Sample Exam

Sample Exam

Sample Exam

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
Rowan University
Sample Comprehensive Exam

Choose ONE of the following two sets of questions.  Both ask you to 1) describe a current issue, 2) discuss two theories and apply them to that issue, 3) discuss two policy or program recommendations, and 4) describe how you would evaluate ONE of the policy or program recommendations.  The two issues are Community and Problem Oriented Policing and Programs for Parolees.

Use APA format for in-text citations to cite the sources that you use to support your answer.  Be careful not to overuse quotes and, of course, do not plagiarize.  Make sure you answer the questions.  Don’t just copy portions of your notes.

Community and Problem Oriented Policing

A1) Discuss the use of Community and Problem Oriented Policing in the United States. Make sure you include:

  1. what they are,
  2. when and why they became popular,
  3. the arguments for and against their use, and
  4. the impact they have had on the criminal justice system and society.

A2) Describe Social Learning Theory (aka Differential Reinforcement Theory) and Social Bonding Theory. Make sure you include:

  1. who developed each theory,
  2. how each theory explains crime - be sure to identify and describe the constructs of each theory, and
  3. how each theory could be used to support the use of Community and Problem Oriented Policing.

A3) Assume you have been hired by the Governor of NJ to advise her on how Community and/or Problem Oriented Policing could be used to improve relations between police and the community in NJ. 

  1. describe two programs or policies that you would recommend (either something that already exists or something new that you would design),
  2. justify your recommendations, and
  3. discuss how they can be implemented.

A4) Describe how you would evaluate the effectiveness of one of your recommendations.  Be sure to discuss the research design, sample selection, and measurement of the variables of interest (identifying which is independent and which is dependent).   Be sure to address BOTH

  1. how the program or policy would be implemented and monitored (“process evaluation”), and
  2. how the program or policy impacted the problem it was trying to address (“outcome evaluation”).

Programs for Parolees

B1)  Discuss programs for parolees in the United States.  Male sure you include:

  1. the purpose and use of parole in the United States,
  2. the needs of parolees that these programs try to address, and
  3. the problems that have arisen with parole.

B2)  Describe Rational Choice Theory and General Strain Theory, Make sure you include:

  1. who developed each theory,
  2. how each theory explains crime - be sure to identify and describe the constructs of each theory, and
  3. how each theory could be used to support programs for parolees.

B3) Assume you have been hired by the Warden of Southwoods State Prison to advise him on how to implement a program for the inmates who are being released on parole.  

  1. describe two programs you would recommend (either something that already exists or something new that you would design),
  2. discuss whether they should be conducted in the prison or in the community,
  3. justify your recommendations, and
  4. discuss how they can be implemented.

B4) Describe how you would evaluate the effectiveness of one of your recommendations.  Be sure to discuss the research design, sample selection, and measurement of the variables of interest (identifying which is independent and which is dependent).   Be sure to address BOTH

  1. how the program or policy would be implemented and monitored (“process evaluation”), and
  2. how the program or policy impacted the problem it was trying to address (“outcome evaluation”).