Master of Public Administration (MPA), Criminal Justice Administration Concentration

MPA student in a coat and tie smiling inside a campus building.

Advance Public Safety with Strategic Leadership

The Master of Public Administration, Policy and Civic Engagement program with a concentration in Criminal Justice Administration prepares students to lead effectively in today’s evolving justice system. Designed for aspiring and current professionals in law enforcement, corrections, homeland security, and criminal justice policy, this interdisciplinary program blends core public administration training with specialized coursework that addresses the challenges facing modern justice institutions. Students develop critical management, policy analysis, and ethical decision-making skills while exploring topics such as criminological theory, victimology, law enforcement policy developments, and criminal justice planning. Additional elective options allow students to tailor their experience with courses in homeland security, terrorism, multinational crime, and administrative theory. With an emphasis on both practical application and academic insight, this program empowers graduates to make informed, strategic decisions that advance equity, accountability, and public safety in communities at every level of government.

Program Highlights

  • Flexible learning options: on campus, online, hybrid, remote, or HyFlex
  • Skills for managing law enforcement and public safety agencies
  • Expertise from criminal justice, political science, and more
  • Emphasis on research, budgeting, ethics, and HR skills
  • Apply knowledge to real-world issues in a final capstone project

Lead Change in Criminal Justice and Public Service

Take the next step toward advancing your career in criminal justice administration.

Build Real-World Skills in Criminal Justice and Public Administration

  • Career Services intern smiling at a desk with a computer screen visible in the background.

    Hands-On Experience That Sets You Apart

    The program offers valuable experiential learning opportunities through internships and civic engaged projects. Whether you're looking to build new skills or deepen your expertise in a current role, these practical experiences allow you to apply classroom knowledge in real-world criminal justice or public administration settings. Students have the flexibility to explore placements in law enforcement agencies, court systems, policy organizations, or nonprofit entities focused on justice reform.

  • Campus globe with blue skies behind it.

    Capstone Project with Real-World Impact

    Your learning culminates in a capstone project you design to match your professional goals and interests. Under faculty mentorship, you’ll identify a critical challenge facing a public or justice-oriented organization and develop data-informed strategies or policy solutions. This final project not only demonstrates your knowledge of the curriculum but also provides a powerful portfolio piece to support career advancement.

  • Westfield State University Public Safety staff posing for a photo.

    Develop as a Strategic Justice Leader

    Beyond subject knowledge, the program emphasizes leadership, critical thinking, and decision-making in high-stakes environments. You'll build the skills needed to lead change, manage teams, and navigate complex legal, ethical, and political systems that shape public safety today.

Program Details

Program Mission

The MPA program prepares students to find their own paths that embrace public sector leadership and management challenges and seek solutions that are equitable, inclusive, ethically and factually sound, and respect democratic values. 

Program Vision

A caring public sector workforce with strong character and the appropriate knowledge and skills to work with their communities to advance the collective good. 

Values:  

  • Student centered. 
  • Regionally and community focused. 
  • Development of professional relationships with faculty, peers, and alumni. 
  • Multiple tracks and customizable program to meet student professional goals. 
  • Theoretical knowledge and practice-based application. 
Learning Outcomes
  • A deep understanding of the nature of public administration and its function within the American political system; this includes a knowledge of the process by which public policy is created and implemented at the local, state, and federal levels of government.
  • Advanced knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices related to directing a complex public sector organization, specifically related to:
    • organizational behavior and leadership,
    • community engagement,
    • budgeting and public finance, and
    • the legal environment affecting public sector management.
  • Development of the organizational and managerial skills necessary to direct a complex public organization, including:
    • skills critical for successful human resources management of a diverse workforce,
    • strategic planning and problem-solving skills,
    • quantitative and qualitative program evaluation techniques, and
    • interpersonal skills and an understanding of group dynamics.
  • Quantitative and qualitative research competencies relevant for public management.
  • The ability to identify and address ethical issues affecting the public sector.

What Can You Do With a Master of Public Administration (MPA), Criminal Justice Administration Concentration?

Prepare for leadership roles in law enforcement, corrections, public safety, and government with a specialized focus on criminal justice administration. This graduate program is designed for professionals seeking to influence criminal justice policy, manage public agencies, and drive meaningful change in their communities.

