Detailed Information
Programs of Study
Today’s criminal justice system professional faces an increasingly complex society. The School of Justice Studies at Roger Williams University (RWU) is aware of the growing need for competent, well-rounded individuals who can rise to these challenges. Because of this, RWU offers two graduate degree programs in criminal justice: the Master of Science degree program in criminal justice and the joint Master of Science/Juris Doctor (M.S./J.D.) degree. These degree programs prepare graduates to formulate justice system policy and serve effectively as administrators of U.S. justice system agencies.
Criminal justice graduate students will be exposed to both the theory and practice of the justice system. They will explore the fields of criminology, examining the nature and causes of crime, and justice system management, which focuses on modern administrative theory, legal issues in personnel administration, and the management of criminal justice agencies. Students with a strong interest in the legal aspects of criminal justice may enroll in the accelerated dual-degree program with the School of Law.
A Roger Williams graduate education is all about the individual. Many evening classes are available for students working as professionals in criminal justice orthe legal field. Conferences, seminars, and training sessions are available to students through a partnership with the University’s Justice System Training and Research Institute. Graduate students in the criminal justice program often present research papers at national and local conferences.
Research Facilities
A robust research library is integral to graduate study. The Learning Commons at the Roger Williams University Library offers a wide array of instructional resources for the students. It is an improved model for research–a one-stop shop for instructional technology, traditional, and database research–that provides students access to myriad research resources. The University’s state-of-the-art computer laboratories allow student access to the latest word and statistical processing software packages available, including full Internet access. The University’s expansive library houses approximately 2,000 volumes and hundreds of films and other nonprint materials related to the U.S. justice system. Master’s degree candidates also have access to the LexisNexis network and Westlaw as well as the RWU Law Library. In addition, the University is a member of the Helin Consortium, which gives students access to more than a million volumes of printed material. Quiet study space and group research areas are also available.
Financial Aid
Financing a graduate education can be challenging, especially in these trying economic times. Roger Williams University recognizes that some students may need financial assistance to meet the cost of higher education. Students with financial need may be able to receive funds from federal loan programs. Students with fully accepted status who maintain a minimum of 6 credits per semester are eligible to receive loans that cover the cost of graduate education. In order to be considered for the federal loan programs, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available from the Office of Financial Aid or at http://www.fafsa.gov.
Cost of Study
The 2008–09 graduate tuition was $639 per credit. Each 3-credit course cost $1917. Some additional fees may apply. Tuition information for the 2009–10 academic year is available at http://financialaid.rwu.edu.
Living and Housing Costs
University housing is available for graduate students. However, it is not guaranteed and the majority of graduate students seek a variety of off-campus housing options. In 2008–09, the average cost for on-campus graduate housing was $7313 per academic year. For more information about off-campus housing, visit http://housing.rwu.edu and click the “off-campus living” tab.
Student Group
The criminal justice graduate program is a unique blend of student voices and perspectives, including current local and state police officers, justice system professionals, and aspiring law enforcement students. Part-time study is available for students who are working professionals.
Location
Roger Williams University is located in Bristol, Rhode Island, a seaside town that is home to antique stores, gourmet restaurants, ice cream shops, and spas. The campus is less than 30 minutes by bus from Providence, Rhode Island’s capital and largest city, which is packed with museums, coffee shops, the Providence Place Mall, live music, and much more. Providence is also a regional transportation hub, with an international airport and both bus and train stations. Also less than 30 minutes away from campus is Newport, home of famous beaches, shopping, festivals, and open markets.
The University and The School
Roger Williams University is a 52-year-old independent, coeducational liberal arts university that has quickly established itself as a leader in higher education. A dynamic educational environment in which students live and learn to be global citizens, the University is committed to its mantra of “Learning to bridge the world.”
With thirty-nine academic programs and a robust array of co-curricular activities available on its waterfront campus in historic Bristol, Rhode Island, RWU looks to a set of core values in fulfilling its mission to prepare students for life as twenty-first century citizen-scholars. Over the past decade, the institution has achieved unprecedented academic and financial successes. In 2008, U.S. News & World Reportnamed Roger Williams the eighth-ranked baccalaureate college in the north.
The School of Justice Studies offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. SJS faculty members are regionally, nationally, and internationally known and the majority holds Ph.D.s in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, or a closely related field. Many also hold the Juris Doctor in addition to their doctorate. Complementing the traditional curriculum is the School’s partnership with the Justice System Training and Research Institute (JSTRI). The Institute serves as a national model for integrating current research methodologies and state-of-the-art technology with the programmatic needs of the justice system. RWU's relationship with the JSTRI affords students additional learning and training experiences, as well as networking opportunities with criminal justice professionals.
Applying
Roger Williams University and the School of Justice Studies seek well-rounded students with leadership potential and a demonstrated commitment to education and academic achievement. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate course work, a personal statement discussing relevant past experiences and career goals, two letters of recommendation attesting to the candidate’s potential to complete graduate work, and a completed application form signed and accompanied by the $50 application fee. Entrance exams are not required, but applicants with a cumulative undergraduate grade point average below 3.0 are strongly encouraged to take either the GRE or MAT. Students interested in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice/Juris Doctor joint degree must apply separately to both the graduate program in the School of Justice Studies and the Juris Doctor program in the School of Law. They may submit their LSAT scores with both applications.
Applications are accepted in both paper and electronic form.
The Faculty
- Stephanie P. Manzi, Dean; Ph.D., Maryland.
- Julie Coon, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice; Ph.D., Cincinnati.
- Kathleen M. Dunn, Professor; J.D., Boston University; Ph.D., Brown.
- Robert P. Engvall, Professor of Criminal Justice; J.D., Ph.D., Iowa.
- Jeffrey A. Jenkins, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice; J.D., New Mexico; Ed.D., Rutgers.
- Christopher Menton, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice; Ed.D., Boston University.
- Melissa Russano, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice; Ph.D., Florida International.
- Yolanda M. Scott, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice; Ph.D., Kentucky.
- Sean Varano, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice; J.D., Roger Williams; Ph.D., Michigan State.
Correspondence and Information
Roger Williams University
Jason Pina
Dean of Continuing Studies and Graduate Admission
One Old Ferry Road
Bristol, Rhode Island 02809
Telephone:
888-674-8479 (toll-free)
Email:
gradadmit@rwu.edu
