Fairmont State University

What you'll study

This master's programme combines theoretical frameworks, applied research and professional practice to give students a rounded understanding of corrections and the wider criminal justice system. Core themes include correctional theory and policy, offender assessment and treatment, organisational leadership, and quantitative and qualitative research methods.

• Advanced Criminological Theory — exploration of causation, victimology and contemporary theoretical debates that inform policy and practice.
• Corrections Administration and Policy — leadership, resource management, accreditation, and legal frameworks that govern institutional and community corrections.
• Offender Assessment and Rehabilitation — evidence-based approaches to risk assessment, cognitive‑behavioural interventions, substance misuse treatment and re‑entry planning.
• Juvenile Justice and Alternatives to Incarceration — models for youth interventions, diversion programmes and restorative justice practices.
• Research Design and Methods — applied quantitative and qualitative techniques, programme evaluation and data analysis relevant to corrections settings.
• Ethics, Law and Human Rights in Corrections — professional ethics, prisoner rights and the legal context for correctional practice.
• Capstone Project or Thesis — a supervised applied research project or thesis that addresses a real-world issue in corrections or criminal justice policy.

Delivery often blends seminar-style classes, case studies, guest speakers from correctional agencies and opportunities for internships or practica with local partners. Elective options allow specialisation in areas such as community corrections, forensic treatment, or policy analysis.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, typically in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, law, public administration or a related field. Relevant professional experience in corrections, law enforcement, probation/parole, social services or allied areas can strengthen an application.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating successful completion of undergraduate study.
• Minimum GPA — applicants should meet the graduate admissions GPA guideline set by the university; some applicants with lower GPAs may be considered if they bring substantial relevant experience.
• Supporting documents — a personal statement outlining professional goals, a current résumé or CV, and one or more letters of recommendation.
• Additional requirements — an interview or evidence of relevant work experience may be requested for some candidates; applicants whose first language is not English may need to demonstrate English proficiency in line with university policy.

Career prospects

Graduates are well placed for management and specialist roles across the corrections sector and the wider criminal justice field. Typical roles include:

• Correctional facility manager or unit supervisor
• Probation and parole officer or case manager
• Re‑entry and rehabilitation coordinator for community organisations
• Policy analyst, researcher or evaluator for government agencies and think tanks
• Compliance, accreditation and oversight roles within correctional systems
• Positions in juvenile justice services, victim services and diversion programmes

Graduates may also progress to doctoral study or training for teaching and research careers; the programme’s emphasis on research methods supports further academic qualifications.

Why study at Fairmont State University

Fairmont State offers a supportive, student-centred environment with small class sizes that enable close interaction with faculty who have professional experience in criminal justice and corrections. The university maintains regional partnerships with correctional agencies and community organisations, creating opportunities for applied learning, internships and practitioner guest lectures.

The programme is designed to balance academic rigour with practical skills valued by employers, emphasising evidence‑based practice, leadership and ethical decision‑making. Flexible delivery options and dedicated graduate support services help working professionals manage study alongside ongoing careers.