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Applied Behavioral Science: Criminal Justice and Social Problems

Introduction

The Applied Behavioral Science Program currently offers Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Social Problems.

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.

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.

Faculty

Professors
Jeanne Ballantine (emeritus), applied research methods, sociology of education
Carl Brun, child welfare, qualitative methods, program evaluation, domestic violence
Marlese Durr, organization, occupations and work, research methods

Associate Professors
Anna Bellisari, human evolution, human growth and development, cultural diversity, women’s issues
Jacqueline Bergdahl, women and crime, methodology
Michael Norris, criminology, race and ethnic relations
David Orenstein (director), theoretical foundations, qualitative methods
Tracey Steele, crime and social control, gender, sexuality

Assistant Professors
Chigon Kim, methodology, race and ethnic relations
Karen Lahm, criminology, deviance, women and crime, methodology
LaFleur Small, health care and the elderly, populations
Julianne Weinzimmer

Course of Study

Criminal Justice and Social Problems

Financial Assistance
The ABS program offers several graduate assistantships. Graduate scholarships 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.

Core Requirements	26

ABS 788 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