Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

What Will I learn?

In Simpson’s Master’s in Criminal Justice program, you’ll develop an advanced understanding of the criminal justice system and the issues shaping the field today. Explore criminal justice policy, leadership, ethics, research methods, and strategies for addressing complex challenges. You’ll strengthen your ability to analyze data, evaluate policies, communicate effectively, and make informed decisions. Through applied projects and real-world perspectives, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to advance your career and contribute meaningfully to criminal justice organizations and communities.

Career Ready

Our graduates are prepared to launch successful careers and make an immediate impact in the workforce. Here are a few examples of where Simpson alumni are building their careers:

• Ames Police Department
• American Federation for Children
• Children and Families of Iowa
• City of Atlantic Police Department
• Indianola Police Department
• Iowa Department of Corrections
• Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
• Story County Police Department

In pursuit of the mission of the program, the MACJ learning objectives are:

• To apply criminological and criminal justice theory to concrete situations. Rationale: effective policy development requires a theoretical application to deal with problematic situations constructively.
• Analyzing and interpreting criminological and criminal justice system data. Rationale: good policy decisions are dependent on critical thought and evidence-based evaluations.
• Formulate ethical responses to professional situations. Rationale: Ethical behavior in relationships with colleagues and the public, as well as ethical decision-making practices, are necessary to help ensure a just and fair criminal justice system.