Program Information

Academic objectives

One of the academic objectives of this program is to address the demand for graduate degree programs in the area of justice management. This program provides an interdisciplinary selection of courses to give students a broad-based academic foundation. Another objective is to allow students the opportunity to focus on current issues in justice management. Students will carry their academic achievements into the various professions associated with areas of justice and contribute to raising the capabilities of today's justice systems.

Tuition

Tuition is paid via the University's online "MyNevada" system. For courses with a "JM" prefix, tuition is $388.25 per credit. Tuition for qualifying courses offered by other University departments is set at the current graduate credit cost. Certain courses and credits earned at on-site conferences may be charged at a different rate.

Curriculum

The total number of credits required for the MJM is 32 (non-thesis option) or 30 (thesis option). For the thesis option, students take six thesis credits in addition to 24 other credits.

The curriculum is divided into two main categories: required courses, which provide a foundation in justice theory and process and the essentials of justice management; and electives which are grouped by areas of concentration. Areas of concentration include: juvenile justice management, adult justice management and executive court and agency administration.

Completion of course work

For the Master of Justice Management degree, a student may take up to six years to complete the program, but it is designed to be completed in two-to-four years. Most students complete the degree entirely online. All courses with a "JM" prefix are delivered online. Students may (but are not required to) take on-campus courses from other departments as approved, and may take special JM courses presented at various regional seminar facilities. Completion time is also dependent upon course schedules and graduate-level transfer credits.

Course work is comprised of 18 required credits and 14 elective credits totaling 32 credits for the non-thesis option. For the thesis option, students would take six thesis credits for approved thesis work in addition to 24 other credits for a total of 30 credits. For either option a student can take no more than three credits "S/U" - satisfactory/unsatisfactory.

Enrolling and paying for online courses

Students admitted to the Justice Management Program and students who have obtained Graduate Special status with the University, may enroll in online JM courses and make tuition payments via MyNevada.

Tuition for each three-credit justice management course is $1,164.75 ($388.25 per credit). Students are responsible for meeting registration and tuition payment deadlines posted by the University.

Requirements for the award of the Master of Justice Management degree

To be awarded the degree of Master of Justice Management, a student choosing the non-thesis option must: complete a minimum of 32 credits in the prescribed curriculum, 15 of which must be at the 700 level; maintain a 3.0 grade point average in graded courses; complete all required courses, exams, assigned papers and complete a professional project. A student choosing the thesis option must: complete a minimum of 24 credits in the prescribed curriculum, 12 of which must be at the 700 level; maintain a 3.0 grade point average in graded courses; complete all required courses, exams, assigned papers and complete a thesis approved by the JM advisory committee for six additional credits at the 700 level.

Credit opportunities at NJC and NCJFCJ programs

Registered JM students who participate in NJC and NCJFCJ programs may receive credit toward the degree of Master of Justice Management for courses under specified conditions. Please consult with the Justice Management Program for details.

Transfer credits

Students may request to apply a maximum of nine graduate credits completed at another accredited institution toward the JM degree. This maximum also includes credits earned at the University prior to admission to the JM program (i.e., credits earned under Graduate Special status or during participation in another graduate program). Only courses with a grade of "C" or better may be transferred to a master's program. Credits completed during the semester in which the student is approved for admission to the JM program are exempt from the transfer credit limitation. Transfer credits must be approved by the JM advisory committee or the student's director of graduate studies, the graduate dean and verified and certified by the office of admissions and records.

Financial aid

Financial aid is available through the University of Nevada, Reno for students who maintain at least 1/2-time graduate student status (taking at least five credits per semester). Complete information can be viewed at the office of student financial aid and scholarships.