
The world needs your mind.
The University of Tennessee Southern’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice will set you up for a lifetime of fulfilling and rewarding work. Get hired right away and serve your community for years to come!
No GRE or GMAT is required! Full-time or part-time, you can proceed at your own pace. The program is accessible, affordable, and attainable. We utilize a “live classroom,” so you never have to miss a class because of the commute; class is just a click away! Learn from criminal justice practitioners with extensive backgrounds in the FBI, CIA, TBI, NYPD, and U.S. Military, to name a few. A quality education from seasoned practitioners, The University of Tennessee Southern’s M.S. in C.J. Program is the most affordable in the region and beyond- and can be done online.
UT Southern Criminal Justice Program Faculty
Richard Schoeberl, Ph.D.

Richard Schoeberl, Ph.D., has been a professor in the Criminal Justice Program at The University of Tennessee Southern since 2014 and is the current Criminology Program Chair. He has over 25 years of experience, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). The NCTC is part of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence; the group brings specialists from the CIA, the FBI, and the Department of Defense. He served various positions throughout his career, ranging from Supervisory Special Agent at the FBI’s Washington, D.C. headquarters to acting Unit Chief of the International Terrorism Operations Section at the NCTC’s headquarters in Langley, Virginia. Before his managerial duties at these organizations, he worked as a Special Agent investigating violent crime, international terrorism, terrorist financing, cyberterrorism, and organized drugs. He also was assigned numerous collateral duties during his FBI tour, including as a certified instructor and a member of the agency’s SWAT program. In addition to the FBI and NCTC, he is the author of numerous articles on terrorism and security. He has served as a media contributor for Fox News, CNN, PBS, NPR, Al-Jazeera Television, Al Arabiva Television, Al Hurra, and Sky News in Europe. Additionally, he works with the international non-profit organization Hope for Justice, combatting Human Trafficking.
Daniel Scherr, Ph.D.

Daniel Scherr, Ph.D., is a Professor of Criminal Justice at The University of Tennessee Southern. He joined the program in the fall of the 2016 school year and teaches introductory and upper-level courses. Scherr also works as an Adjunct Professor at Western International University, teaching International Business and Public Policy courses for their online Masters programs. Scherr began his career with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and Literature from North Carolina State University. After graduation, he entered the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant in the Artillery. He primarily served at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and left as a Captain after spending time in command, operations, and multiple other functions. After the military, Scherr worked as a CSX Transportation, transportation officer at numerous Eastern United States locations and completed his Master’s in Business Administration at American Military University. Scherr is a Ph.D. candidate (ABD) in Public Policy Administration with a Concentration in Terrorism, Mediation, and Peace at Walden University. His dissertation is on Cybersecurity at the State and Local levels, including policies and preparedness measures. His research interests include Cybersecurity, Terrorism, School Violence, Transportation Policy, Education Reform, and wicked problems.
Jonathan A. Dudek, Ph.D.

Jonathan A. Dudek, Ph.D., is an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice at The University of Tennessee Southern and a forensic psychologist with a national security and law enforcement background. He maintains an international consulting practice assisting developing countries, corporations, and other public and private sector entities with business and program development; human capital and systems-based risk management, risk mitigation, and problem-solving; identifying strategic opportunities; and forensic and investigative consultation. Dr. Dudek completed his Postdoctoral Fellowship in Forensic Psychology, Law, and Psychiatry Program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, his Ph.D. at the Drexel University in Pennsylvania, and his undergraduate in Clinical Psychology at Harvard Medical School. He served in the FBI’s Profile Division and later at the DEA.
Tina Jaeckle, Ph.D.

