| |  | | Criminology | Graduate School : Web Site E-mail
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
M.A.
Plan A and Plan B
Director of Graduate Studies: Associate Professor Jeffrey R. Maahs
Contact Information—Department of Sociology-Anthropology,
University of Minnesota Duluth, 228 Cina Hall, 1123 University Drive, Duluth,
MN 55812 (218-726-7801;
fax 218-726-7759; crimma@d.umn.edu; www.d.umn.edu/socanth/criminology/macrim_graduateprogram.php).
The core courses for the master of arts (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 1) define problems effectively by asking appropriate
questions; 2) understand and respect people with diverse
opinions, backgrounds, characteristics, and lifestyles;
3) respect the right of freedom of inquiry, willingly challenge
conventional wisdom, and be intellectually flexible when
challenged by factual information; and 4) understand the
significance of inequality in the way that criminal justice
is administered. The theme of inequality is incorporated
into the graduate program through the examination of structural
forms of oppression and an emphasis 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
using 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,
etc.).
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 and who wish to expand their knowledge
and understanding in ways that may enhance their professional careers.
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Prerequisites
for Admission | | Applicants
must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution
or a foreign equivalent for admission to the master’s program.
Preference is given to applicants with undergraduate degrees 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,
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. Admission to the program
is competitive.
Applicants must 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 admissions is normally 3.00. Students with a GPA
lower than 3.00 may occasionally be admitted where other credentials indicate
a high likelihood of success in the program.
Special Application Requirements
Applicants must supply three letters of recommendation evaluating the his or
her 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; why the applicant merits serious
consideration; and a personal statement of the applicant’s short and long-term
professional goals and commitment to and preparation for graduate study in criminology.
International students whose native language is not English also are required
to submit scores from the TOEFL examination.
For more information about Graduate School admissions, visit the Graduate School Web site. | M.A.
Degree Requirements | | The
M.A. is offered under both Plan A and Plan B; 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 project 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 CRIM 8100 (3 credits), CRIM 8200 (3 credits), CRIM
8201 (3 credits), CRIM 8140 (1 credit), and CRIM 8300 (3 credits).
Plan A students must enroll in CRIM 8777—Masters Thesis
Credits (minimum of 10 credits required). Plan B students must
enroll in CRIM 8600—Criminology Practicum (minimum of 10
credits required). In addition to the credits listed above, all
students must choose at least 9 additional credits in criminology
courses, 5xxx-level 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
related field courses must be chosen in consultation with, and approved by, the
student’s advising/examining committee. 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 be included in either the Plan A or
Plan B programs for the M.A. in criminology.
Language Requirement—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 credits
of electives.
| 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 (emeritus), M2
J. Clark Laundergan (emeritus), M2
Janelle L. Wilson, M2
Associate Professor
Sheryl J. Grana, M2
John E. Hamlin, M2
Jeffrey R. Maahs, M2
Robert R. Weidner, M2
Assistant Professor
Emily Gaarder, M2
Denise S. Hesselton, M2
Daniel D. Martin, M2
Melissa L. Walls, M2
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