New M.A. in Justice Studies Program

“There’s been a great demand by RIC students for a graduate degree program in justice studies,” said RIC Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology Mikaila Arthur. The thrust of these students is not only to work in the justice system but to change it so that it better serves people.

RIC’s new M.A. in justice studies program, which begins fall 2017, is designed to equip professionals already in the field with the tools they need to become change agents in the world.

The program is unique from its university counterparts in Rhode Island, such as Salve Regina’s administration of justice program; Johnson & Wales’ criminal justice management program; and Roger Williams’ criminal justice program, which focus on the administration of justice or on managerial positions within the police department or the department of corrections.

“RIC’s program is for students who want to engage in policy evaluation and implementation, drawing on research to ensure the best delivery of services and better outcomes,” said Arthur. A job in this area calls for a more research-based, policy-oriented work environment.

A common misconception is that policy is made by legislators, Arthur said; however, “policy is actually shaped by the people on the ground. Legislators will enact a new law, but how that law is implemented on a day-to-day basis is formulated by the agencies and organizations that carry out the law,” she said.

Neither is research conducted by legislators. More often the research that informs a new law is done by faculty or other experts in the field, Arthur said. Arthur recently conducted grant-funded research for the Rhode Island state legislature, in partnership with RIC Professor of Political Science Francis Leazes. Many other RIC faculty have also conducted research in response to legislative questions.

Whether RIC justice studies majors engage in research or policy evaluation at higher ed institutions, social and human services, law enforcement agencies or nonprofit and nongovernmental agencies, they will graduate from RIC with a strong foundation in writing, research and analytical skills focused on justice issues.

“With a master’s degree, they will be able to compete for positions that influence the shape of the justice system and that make the world a better place, not just one person at a time but in a more systematic way,” said Arthur.

RIC’s program is approximately three semesters (30 to 31 credit hours) for full-time students; students can also take courses part time. The courses are hybrid, taught online with one class a week on campus. The capstone experience consists of either a research-based thesis or an applied research project. This project will allow students who are already employed in the justice field to research an issue or problem they see in their workplace.

For more information contact: Mikaila Arthur at (401) 456-8026 or marthur@ric.edu. Applications are available online.