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Applied Behavioral Science: Criminal Justice and Social Problems

Introduction

The Applied Behavioral Science Program offers Master of Arts Degree tracks in two fields: Criminal Justice and Social Problems, and International and Comparative Politics.

The Criminal Justice and Social Problems track emphasizes methodology and theoretical courses and topics-focused workshops aimed at improving the research and intellectual foundations for employment and professional advancement in the criminal justice fields. Students in the program typically work for, or plan to work for, the courts, probation offices, police agencies, prison administrations, or private and public programs for juvenile offenders.

The training received in basic social science skills and knowledge is also a useful foundation for those who wish to proceed to doctoral-level study in a number of fields. An optional practicum provides field experience for those without prior experience in a criminal justice field. The program culminates in an applied research effort that, at the student’s option, takes the form of either a journal article project or a traditional thesis. Courses are offered primarily in the evenings and workshops primarily on the weekends to accommodate employed students.

The International and Comparative Politics track prepares students who intend to continue their education in a Ph.D. program in international relations, comparative politics, or a related field. The program also provides continuing international education opportunities for those working in the public or private sector. Graduate seminars, independent readings, and practicum opportunities enable students to explore the scholarship in their field and its applications. Students may select from among four specialized areas of study: Peace and Security Studies, International Organizations, Developed States, and Developing States Area Studies. Program students are required to complete or demonstrate a quantitative or foreign language research requirement. The degree culminates in either a traditional thesis or a project developed in consultation with a program advisor.

Admission

In addition to meeting the admission requirements of the School of Graduate Studies, students applying for admission into the Criminal Justice and Social Problems M.A. degree program are generally expected to have an undergraduate degree in criminal justice, social work, or a social science (such as sociology, psychology, or political science). Significant experience working in a criminal justice field can substitute for this expectation for students with degrees in other fields. Admission is generally for summer or fall quarters.

Applicants to the International and Comparative Politics M.A. degree program must meet the graduate school’s admission criteria, and should additionally demonstrate in their letter of application how their undergraduate and/or professional record will be enhanced by participation in the program.

Faculty

Professors
Jeanne Ballantine, applied research methods, sociology of education
Edward Fitzgerald, international law, natural resource law
Charles Funderburk, corruption
Donna M. Schlagheck, American foreign policy, terrorism, United Nations
James Walker (emeritus), peace studies

Associate Professors
Anna Bellisari, human evolution, human growth and development, cultural diversity, women’s issues
Carl Brun, child welfare, qualitative methods, program evaluation, domestic violence
Anita Curry-Jackson, social work
Marlese Durr, organization, occupations and work, research methods
December Green, Africa, human rights, gender, violence
Laura Luehrmann, China, Chinese foreign policy, transitions
David Orenstein (director), theoretical foundations, qualitative methods
Mark Sirkin, Middle East, Israeli-Palestinian
Jim Steinberg, family dysfunctions, child welfare

Assistant Professors
Liam Anderson, Europe, Russia, Central Asian, weapons destruction
Tracy Snipe, Africa, France, radical black thought
Tracey Steele, crime and social control, gender, sexuality, medical sociology
Norma Wilcox, corrections, criminological theory, quantitative methodology

Instructor
Jackie Bergdahl, women and crime, methodology

Financial Assistance

The ABS program offers several graduate assistantships. Graduate fellowships for both part-time and full-time students may be available through the School of Graduate Studies. Awards of financial assistance are generally for the entire academic year, which begins with the fall quarter. Applications for assistantships are obtained from the ABS office and should be submitted to that office by March 15.

There are a limited number of graduate assistantships available in nonacademic university departments each year. The ABS director can provide more information about these.

Course of Study

Criminal Justice and Social Problems Track

Core Requirements	26

ABS 700 Electronic Research	2
ABS 701 Methodology I	4
ABS 702 Methodology II	4
ABS 703 Applied Methodology	4
ABS 751 Theoretical Foundations	4
ABS 752 Explaining Crime	4
ABS 753 Criminal Justice	4
Additional Courses (four options)	22

*Option 1 (for students with sufficient work experience in the field who select to complete a project)*
ABS 788 Graduate Seminar in Applied Behavioral Science	10
Elective Alternatives (to be selected with an advisor)	8
ABS 798 Graduate project	4
*Option 2 (for students with sufficient work experience in the field who select to complete a traditional thesis)*
ABS 788 Graduate Seminar in Applied Behavioral Science	6
Elective Alternatives (to be selected with an advisor)	8
ABS 799 Thesis Research	8
*Option 3 (for students without sufficient work experience in the field who select to complete a project)*
ABS 788 Graduate Seminar in Applied Behavioral Science	10
ABS 779 Practicum	8
ABS 798 Graduate Project	4
*Option 4 (for students without sufficient work experience in the field who select to complete a traditional thesis)*
ABS 788 Graduate Seminar in Applied Behavioral Science	6
ABS 779 Practicum	8
ABS 799 Thesis Research	8
Total	48

International and Comparative Politics Track

Core Requirements	8

ABS 730 Theories in International and Comparative Politics	4
ABS 731 Seminar in International and Comparative Politics	4
Research Methods	6

ABS 700 Electronic Research	2
ABS 703 Applied Methodology	4
Language Skills/Alternative	0-8

Students who do not have sufficient foreign language skills may substitute the following
ABS 701 Methodology I	4
ABS 702 Methodology II	4
Specialized Track	24

Select one in consultation with advisor.
Courses related to Peace and Security Studies
Courses related to International Organizations
Courses related to Developed Nations
Courses related to Developing Nations
Thesis or Project	10

Student selects either in consultation with advisor
ABS 799 Thesis Research or
ABS 798 Graduate Project	10
Total	48-56