Professors: Vivian Djokotoe, Misty Weitzel
Associate professors: Miyuki Arimoto, Omar Melchior Ayala, Mari Sakiyama, Taryn VanderPyl
Coordinator: Omar Melchior Ayala

Mission

The Master of Science in Justice Studies (MSJS) provides an interdisciplinary approach to social justice issues (both including and beyond criminal justice) for students who wish to focus on advocacy, policy, and research in the administration of justice. Students will learn strategies for conducting consequential research, evaluating and shaping policies and practices, and seeking and affecting change by addressing complex social challenges. The curriculum will expose students to a variety of social justice components and issues, while helping them progress toward scholarly work that allows them to focus on their individual areas of concern and passion.

Learning Outcomes

Combining elements of criminal justice, sociology, and political science students will:

1. Gain knowledge of complex social justice issues and how different systems interact around and within these realms.
2. Analyze interdisciplinary theories and approaches to complex social justice challenges and concerns.
3. Employ appropriate methods of social science research to investigate targeted problems and questions of justice.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of strategies for addressing complex social justice issues through activism, policy, practice, and intervention.

Course Structure
The 45 credit program is comprised of 25 credits of Core coursework, 12 credits of Capstone coursework, and 8 credits of Elective coursework.   

Capstone Sequence
As a final evaluation of their studies, all students will complete a 12-credit capstone research project comprised of three sequential courses: CJ 623 , CJ 624 , and CJ 625 . Their final evaluation can be either a thesis or professional project and will be completed during their CJ 625  course in their last term of studies. Students must apply for graduation with the Graduate Programs office prior to their last term in order to have this exit evaluation recorded and to receive their degree.