Criminal Justice — M.S.

Program director
Talolo Lepale

The M.S. in criminal justice emphasizes integrated behavioral health interventions, restorative justice, and community reintegration to address the prevention, early intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation needs of persons at risk for or who have already been incarcerated.

An interdisciplinary approach to this course of study considers the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being of victims, offenders, and communities. The curriculum provides a deeper understanding of crime and social justice through the lens of a forensic behavioral health specialization. 

Mission

The mission of the Criminal Justice Program is to prepare students to think critically and analytically about the problems of crime and social control in contemporary American society and to work with the legal system as it relates to a forensic behavioral health framework.

Program learning outcomes

By the end of this program, the graduate should be able to:

1. Integrate and utilize knowledge of social science and theories of criminology as applied to criminal justice issues within behavioral health settings.
2. Describe the dimensions and causes of crime and delinquency.
3. Describe the structure of the American criminal and juvenile justice systems.
4. Use research in evaluating the effectiveness or practice and programs within criminal and juvenile justice settings.
5. Practice ethical principles that guide the concepts of justice, fairness, and treatment within criminal and juvenile justice systems.
6. Use mental illness and treatment interventions within a forensic behavioral health framework.
7. Identify differences between retributive and restorative justice approaches in addressing the effects of crime.

General overview

The 48-quarter unit program begins with 20 units of foundation coursework that is divided into three professional areas of study: criminal justice, human wholeness, and social research methods. During the final year of study, students complete a forensic behavioral health specialization along with specialized selectives. Forensic behavioral health is a specialized branch of professional practice in which the behavioral health and criminal-justice worlds overlap. Students will focus on the needs of individuals in the criminal and/or juvenile justice systems who experience severe mental illness and may also present co-occurring substance use. Students will gain knowledge and skills in treatment programming. In addition, they will be prepared to assess and provide expert testimony regarding continued institutionalization versus readiness for community treatment. Students are required to have a laptop computer. For computer specifications, see the department website.

Students have two options to complete the program:

1. Nonthesis: Professional practicum (540 hours of integrated practicum and seminar) and 8 units of didactic selectives.
2. Thesis: 6 units of academic thesis and 2 units of didactic selectives.

In addition to Loma Linda University admission requirements, this program follows the admission requirements of the School of Behavioral Health, as follow:

1. A four-year baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
2. U.S. Citizenship
3. At least three letters of recommendation—preferably one of which is from an academic source and one from a work supervisor
4. Applicants must meet the minimum academic and professional compatibility criteria established by the program. These criteria include:
   • A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale). Applicants with lower grade point averages will be considered if the last 45-quarter credits (30 semester units) of non-field practica coursework shows significant improvement or if they have additional attributes that demonstrate preparedness and an appropriate fit for graduate education in the area of Criminal Justice. Further consideration will also be given to individuals who provide evidence of additional graduate coursework, certifications, and/or training that illustrate preliminary preparation for a career in Criminal Justice. Students who are admitted to the Criminal Justice Program with a cumulative G.P.A. below 3.0 may be required to participate in individualized academic assessment and a targeted learning assistance program.
   • Demonstration, through the application and interview processes, of compatibility with professional standards set by the program including the ability to develop and nurture interpersonal relationships, communication skills, self-awareness, professional comportment, critical thinking skills, fit with the mission and values of Loma Linda University and the Department of Social Work and Social Ecology, and the capacity to successfully complete the Master of Science in Criminal Justice curriculum.

The 48-unit curriculum for the M.S. degree in criminal justice provides the mix of academic, experiential, and research activities essential for M.S. degree students.

A grade of B or better indicates a student has mastered knowledge, skills, and professional practice performance competencies outlined by the program. In order to progress successfully through the program and complete the degree, students must meet the G.P.A. and course repeat expectations set by the School of Behavioral Health in the general regulations section of this CATALOG.

¹

Other courses may be approved for elective credits in consultation with the faculty advisor and in accordance with University policies for academic variances

²

Professional practicum and seminar units are not calculated into total didactic units required for the degree. Students pay program fees for professional practicum units instead of tuition. Practicum and seminar hours: 480 + 60.

³

Fulfills service learning requirement

Normal time to complete the program

Two (2) years (seven [7] quarters) — based on full-time enrollment; part time permitted