Tina Jaeckle, Ph.D., is an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice at The University of Tennessee Southern. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida, in Criminology and Sociology in 1990 and completed a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Houston in 1995. She has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida for approximately 18 years. Dr. Jaeckle also completed a second Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialty track in the Behavioral Sciences from Nova Southeastern University. In 2007, she completed a Ph.D. in the Humanities and Social Sciences with a major in Conflict Analysis and Resolution (specialty in conflict and crisis management) from the same institution. Dr. Jaeckle is an Assistant Social and Behavioral Sciences Professor at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. She is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family and Dependency Mediator and a Primary Trainer and Substantive Expert in family dynamics, domestic violence, child abuse, and effectively managing crisis issues within high-conflict families. Dr. Jaeckle is board certified in emergency crisis response and bereavement trauma through the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and holds Diplomate status with the same organization. Additionally, Dr. Jaeckle is a member of the American Red Cross Mental Health Crisis Team; serves as the mental health training consultant for the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Department and crisis hostage/negotiation unit and crisis intervention team; is a visiting professor at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia; serves as the chair of the crisis intervention section of the Association for Conflict Resolution; and is an active member of the FBI’s Future’s Working Group and the Homicide Research Working Group. She completed her dissertation research on the trauma and cultural representations of conflict and crisis among the Sudanese Dinka political refugees who have resettled in Jacksonville, Florida.
Anthony L. Clark, J.D.

Anthony L. Clark, J.D. is an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice at The University of Tennessee Southern. He is currently a Municipal Judge and practicing attorney, bringing over 20 years of experience to the department in criminal law, having represented clients in both Federal and State Courts. He has wide-ranging experience from the United States Military, where he served abroad with the U.S. Marine Corps and recently retired from the Tennessee Army National Guard. Furthermore, he offers a vast law enforcement background, having served as a police officer, detective, chief deputy, and Special Agent with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Clark graduated from Austin Peay State University and holds a Juris Doctorate from Nashville School of Law.
G. Dayton Cheatham, J.D.
G. Dayton Cheatham, J.D. is an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice at The University of Tennessee Southern. He has a B.A. in Philosophy from Washington College and holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Minnesota, where he graduated cum laude. During law school, he volunteered for the Asylum Law Project, assisting immigrants in El Paso, TX. He is a Research Assistant at Greensboro College’s James Addison Jones Library and a Compliance Researcher at The University of Tennessee Southern.
Richard Hannah Dunavant
Richard Hannah Dunavant, J.D. is an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice at The University of Tennessee Southern. Richard is a practicing attorney, bringing almost 40 years of experience to the department in criminal law, having practiced in both Federal and State Courts. He has wide-ranging expertise gleaned from his positions as a County Attorney, Assistant Public Defender, Deputy District Attorney, Assistant Tennessee Attorney General, and City Judge. He received his J.D., cum laude, from Cumberland School of Law, his B.A. from Samford University, and The University of the South (Sewanee).
Anthony (Tony) Mottola

Anthony (Tony) Mottola, Ph.D., is a Professor of Criminal Justice at The University of Tennessee Southern. He has over 35 years of law enforcement and security experience, including the New York City Police Department and the United States Air Force. He retired as a sergeant detective (SDS) after 25 years as a member of NYPD. He served as executive officer for the NYPD Intelligence Bureau’s Strategic Unit, a covert counterterrorism initiative, and director of the Domestic Liaison Program. He represented the Intelligence Bureau in numerous investigations, including the Boston Bombing, civil unrest, mass shootings, and large-scale incidents outside New York City. During his tenure with the NYPD, he worked additional assignments in Counter Terrorism, Gang Intelligence, Detective Bureau, Task Force, Street Narcotics Enforcement Unit, anti-gang/graffiti units, and patrol. He was a first responder/search leader for recovery efforts and supervisor of security details in the immediate aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks. He holds a doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University and a Master’s degree from Marist College. He also co-authored and published the book, “Graffiti,” to assist law enforcement in gang investigations and deciphering graffiti.
Course Sequence
Semester 1 Fall (Sept 8 – Dec 17) MW 5:30-8:15 and MW 8:30-9:55
- CJ 501 (CJ Today) Sept 8 – Oct 26
- CJ 502 (Nature of Crime & Criminology) Oct 29-Dec 17
- CJ503 (Criminal Law and Procedure) Sept 8 – Dec 17
Semester 2 Spring (TBA)
- CJ 511 (Globalization of Crime)
- CJ 550 (Current Issues in Homeland Security) / BUS 503
(1), Bus 510 (3) - CJ 510 (Applied Research in Criminal Justice)
Semester 3 Summer (TBA)
- CJ 512 (Delinquency Identification and Prevention)
- CJ 551 (Terrorism: Legislation and Policy)
- CJ 552 (Trends in Terrorism and Radicalization) / BUS 501 (1), BUS 532 (3)
Semester 4 Fall (TBA)
- CJ 521 (Capstone) CJ 522 (Drugs, Crime, and Criminal Justice Policy) / BUS
- 502 (1)
- CJ 520 (Applied Research Project)
Criminal Justice Master’s Program Concentrations