Career paths may include:

  • Court or Probation System Manager
  • Emergency Preparedness or Disaster Response Coordinator
  • Homeland Security or Emergency Management Leader
  • Nonprofit Director in Justice Reform or Reentry Services
  • Police Chief
Student smiling working on a laptop in the Military Excellence Center.

Course Requirements

Program Description

The Master of Public Administration, Policy and Civic Engagement program guides students in the development of leadership and management skills essential to a successful career in local, state or national public service. This includes learning how to effectively: lead employees and volunteers; navigate political systems to obtain agency support from elected officials; interact with government, nonprofit and private partners; engage diverse populations. The MPA program is affordable, responsive to local workforce needs and accessible to working part-time commuting students.

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is an interdisciplinary program housed in the department of Political Science and supported by faculty in the departments of: Communications; Criminal Justice; Economics and Business Management; Geography, Planning, and Sustainability; Nursing; Sociology.

Program Objectives

The primary purpose of this Master's Degree program is to transmit to students the knowledge and skills necessary for the effective and efficient administration of public and non-profit agencies. The program goal is to train people for leadership positions in the public sector, with a particular emphasis on the development of core knowledge areas and administrative skills. Specifically, the program is designed to promote:

  1. The development of an advanced grasp of the nature of public administration and its function within the American political system; this includes a knowledge of the process by which public policy is created and implemented at the local, state and federal levels of government;
  2. Advanced knowledge of the principles, theories and practices related to directing a complex public-sector organization. Specifically:
    1. a grasp of the principles and practices of organizational behavior and leadership;
    2. advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of budgeting and public finance;
    3. an advanced understanding of the legal environment affecting public sector management.
  3. The development of organizational and managerial skills necessary to direct a complex public organization, including:
    1. skills critical for successful human resources management;
    2. strategic planning and problem-solving skills;
    3. quantitative and qualitative program evaluation techniques;
    4. interpersonal skills and an understanding of group dynamics.
  4. The development of quantitative analytical techniques, statistical methods, and qualitative research competencies relevant for public management.
  5. An awareness of ethical issues affecting the public sector.
  6. A concentration of study in one of four areas: non-profit management, public management, criminal justice administration, or public healthcare administraion.
Admission Requirements

Applications for admission will be evaluated based on:

  • Official transcripts indicating a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • A minimum 2.8 GPA overall or minimum 3.0 GPA for the last two years of undergraduate studies.
  • A satisfactory GRE or MAT score is recommended if it will strengthen the application.
  • A narrative statement (of approximately 350 words) about your professional goals, academic experience, work experience and other factors that support your application.
  • Three letters of recommendation. At least one academic recommendation is suggested.

Applicants with significant professional experience or special qualifications who do not meet minimum admission standards will be considered on an individual basis.

Program Requirements (36 Credits)

The MPA program at Westfield State centers in seven required core courses (21 credits) and 15 credits of substantial specialization. Our core is informed by the NASPAA curriculum guidelines described in their "Standards for Professional Masters Degree Programs". As such, our core courses cover the essential areas of knowledge or skill necessary for public sector management. Overall, the MPA curriculum requires students to complete 36 credit hours within six years, comparable to other programs nationally and in the state.

Core Courses (21 Credits)

Specialized Tracks (15 Credits)

Each student will complete a 15 credit specialization in one of the following areas: (1) Criminal Justice Administration, (2) Public Management, (3) Non-Profit Management or (4) Public Healthcare Administration. 

Criminal Justice Administration Track (15 Credits)

Note:

Because completion of the Capstone Experience validates and demonstrates mastery of curricular objectives, there will be no comprehensive examination requirement for students in the public administration program.

Get Big School Features with Small School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support.    

You’ll join fellow motivated graduate students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility. 

  • Community engagement opportunities

  • Early Entry Program available for MPA 

  • Full-time

    or part-time options

Learning Guided by Passionate Faculty

The Criminal Justice Administration concentration draws on interdisciplinary expertise to provide a deeper understanding of the policies, systems, and leadership approaches shaping today’s public safety landscape. Courses are taught by faculty from multiple disciplines as well as by professionals actively working in the fields they teach, ensuring a blend of academic insight and practical experience.

