Applied Criminology and Police Leadership, MCPL

The Department of Criminology’s Master of Applied Criminology and Police Leadership (MCPL) is an innovative, practitioner-focused program specifically created for senior personnel involved in policing with at least five years of experience and looking to understand and apply modern theoretical and research findings to their professional practice. 

The MCPL provides a focused education on theories of crime, analytic methods, and policy analysis, designed to advance the best available research evidence to guide police policy and practice. The curriculum combines practical real-world skills and knowledge with exposure to award-winning faculty and police leaders. A capstone course creates an opportunity to benefit the student's own police department with a mentored change project grounded in evidence-based policing within their agency. Students successfully completing the MCPL will understand how theories of crime and evidence-based policing can inform policy and planning in police agencies.

Curriculum

Requirements
ACPL 6100APolicing in Practice1
ACPL 6100BPolicing in Practice1
ACPL 6101Evidence-Based Policing (EBP)1
ACPL 6102Practical Theories for Policing1
ACPL 6104ALeadership in Criminal Justice1
ACPL 6104BLeadership in Criminal Justice1
ACPL 6105AResearch Methods for Policy Analysis0.5
ACPL 6105BResearch Methods for Policy Analysis0.5
ACPL 6106APolicing Master’s Capstone0.5
ACPL 6106BPolicing Master’s Capstone0.5
Data Analysis & Program Evaluation Summer Intensive
Implementing Experiments Into Policing Summer Intensive
Capstone Research Project
Total Course Units8

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.