Anyone familiar w/ Masters in Criminal Justice from Arizona State or Washington State

Hi there -

I am new to these boards, though not new to DL. I am a senior at ASU and will be graduating with my BS in Sociology this December. I am interested in pursuing a Masters in Criminal Justice, starting next fall (August 2014).

I was just wondering if anyone had/has any experience with the MACJ programs at Arizona State University or at Washington State University? Tuition at ASU is less than WSU by about $3k.

ASU seems to cater more to working professionals, in that they offer the 7.5 week classes...I have contacted WSU, they have advised that their classes run the full-semester, just like the on-campus ones do.

Anyway - any input is greatly appreciated. I do not have many resources to assist me, IRL, with my adventures in applying for grad school, since I'm a distant-student an honestly, have felt kind of like a number at ASU. :\

That is another thing I guess I am hoping to find in grad school - is feeling like I got more "out of it" than in my undergrad. I understand that most of that responsibility lies on me, but I guess what I am saying is I'm hoping for an opportunity to work more closely w/ the professors, even if it is online.

TIA for any input!

 

Full semesters aren't that bad as long as there is a summer session to help you move along faster. My graduate program had 8-week terms where I took two courses per term. In total, I took 4 courses per semester. If there had been 16-week terms, I would have still taken 4 courses per semester just all at the same time. Depending on your learning preference you'll either feel rushed during the 8-week terms or like their quick pace because long terms don't keep your attention.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I honestly prefer the shorter classes - like you said, the longer 16 week terms just don't hold my attention as well. This is turning into kind of a no-brainer for me, lol.

 

They're both good PAC 12 schools =) I do like shorter classes and the fact that you are familiar with ASU already is a plus but since it seems like you're in the state of Washington, I'm sure you'll be running into more WSU alums daily and the contacts never hurt.

 

I would recommend Washington State University in your choices. Here are my reasons for Washington State University recommendation.

- Differentiate higher academic institutions for different degrees, which means your resume looks better from different schools. Unless you have multiple degrees from top 20 schools. It also helps you to expand your chances in alumni networks.

- This year Washington State University is ranked higher than Arizona State University

- Washington State University is better known in your area than Arizona State University; even though Arizona State University is a well known institution.

- They are both in the PAC-12 conference; you don't feel alone watch their football the the local bar because 8 out of 10 people in the bar are toward Washington State.

- Obviously, you might want to be Cougars than Sun Devils; even though both are evil equally.

 

Arizona State University is ranked higher for criminology. Criminology is used by U.S. News to cover criminal justice.

 

The chance to develop stronger collaborations with your professors might favor longer courses.

Washington State University MA Requirements
Arizona State University MS Requirements (the MS is the online degree from ASU)

Both programs require one course in research methods in CJ/criminology and another course in quantitative methods. ASU requires a third course in Advanced Statistical Analysis. From the ASU Graduate Handbook [pdf]:

This could represent a materially stiffer stats requirement than WSU's quantitative course

especially with each ASU course lasting 7.5 weeks.

The ASU program culminates in a CRJ 599 Thesis (6 semester hours). Again from the Handbook:

By contrast, the WSU online MA in CJ "is a non-thesis track." There is a capstone course, CRMJ 702 Master’s Special Problems, Directed Study and/or Examination (4 semester hours). WSU also requires a writing portfolio drawn from assignments for courses in the program, with an oral defense of that portfolio. WSU Graduate Handbook.

 

Well, ASU is ranked really high for their CJ program. They have a great rep and their course work is challenging. Since you already know ASU that will give you an edge. I, too, can't do the longer classes. 6-8 weeks is about my limit, so the 7 1/2 week long classes at ASU work well. Personally, I recommend them, but you have to decide what will work best for you.

 

Well, as a graduate of WSU I can tell you I do not have an unbiased opinion. I loved WSU. I completed my degree on campus but did take a couple of courses online (one of which was geology 101 w/lab - awesome!).

I really think they are both pretty good state schools. You can't go wrong with either one and I would base my choice on where I would be located job and career wise.

Good luck
Go Cougs!

 

Thanks for all of your guys' responses.

Someone mentioned the issue of having different schools on my resume. I feel like this is a +1 for choosing WSU. Also, like has been mentioned, alumni contacts are better since I am now back in WA and will be for the foreseeable future (possibly the rest of my life, and that is a long time, lol).

The big downside is the longer classes but I think I could probably tough it out.

They are also a little bit more expensive. This is not a huge problem because I will be eligible for tuition reimbursement at work, so long as I receive a "B" grade or higher (B- to C- = only 50% reimb).

I am leaning towards WSU now, honestly. Even though classes will be longer. I guess I will need to learn to pace myself because I don't plan on stopping after my MA in CJ and I don't think most RA schools offer the shorter classes. I don't necessarily need RA at my current job but if I should ever leave for another job in the future, I don't want my lack-of-an-RA-degree to stand in my way.

 

Also - if anyone else has any recommendations for other CJ masters programs, I am all ears!

Things I care about: RA, non-profit, solid "state' school sounding name (purely b/c of concerns about perception).