BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Justice Sciences Master's in Criminal Justice Program now offers two tracks of study to better complement students' career goals.

Previously, all students in the master's in criminal justice program took the same courses, but were given the choice either to complete a thesis paper if they intended to pursue a doctorate or to complete a project if their graduate goal was to enhance their career.

Now students who want to pursue a doctorate may select a course of study that focuses on criminological theory and research methods.

Alternately, students who want to work in the criminal justice field and professionals who already are working in the criminal justice system may select courses such as criminal justice administration and crime patterns, complete an internship and conduct a demonstration project prior to graduation.

Students in both tracks may take elective courses examining white-collar and corporate crime, terrorism and social control and juvenile law.

"Our goal is to streamline the program and create more clearly defined tracks that will help encourage more students to pursue the master's degree and encourage more practitioners to enroll in the program," said Kathryn Morgan, Ph.D., program director for the master's in criminal justice.

For more information, contact the UAB Department of Justice Sciences at 205-934-2069.

About the UAB Department of Justice Sciences

UAB's Department of Justice Sciences offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in criminal justice. The program also offers a master's in forensic science, a certificate in computer forensics, an undergraduate minor in forensic psychology and a legal affairs minor.