Course Descriptions
CJ 501 Criminal Justice Today
This course presents an advanced overview of the organization and operation of the criminal justice system in the United States. The course reviews the purpose and function of the system in apprehending offenders, the prosecution of offenders, and the punishment of offenders. Other crucial criminal justice issues, such as theories of criminal behavior, measurement of crime and assessment of crime statistics, trends in criminal behavior, management of criminal behavior in the United States, and special topics such as juvenile delinquency, comparative criminology, technology and crime, and terrorism are also covered. (3 credit hours)
CJ 502 The Nature of Crime and Criminology
Students in this course are introduced to contemporary views and theories of maladaptive and criminal behavior. They examine a broad conceptualization of criminal behavior from an interdisciplinary perspective, theories, and applications of criminal profiling. Students also explore specific views of criminal behavior germane to groups such as psychopaths, serial offenders, and sexually violent predators. At the end of this course, students will understand the theories and practices that are the foundations of the field of criminology. (3 credit hours)
CJ 503 Criminal Law and Procedure
In this course, current critical issues in criminal law and procedure are addressed. Emphasis is placed on the significance of recent judicial decisions to criminal law and practice. The principles of criminal law and practice are examined, including the general principles of substantive criminal law, due process requirements, punishments, criminal responsibility, and procedural requirements for the judicial processing of criminal offenders. (3 credit hours)
CJ 510 Applied Research in Criminal Justice
This course will introduce you to applied research within the profession, which encourages the adoption of the role of a reflective practitioner who seeks to understand and change the professional setting simultaneously. It will provide you with the skills needed to design and conduct ethical research studies on topics relevant to applied criminal justice settings. To accomplish these objectives, you will examine: the applied research process, the connection between theory and research, research ethics, the development of research literature reviews, sampling procedures, techniques for selecting and using appropriate data collection tools, steps for improving the validity and reliability of research, and the analysis of data. (3 credit hours, prerequisite: CJ 501, 502, 503)
CJ 511 Globalization of Crime
International crimes and organized crime. Trafficking in women, children, and body parts. Problems that are related and transcend national boundaries, such as firearm violence, money laundering, and corruption. (3 credit hours, prerequisite: CJ 501, 502, 503)
CJ 512 Delinquency Identification and Prevention
Historical overview. Theories and methodologies. Models and organization of delinquency prevention and control programs. Law and public policy. Program evaluation. (3 credit hours, prerequisite: CJ 501, 502, 503)
CJ 520 Applied Research Project
Students experience the art and science of applied research while they develop the tools of reflective inquiry and collaborative practice. Students will engage in analysis of current issues and challenges to explore and practice applied research methods as a logical extension of professional practice. Integral to this process is examining informal and systematic ways to ask and answer questions. Students will conduct their own applied research projects. (3 credit hours, prerequisite: CJ 501, 502, 503)
CJ 521 Capstone: Criminal Justice Ethics and Social Justice
Ethical behavior is an essential element of leadership. In this course, students examine the philosophy of ethics, responsibility, and social justice- the basic tenets of public service. Through a combination of seminal texts and contemporary case studies, students explore the complex social, political, and ethical challenges leaders face as they seek to meet the needs of diverse constituents. Course topics focus on ethics and social justice involving economic disparity, political power, and social privilege. Students analyze current social trends related to a global community’s ethical and social justice issues. Throughout the course, students assess emerging or persistent ethical and social justice issues and make recommendations for resolving specific dilemmas. (3 credit hours, prerequisite: CJ 501, 502, 503)
CJ 522 Drugs, Crime, and Criminal Justice Policy
This course examines the social construction of substances and substance abuse and the history of policies concerning licit and illicit drug use, with a particular focus on criminal justice responses, treatment, and recovery. (3 credit hours, prerequisite: CJ 501, 502, 503)
