JURIS DOCTOR:
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIME AND JUSTICE STUDIES

Law and Criminal Justice have long been kindred disciplines. As the study of law has become more diversified and sensitive to alternative methods of dealing with "crime," new perspectives on the intersection between crime, law and justice have begun to attract attention. An expanded vision of legal practice has begun to emerge beyond prosecution, defense and adjudication. This vision has come to include attention to the special legal problems raised in areas such as juvenile justice, alternative dispute resolution and mediation, domestic violence, substance abuse, civil litigation, and restorative justice.

To the extent that students pursuing the law degree wish to acquire areas of expertise that move beyond narrow advocacy rules, a masters degree in criminal justice is a very attractive option. The JD/MSCJS program is designed to serve the needs of professionals who must be conversant with legal principles and techniques as they work both within and beyond the boundaries of the criminal justice system. Problem solving in the areas of crime, justice and social policy create the need for specialized training both in law and the social sciences as well as the interconnection between the two. As the complexity of human problems encourage more flexible, sensitive and multi-faceted responses to conflict and social problems, education that bridges the traditionally distinctive fields of criminal justice and law becomes increasingly valuable

Candidates for the JD/MSCJS program must meet the admissions criteria for both the MSCJS, as determined by the College of Arts and Sciences, and the JD, as determined by the Law School. Applicants may apply to both schools before entering Suffolk University, may apply to the MSCJS program during their first or second year of enrollment in the Law School, or to the Law School as first year MSCJS students. There is no limit to the number of qualified students admitted to the joint program.

A candidate must obtain a total of 104 credits; 80 credits in Law School and 24 credits in Graduate School.

For more information about the joint degree program, including an application, please contact Suffolk University Graduation Admissions at 617-573-8302.