With small class sizes and a collaborative learning environment, you’ll benefit from accessible, engaged instructors and a network of peers committed to public service. Whether you're preparing to lead an agency, influence policy, or advance reform, you’ll be supported every step of the way.

Professor lecturing at front of classroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the application requirements for the Master of Public Administration program?

Prospective students should access the graduate application online at connect.westfield.ma.edu/apply/

The following material must be received for an application to be reviewed:

  • Completed graduate application and $50 application fee.
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended indicating a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Three professional or academic letters of recommendation. At least one academic recommendation is suggested.
  • A satisfactory GRE or MAT score is recommended only if it will strengthen the application.
  • Narrative statement (of approximately 350 words) about your professional goals, academic experience, work experience, and other factors such as academic achievements not reflected in transcripts that support your application. 

Applicants who believe that the materials requested in the application do not accurately represent their academic potential are encouraged to include their rationale in the narrative statement. The narrative statement will be considered a writing sample to evaluate your ability to express yourself in written form. 

Professional experience and experience overcoming adversity are viewed positively and are considered in the application review process. Applicants with significant professional experience or special qualifications who do not meet admission standards will be considered on an individual basis. 

Deadlines and Notice of Decision: 

Our Master of Public Administration program has rolling admissions; applications are accepted year-round. 

What is HyFlex modality?

HyFlex is a course format that gives students maximum flexibility. In a HyFlex class, some students attend in person on campus while others participate remotely at the same time. This approach allows students to choose the learning environment that works best for them—and in some cases, it makes it possible to complete the program fully online while still preserving classroom opportunities for those who prefer an on-campus experience.

Do I have to submit GRE/MAT scores when I apply? 

While not required, GRE or MAT scores can strengthen a candidate's application.

How long will it take me to complete the master’s degree?

The duration for completion varies, with most students finishing in approximately two years, depending on their chosen course load per semester. Whether attending part-time or full-time and utilizing courses offered in fall, spring, and summer terms, flexibility is key. It's essential to note that students must fulfill degree requirements within a maximum timeframe of six years.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Do you offer graduate assistantships?

Yes, a limited number of graduate assistantships are available each year for graduate students. These opportunities are competitive and are awarded to students with excellent academic records who are enrolled in a graduate degree program.

This valuable opportunity can enhance your academic journey and provide valuable experience. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of this enriching program!

Learn more about graduate assistantships

Is graduate housing available?

Discover graduate living at Welch Hall Apartments – your gateway to a vibrant community and tailored amenities. Choose from four-person apartments featuring single and premium single rooms, all inclusive of utilities and internet. Make connections by signing up as a group or embark on an individual adventure with like-minded roommates. Revel in the comfort of fully furnished apartments, boasting a well-equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar, cozy bathrooms, and inviting shared living spaces.

Your convenience is our priority – enjoy free laundry facilities on campus and parking at an affordable rate. Immerse yourself in academic pursuits with easy access to the campus library or prioritize your well-being at our fitness centers.

Whether you prefer cooking with your roommates or opting for a meal plan, relish access to an array of campus dining options, including late-night and takeaway choices. Elevate your graduate experience with Welch Hall Apartments – where living meets exceptional comfort and convenience.

For more information contact housing@westfield.ma.edu or 413-572-5402.

Will I receive academic support?

Every student is paired with a dedicated advisor who guides you from choosing classes to planning your future. You’ll also have access to resources like the Banacos Center, Writing Center, and Career Center. And even after graduation, our Career Center provides lifetime support.

Can I take a course without enrolling into the program?

Yes, students can take up to two courses (six credits) non-matriculated prior to matriculating into the program. Financial aid is not available for non-matriculated courses and cost can be found on our tuition and fees page. If you are interested in taking non-matriculated courses please contact the Registrar at registrar@westfield.ma.edu or 413-579-3200 for assistance.

For students interested in taking more than six credits non-matriculated and will not be applying the credits to a degree additional credits may be taken by completing the professional development waiver.

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Master of Public Administration (MPA), Criminal Justice Administration Concentration