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Online Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice

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Featured Program: Online AS, BS, and MS in Criminal Justice
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Purdue University Global
Featured Program: Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's in Criminal Justice
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Walden University
Featured Program: Online BS, MS, and PhD Criminal Justice Programs
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Featured Program: Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
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A master’s degree in criminal justice is ideal for current law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals looking to make their contributions to the field through a role in management, policy, education, or special law enforcement unit.

online master's degrees in criminal justice

Why You Should Earn a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice

Considering a master’s degree in criminal justice? This advanced degree prepares graduates for jobs in management, government and specialized units in law enforcement. It’s a smart move if you are:

  • Training for a specific career (e.g. criminal profiler)
  • Aspiring to more highly paid management positions
  • Attracted to public advisory positions on criminal justice policy
  • Seeking an adjunct teaching job at the university level

Online Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice: Requirements and Cost

Getting into an online master’s degree program in criminal justice requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, faculty letters of recommendation, and your GRE scores. You may also be required to attend interviews and provide a statement of intent. Some programs will allow you to transfer graduate-level credits, though this is usually limited to two or three courses. Of course, it never hurts to ask about exceptions.

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The cost of your online master’s degree in criminal justice will largely depend on the program you choose, but tuition fees can be $10,000 or more. Financial aid, tuition assistance, scholarships, grants, and work study programs are often available: be sure to ask your school’s financial aid office which programs you may qualify for.

Online Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Curriculum

A master’s degree in criminal justice is broken into 30-45 credit hours – which means it takes approximately one to two years to complete. There are three different paths you can take to earn a master’s degree in criminal justice: the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (M.A.C.J.), Master of Science of Criminal Justice (M.S.C.J.), and Master of Criminal Justice (M.C.J.). Each offers a master’s degree in criminal justice, but all have slightly different courses.

  • The M.A.C.J. takes a humanities-based approach, with coursework in law enforcement administration, legal studies, and public policy.
  • The M.S.C.J. focuses on science and may include specializations in forensic psychology, cyber-crime and behavior analysis.
  • M.C.J. programs combine the best of both worlds, offering a mix of humanities and science for a flexible, comprehensive criminal justice master’s degree.

Courses may be rigorous, with a heavy emphasis on current issues and advanced research methods. In addition to core credit hours on criminal justice and law, a master’s curriculum encourages you to focus on electives and concentrations in specific topics, such as terrorism, white collar crime, and correctional rehabilitation. Your degree program is also likely to include a comprehensive examination, practicum, or final thesis.

Career Options with an Online Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice

Graduate education generally leads to better positions and higher wages. An online master’s degree in criminal justice from an accredited institution can lead to management positions such as:

  • Police Captain or Sergeant
  • Corporate Security Manager
  • Critical Incident Manager

For example, while police and sheriff’s patrol officers earned an average salary of $70,000 as of May 2020 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, first-line supervisors of police and sheriff’s patrol officers earned an average salary of $93,100 during this time.

A master’s degree in criminal justice may also qualify you to work as a:

  • Criminologist
  • Forensic Psychologist
  • Crime Scene Investigator
  • Criminal Profiler
  • University or College Adjunct Professor

Though a master’s degree in criminal justice can help you reach higher levels of employment with many criminal justice organizations, it’s important to note that it’s not necessary for some positions where a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice may be more appropriate. Special agents in organizations such as the FBI, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and DEA do not require a master’s degree to qualify for initial employment. You also don’t need a master’s degree to become a police officer or detective — but you do need one to become a captain or a sergeant.

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May 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market trends for police and sheriff’s patrol officers and first-line supervisors of police and detectives. Figures represent national data, not school specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2021.

Find Your Online Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice

Take your career in criminal justice to the next level with an advanced degree in criminal justice. Search our directory for schools to find the online master’s degree program in criminal justice that’s right for you.

Full Online Program Listings

We found 100 schools in our directory that offer matching programs online.

