IUPUI debuts criminal justice, public safety masters program

IU-Purdue University Indianapolis is the home of the state’s first Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Public Safety degree program.

Students can begin the electronic enrollment process in the spring, and course offerings will begin this fall. Online options are expected to be available in two to three years.

Thomas Stucky, associate professor of criminal justice and director of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety program, said there are many job prospects for graduates of the program. Law enforcement is among the 10 fields with the largest projected growth in salary and employment through 2014, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that public safety is one of the fastest growing areas of future employment.

The degree is a 36 credit-hour program with criminal justice and public safety as its two concentrations. A required capstone course allows students to apply their courses to projects for state and local agencies.

Director of the Indianapolis Department of Public Safety Frank Straub said the department is looking forward to working with IUPUI students to prepare them to operate and succeed in a complex environment.

Students can also consider a 15 credit-hour program to receive a graduate certificate in homeland security and emergency management.

Recent events, such as the earthquake in Haiti and the Christmas Day bombing attempt, highlight the need for public safety professionals whose experiences are complemented with theoretical, analytical and management skills, said Stucky.

Currently, the SPEA at IUPUI graduate programs in criminal justice and nonprofit management are ranked among the best in the country.

— MJ Slaby