Program in Criminal Justice South University

Program of Study

The Master of Science in criminal justice degree program at South University serves the growing number of individuals in the criminal justice system who desire post-baccalaureate education, as well as those in more traditional public and private employment who may wish to acquire further education in criminal justice. The program is primarily designed to prepare students for management, administrative, research, and teaching positions in order to foster a learning community of criminal justice professionals who can use their knowledge within law enforcement, correctional, political, and legal arenas. The delivery structure of the program gives students the ability to balance the rigors of work and home while pursuing their master's degree. Students can complete one or two courses each term, with each quarter lasting ten weeks.

The program has been designed with a limited prerequisite requirement to enable students with bachelor's degrees in related fields such as criminology, psychology, business or public administration, anthropology, political science, and sociology or related social sciences to enroll along with students who have already obtained undergraduate degrees in criminal justice. A general administration track as well as three specializations--Homeland Security, Corrections, and Cyber Crime--are available in order to meet student needs for more in-depth knowledge, skills, and applications in areas of great national and international interest.

Research Facilities

Along with classrooms and offices, the campus includes a bookstore, student lounge, and career services center. The South University Library provides in-library and remote access to electronic databases so that students may retrieve periodicals in paper or electronic form. Internet access is available on all computers throughout the campus.

Financial Aid

A wide range of financial aid options is available to students who qualify. The Columbia campus of South University offers access to federal and state programs, including grants, loans, and work-study programs. Eligible students may apply for veterans' educational benefits and are encouraged to investigate the availability of grants and scholarships through community resources. As a first step, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may apply electronically at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov or through the program. Applications should be submitted promptly to receive consideration for the maximum amount of aid.

Cost of Study

Tuition information for the professional counseling program may be obtained by contacting the Admissions Department at South University's Columbia campus.

Living and Housing Costs

South University does not offer or operate student housing. Students in the criminal justice program typically live in apartments in the Columbia area. Those who commute from long distances can arrange to stay at nearby hotels that offer long-term rates. More information may be obtained by contacting the Admissions Department.

Student Group

The Columbia campus of South University has a diverse student body enrolled in both day and evening classes. Students are primarily commuters who live within 50 miles of the city.

Student Outcomes

The South University Career Services Department has been established to assist currently enrolled students in developing their career plans and reaching their employment goals. Career services include, but are not limited to, one-on-one career counseling, special career-related workshops and programs, coaching for resume and cover letter development, and resume referral to employers.

Location

South University recently relocated its Columbia campus to the growing east side of Columbia, just minutes from downtown. The new campus is conveniently located off of I-77 at Farrow Road and Park Lane.

The campus surroundings are highlighted by a natural wooded landscape and vast green space featuring a tranquil campus courtyard. Convenient to malls, shopping, and the growing east side of Columbia, the new campus location provides easier access to students from throughout the greater Columbia area.

The University

South University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. Students should contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of South University.

South University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. Students should contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of South University.

Students are accepted into the Master of Science in criminal justice degree program every academic quarter. Entrance into the program is gained through a formal application review and interview process. Acceptance is competitive and based on the admission committee's evaluation of the applicant's academic background and personal motivation. Application packets are available by contacting the South University Admissions Department (866-629-3031, toll-free) or visiting the University's Web site (http://www.southuniversity.edu).

Correspondence and Information

Applications for admission to the South University Master of Science in criminal justice program are available by contacting:

Criminal Justice Program

South University

9 Science Court

Columbia, South Carolina 29203

United States

Phone: 803-799-9082

866-629-3031 (toll-free)

Fax: 803-935-4382

E-mail: coladmis@southuniversity.edu

Web site: http://www.southuniversity.edu

See suprograms.info for program duration; tuition, fees, and other costs; median debt; federal salary data; alumni success; and other important information. (http://www.southuniversity.edu/programs-info/form/)

The Faculty

One of the most outstanding aspects of South University's criminal justice program is the dedication of the faculty members and their ability to cultivate a supportive learning environment. Faculty members are committed to their roles as mentors, teachers, and co-learners. They are also dedicated to the training of students who can assume positions of leadership within the criminal justice field. A current list of program faculty members appears in the South University Web catalog, which is available on the South University Web site at http://www.southuniversity.edu.

• Degrees Offered
• Major Degree Levels Offered
• Master of Science (MS)

• Degrees Awarded
• Master's Degrees Not reported
• Doctoral Degrees Not reported
• First Professional Degrees Not reported
• Other Advanced Degrees Not reported
• * Shows the number of degrees awarded for the last academic year that data was reported.

• Earning Your Degree
• Part-time study available? Not reported
• Evening/weekend programs available? Not reported
• Distance learning programs available? Not reported
• Terminal master's degree available? Not reported

• Degree Requirements
• Master's Degrees Not reported
• Doctoral Degrees Not reported
• First Professional Degrees Not reported
• Other Advanced Degrees Not reported