language Requirements—None.
Final Exam—Students present a department colloquium, followed by an oral examination.
Minor Requirements for Students Majoring in Other Fields—A master’s minor requires 4 credits in methods/statistics, 3 credits in theory, and 3 elective credits. | Faculty | | For latest graduate faculty listings, see <www.grad.umn.edu/faculty_rosters/faculty.html>. Key to membership categories (abbreviations after faculty names).
Professor
John A. Arthur, M2
William A. Fleischman, M2
J. Clark Laundergan, M2
Associate Professor
Sheryl J. Grana, M2
John E. Hamlin, M2
Jeffrey R. Maahs, M2
Robert R. Weidner, M2
Janelle L. Wilson, M2
Assistant Professor
Emily Gaarder, M2
Deborah M. Plechner, M2
Instructor
Denise S. Hasselton, M | | | | | |
