Public Management and Leadership

Two Ways to Learn

Choose the learning path that fits your life and experience. Here are the two ways to earn your degree:

^*May not be available for all programs

Course-Based Learning

Curriculum

Completion Requirements

• 48 quarter credits
  • Foundation course (3 cr.)
  • Core courses (25 cr.)
  • Specialization (15 cr.)
  • Capstone course (5 cr.)

This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.

Courses

Show Course Descriptions

Course Code	Title	Credits
CRJS 6002	Foundations of Graduate Study Show Students in this course are introduced to Walden University and to the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. Students work toward building a foundation for academic and professional success as a scholar-practitioner and social change agent. They assess the relationship of mission and vision to professional goals and develop a program of study and strategies for online success. Students also explore resources used throughout the program, such as the online Walden University Library. Students engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of professional writing, critical-thinking skills, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence.	(3 cr.)
CRJS 6137	The Nature of Crime and Criminology Show Students in this course are introduced to contemporary views and theories of maladaptive and criminal behavior. They examine a broad conceptualization of criminal behavior from an interdisciplinary perspective as well as theories and application of criminal profiling. Students also explore specific views of criminal behavior germane to groups, such as psychopaths, serial offenders, and sexually violent predators. At the end of this course, students will have an understanding of the theories and practices that are the foundations of the field of criminology.	(5 cr.)
CRJS 6215	Controversies in Criminal Justice Show Justice is at the heart of the U.S. democratic system, yet opposing viewpoints surrounding and within the system often muddle interpretations of the law and the development of policies to promote and enforce justice. In this course, students examine events that have significantly changed how the legal system interprets the U.S. Constitution, the U.S. Code, and the U.S. Patriot Act, for example, the terrorist acts of September 11, 2001. They learn how social and historical changes have shifted perspectives and sparked debates on expanding the rights of government versus safeguarding personal civil rights and civil liberties. Through discussion with peers, assessment of contemporary articles, and examination of Supreme Course cases, students have the opportunity to reflect on and potentially broaden their own opinions and perspectives on current criminal justice affairs in regard to issues of law enforcement, public perception, policy development, and ethics.	(5 cr.)
CRJS 6216	Criminal Justice Research Show Criminal justice encompasses many roles and responsibilities, including responding to victims, punishing or rehabilitating criminals, and developing laws and policies. To carry out these tasks effectively and responsibly, taking into account current trends and ethical considerations, criminal justice professionals need to understand underlying factors, such as the root causes of crime and the impact of crime on communities. In this course, students examine a range of research methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative methods, that professionals use to collect data and analyze trends in criminal justice. They examine models, metrics, and tools used to evaluate criminal justice programs and policies, and they assess the strengths and limitations of research methods. Students also learn about threats to the validity of data and consider the legal and ethical issues associated with research and evaluation methods.	(5 cr.)
CRJS 6511	Special Populations Show Students in this course are provided with an in-depth analysis of the treatment of women and people of color as professionals, litigants, victims, and offenders in the criminal justice system. Students examine the systemic outcomes of the intersections of race, class, sexual orientation, and gender for these groups as they relate to social justice and social inequality. Through critical examination of readings and data analysis, students learn about the complexity of the historical relationship between these groups and the U.S. criminal justice system and broader social context.	(5 cr.)
CRJS 6203	Victimology Show What is the relationship between victims and those who commit crimes against them, and how does the criminal justice system protect and respond to victims of crime? In this course, students have the opportunity to answer such questions through a comprehensive assessment of victimology, a relatively new discipline in the field of criminal justice. Students examine victim patterns and tendencies and learn how victims interact with the police and the legal system. They also examine how factors of class, race, and sexual orientation affect the perception of the victim by different constituents, including the public, the court system, and the media. Students assess and discuss the concept of primary and secondary victims and gain practical insight on a range of services and resources available to all types of victims.	(5 cr.)
CRJS 6400	Strategic Context of Management and Leadership Show Students in this course engage in a collaborative study of the changing strategic context of criminal justice management and leadership. Students will understand the strategic context for stakeholder relations needed while resolving issues in criminal justice. They engage in readings and practical assignments that emphasize management and leadership in a time of unprecedented and unpredictable change. Students also work toward being able to apply data and statistics to engage communities and to design program evaluations.	(5 cr.)
CRJS 6111	Informational Technology in Criminal Justice Show In the 21st century, criminal justice organizations have evolved in the way they use records and data management systems to protect and gather evidence. While new technologies and the use of social media have increased and have assisted criminal justice professionals in tracking and apprehending criminals, there still are challenges for law enforcement, the courts, and prison systems. In this course, students will explore case studies related to challenges with protecting and collecting evidence as well as ethical dilemmas with the use of technology. Students examine how technology is used in criminal law, law enforcement, criminal procedures, or court procedures. In addition, students can look into the future of information technology as it relates to criminal justice.	(5 cr.)
CRJS 6218	Applied Communications Show Practitioners in the field of criminal justice must be adept in preparing communications for colleagues, supervisors, and the public. In this course, students have the opportunity to develop the skills needed to produce effective documents that criminal justice professionals use on a daily basis, such as court records, data analysis reports, and program-implementation plans. Student learn how to conduct interviews, gather background information, and use decision-making and critical-thinking skills to create clear, concise communications. They broaden their ability to write for a specific purpose and a highly defined audience as they incorporate criminal justice principles and practices into a variety of communication tools.	(5 cr.)
CRJS 6910	Capstone: Criminal Justice Ethics and Social Justice Show Ethical behavior is an essential element of leadership. In this course, students examine the philosophy of ethics as well as responsibility and social justice—the basic tenets of public service. Through a combination of seminal texts and contemporary case studies, students explore the complex social, political, and ethical challenges leaders face as they seek to meet the needs of diverse constituents. Course topics focus upon ethics and social justice involving economic disparity, political power, and social privilege. Students analyze current social trends related to the ethical and social justice issues of a global community. Throughout the course, students assess emerging or persistent ethical and social justice issues and make recommendations for resolving specific dilemmas.	(5 cr.)
VIEW ALL COURSES Less Courses

Tuition and Fees

Curriculum Component	Requirements	Cost	amount
Tuition	48 quarter credit hours	$505 per quarter hour	$24,240
Technology Fee	Per quarter	$160	$800
			$25,050*

*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 24 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,000 and $1,400.

Tempo Learning®

Admission Requirements

Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher.

General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.