CJ 550 Current Issues in Homeland Security
Since its inception, the Department of Homeland Security has profoundly impacted public policy and administration. Students in this course examine homeland security history, concepts, policies, strategies of prevention, and response. Topics include ethical issues, telecommunications, technology, threat assessment, contingency planning, and risk management. Students apply fundamental concepts and principles of homeland security to case studies and current issues. (3 credit hours)
CJ 551 Terrorism: Legislation and Policy
The September 11, 2001, events resulted in a new and intense focus on the issue of terrorism in the United States and abroad. Through traditional literature and a wealth of contemporary journal articles and media sources, students explore the history of terrorism, the evolution and international context of terrorist groups, and the causes and motivations for terrorist acts. They learn about the laws, regulations, and legislation related to terrorism. They also analyze possible future trends in terrorism and the current role of the media, governmental agencies, and entities in the prevention of and response to terrorism. Students use concepts presented in the course and additional research to develop a proposal to change and improve an existing counterterrorism policy. (3 credit hours)
CJ 552 Trends in Terrorism and Radicalization
Origins, history, and mutable definitions of terrorism. Ideologies, organizational features, and state responses. Influential contemporary and historical terrorist movements. Force multipliers and media. (3 credit hours)
BUS 501 Negotiation
The Negotiations course utilizes the Interest-Based Negotiations framework in the contexts of both distributive and integrative negotiating situations. Students learn fundamental concepts such as BATNA, ZOPA, and creating value through trades, and develop effective negotiating processes from planning to table tactics. (1 credit hour)
BUS 502 Supervision
The Supervision course focuses on the skills needed for effective management of direct report personnel, regardless of their level in the corporation. The course covers goal setting and coaching, motivating, resolving interpersonal conflict, dealing with difficult employees, and dealing with diversity. (1 credit hour)
BUS 503 Leadership
This course aims to help students develop essential leadership and interpersonal skills. Required skills include:
- Self-awareness about preferred leadership styles.
- Influencing others.
- Negotiating and managing conflict.
- Understanding authentic and ethical leadership.
- Understanding how to delegate effectively.
This course prepares current and future managers to be effective leaders by helping them develop practical interpersonal skills. (1 credit hour)
BUS 510 Organizational Behavior & Management
This course studies interpersonal and group dynamics in an organizational context. Topics include team and workgroup development, motivation, interpersonal influence, organizational processes, design, change, and innovation. (3 credit hours)
BUS 532 Human Resource Management
This course examines the planning, recruitment, selection, training, motivation, retention, and supervision of persons expected to fill specialized positions in service organizations. Issues include legal and regulatory issues, job qualifications, job descriptions, job benefits, group development and performance, organizational culture, and external influences. (3 credit hours)
Admission Requirements
- Complete graduate application form.
- Letter of intent explaining the reasons the applicant wants to enter the MSCJ program. The applicant should discuss their work experience, aspirations, and support systems that will contribute to successfully completing the MSCJ program. Official transcripts for ALL previous undergraduate and graduate course work sent directly from the granting institution to the Office of Academic Affairs at UT Southern.
- Transcripts issued outside the United States must be evaluated and translated by the World Education Services at http://wes.org. Or another accepted organization.
- Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution and MUST have a 3.0-grade point average or a 3.0 grade point average in the last 30 hours of 300/400 level courses.
- Three (3) letters of recommendation in support of the individual’s application:
- one from a faculty member at a baccalaureate or higher institution
- one from a manager or colleague
- an additional letter of recommendation from a faculty member or colleague
- Applicant must complete an interview with the MSCJ Admissions Committee, consisting of the MSCJ Director and other full-time faculty in the MSCJ program. The applicant will be contacted to schedule this interview.
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