Albany, Georgia
Albany State University
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Charles Town, West Virginia
American Public University System
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice-Capstone Option
Master of Arts in Homeland Security-Capstone Option
Master of Arts in National Security Studies-Capstone Option
San Angelo, Texas
Angelo State University
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Master of Science in Homeland Security
Master of Security Studies
Paxton, Massachusetts
Anna Maria College
Master of Public Administration in Criminal Justice
Master of Public Administration in Emergency Management
Master of Public Administration in Homeland Security
Phoenix, Arizona
Argosy University
Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
Tempe, Arizona
Arizona State University
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
Bellevue, Nebraska
Bellevue University
Master of Science in international Security and intelligence Studies
Master of Science in Public Administration
Master of Science in Justice Administration and Crime Management
Master of Science in Security Management
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
West Jordan, Utah
Broadview University
Master of Science in Management - Criminal Justice
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Capella University
Master of Science in Public Safety
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Carlow University
Master of Science in Fraud & Forensics
Burlington, Vermont
Champlain College
Master of Computer Forensics & Digital investigations
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Technical University
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Master of Science in Homeland Security - Cybersecurity Policy
Master of Science in Criminal Justice - General
Master of Science in Homeland Security - Emergency Management and Public Health
Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
Master of Science in Homeland Security - General
Master of Science in Homeland Security
Columbia, Missouri
Columbia College
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Orange Beach, Alabama
Columbia Southern University
Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Concordia University-Saint Paul
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
Omaha, Nebraska
Creighton University
Master of Security Analysis and Portfolio Management
Dallas, Texas
Dallas Baptist University
Master of Arts in Professional Development - Criminal Justice
Center Valley, Pennsylvania
DeSales University
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
Richmond, Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky University
Master of Science in Concentration in Emergency Management
Master of Science in Concentration in Homeland Security
Master of Science in Adult, Juvenile & Community Corrections Leadership
Master of Science in Safety, Security and Emergency Management
Master of Science in Homeland Security
Anaheim, California
Everest College
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Tampa, Florida
Everest University
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Albany, New York
Excelsior College
Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Teaneck, New Jersey
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Master of Science in Homeland Security
Fairmont, West Virginia
Fairmont State University
Master of Science Criminal Justice
Miami, Florida
Florida International University
Master of Science Criminal Justice
Washington, District of Columbia
George Washington University
Master of Paralegal Studies
Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia Institute of Technology
Master of Science in Information Security
Phoenix, Arizona
Grand Canyon University
Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Legal Studies
Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement
Terre Haute, Indiana
Indiana State University
Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Indiana, Pennsylvania
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus
Master of Arts in Criminology
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Keiser University
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
Kennesaw, Georgia
Kennesaw State University
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
La Salle University
Master of Science in Economic Crime Forensics
Beaumont, Texas
Lamar University
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Romeoville, Illinois
Lewis University
Master of Science in Criminal/Social Justice
Master of Science in Public Safety Administration
Master of Science in information Security
Lynchburg, Virginia
Liberty University
Master of Science in Cyber Security
Master of Arts in Public Policy - Public Administration
Master of Business Administration - Public Administration
Master of Arts in Public Policy - Campaigns and Elections
Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Public Administration
Master of Arts in Public Policy - international Affairs
Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling- Criminal Justice
Master of Business Administration in Criminal Justice Administration
Master of Arts in Public Policy - Middle East Affairs
Saint Charles, Missouri
Lindenwood University
Master of Public Administration
Riverhead, New York
Long Island University-Riverhead Campus
Master of Science in Homeland Security Management
New Orleans, Louisiana
Loyola University-New Orleans
Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration - Forensic Science Administration
Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration - Justice Administration
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Marquette University
Master of Arts in Leadership Studies - Criminal Justice Administration Specialization
Spruce Pine, North Carolina
Mayland Community College
Master of Science in Cyber Security
Lake Charles, Louisiana
McNeese State University
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
East Lansing, Michigan
Michigan State University
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Master of Science in Law Enforcement intelligence and Analysis
Richfield, Minnesota
Minnesota School of Business
Master of Science in Managment - Criminal Justice
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Springfield, Missouri
Missouri State University-Springfield
Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice - Thesis
Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice - Non-Thesis
Master of Science in Administrative Studies - Criminal Justice
Master of Science in Administrative Studies - Homeland Security
West Long Branch, New Jersey
Monmouth University
Master of Science in Homeland Security
Bronx, New York
Monroe College-Main Campus
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
La Jolla, California
National University
Master of Criminal Justice
Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Boston, Massachusetts
Northeastern University
Master of Arts in Homeland Security
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Master of Arts in Adult Education
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Nova Southeastern University
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
University Park, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security - Agricultural Biosecurity and Food Defense
Master of Professional Studies in Information Sciences - Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security - Geospatial intelligence
Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security - Information Security and Forensics
Master of Public Administration
Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security - Public Health Preparedness
Brooklyn, New York
Polytechnic Institute of New York University
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Master of Science in Cybersecurity - Management Track
Portland, Oregon
Portland State University
Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Waterbury, Connecticut
Post University
Master of Public Administration
Prairie View, Texas
Prairie View A & M University
Master of Science in Juvenile Justice
Denver, Colorado
Regis University
Master of Science in Criminology
Bristol, Rhode Island
Roger Williams University
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Thesis
Master of Public Administration - Public Management
Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Non- Thesis
Master of Public Administration - Healthcare Administration
Joint Master of Science in Criminal Justice/Juris Doctor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Saint Joseph's University
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Saint Leo, Florida
Saint Leo University
Masters of Science in Criminal Justice - Corrections
Masters of Science in Critical Incident Management
Masters of Science in Criminal Justice - Critical Incident Management
Masters of Science in Cybersecurity
Masters of Science in Criminal Justice - Forensic Science
Masters of Science in Criminal Justice
Masters of Science in Criminal Justice - Legal Studies
Newport, Rhode Island
Salve Regina University
Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Homeland Security
Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Savannah, Georgia
South University
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Southeast Missouri State University
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Manchester, New Hampshire
Southern New Hampshire University
Master of Science in Justice Studies - Terrorism & Homeland Security
Master of Science in Justice Studies - Cybersecurity
Master of Science in Justice Studies - Public Administration
Winfield, Kansas
Southwestern College
Master of Science in Security Administration
Stevenson, Maryland
Stevenson University
Master of Science in Forensic Studies - investigations
Master of Science in Crime Scene Investigation - Biology
Master of Science in Forensic Studies - Computer Forensics
Master of Science in Forensic Studies - Legal
Master of Science in Crime Scene Investigation - Chemistry
Master of Science in Forensic Studies - Criminalistics
Master of Science in Crime Scene Investigation - Crime Scene investigation
Master of Science in Forensic Studies - interdisciplinary
Master of Science in Cyber Forensics
Master of Science in Forensic Studies - Accounting
Fairfax, Virginia
Stratford University
Master of Science in information Assurance
Master of Science in information Systems
Louisville, Kentucky
Sullivan University
Master of Science in Cyber Security
Stephenville, Texas
Tarleton State University
Master of Criminal Justice
Laredo, Texas
Texas A & M International University
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Tiffin, Ohio
Tiffin University
Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Justice Administration
Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Crime Analysis
Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security Administration
Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Criminal Behavior
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Trine University
Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Public Administration
Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Forensic Psychology
Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Law
Fairbanks, Alaska
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Master of Arts in Administration of Justice
Little Rock, Arkansas
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Cincinnati, Ohio
University of Cincinnati
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Colorado Springs, