The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) is set to roll out a pioneering Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Mental Health Policy this fall. This new program, offered entirely online and nationally, aims to address the pressing mental health crisis affecting the criminal justice system.
Applications are currently being accepted, with the deadline set for August 5th, and classes scheduled to commence on August 26th. UNT Dallas highlighted strong support from North Texas criminal justice, public safety, and mental health professionals for the launch of this groundbreaking master’s degree.
Judge Robert W. Francis from the Dallas County 4-C Re-entry Court expressed concern over the current state where jails and prisons have become the primary providers of mental health services nationwide.
The program is designed to equip future leaders in law enforcement, legal professionals, corrections officers, and public safety practitioners with advanced knowledge and skills to tackle mental health challenges within the criminal justice system. Angela Shaw, Assistant Chief of the Dallas Police Department, emphasized that this initiative positions UNT Dallas as a trailblazer in reshaping public service and setting new standards in mental health policy.
Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot stressed the educational benefits and societal impact of the program, aiming to foster a more informed and compassionate criminal justice system.
The program curriculum promises to provide students with comprehensive insights and analytical tools necessary to effectively manage the complexities posed by mental illness in justice administration. J. Eric Coleman, Senior Lecturer and MSCJ Program Coordinator at UNT Dallas, highlighted the faculty’s expertise and dedication in delivering this cutting-edge degree.
Former Dallas Police Chief David Brown suggested that UNT Dallas’s initiative could have broader national implications, potentially influencing criminal justice education across the country.
Located in southern Dallas, UNT Dallas is the newest member of the UNT System, offering affordable tuition and emphasizing the development of future servant leaders in North Texas.
Overall, the launch of this master’s program underscores UNT Dallas’s commitment to innovation and addressing critical societal challenges through advanced education in criminal justice and mental health policy.
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