Dr. Marcus Carey

Which classes do you teach online?

CRIJ 5300: Foundations of the Criminal Justice System; CRIJ 5355: Cybercrime; and CRIJ 5395: Capstone Project in Criminal Justice

What types of projects and work do you typically assign for these courses?

I always ask for a term paper, the length and requirements of which vary depending on the class. I will also routinely ask students to participate in weekly course discussions based upon assigned readings and other media. In some classes, I also require digital presentations.

What do you want students in your courses to learn? What are the learning outcomes or objectives?

In CRIJ 5300, students will:

• Describe and recognize key elements of criminological theories and provide examples of how theory development has impacted criminal justice practices
• Become proficient at describing various research methods
• Describe what kinds of questions research methodologies are best applied to
• Describe what policy is and how it is made
• Explain what evidence-based policy is and describe the reasons why it is beneficial
• Describe the relationships between theory, methods and policy

In CRIJ 5355, students will:

• Distinguish among the various theories which explain cybercrime offenses and victimization
• Analyze various domestic and international laws pertaining to cybercrime
• Explain law and policy responses to cybercrime

In CRIJ 5395, students will:

• Recognize and describe key elements of a major issue in contemporary American criminal justice
• Develop expertise on a selected research topic within American criminal justice
• Appraise knowledge of their chosen topic by reading professional, scholarly literature
• Analyze scholarly literature to evaluate a problem in criminal justice and suggest solutions
• Determine what policy is and how it is made
• Compose and deliver competent written and oral communications with respect to their chosen topic and make policy recommendations based upon what they have learned

Why did you start teaching?

This is a simple question with a complicated answer. Put simply, I became a teacher because I hope to pay forward some of the benefits that my own teachers passed to me. I am also a firm believer that well-educated practitioners are better practitioners and that my students will have opportunities to increase the quality and amount of justice within our CJ system.

What advice would you give to those considering the online M.S. in Criminal Justice program?

Come to the program prepared to devote whatever amount of time is necessary to accomplishing the tasks in your classes—and always hit your deadlines.

What is the value of an M.S. in Criminal Justice?

On a base level, it will probably help students earn more money. Speaking personally, earning my MSCJ has opened my career options tremendously and has helped me to study, work and travel all over the country for the past decade. The degree is tremendously versatile, and I hope that my students reap the same kinds of benefits from earning it that I have.

What qualities make someone particularly successful in criminal justice?

Topical expertise ... insight and adaptability ... a firm foundation [in criminal justice] upon which to build satisfying and successful careers in many potential areas of practice

What is the one book you think everyone should read?

"The Dark Tower" series by Stephen King

Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students might not know about you.

I've broken my left arm three times but never any other bones.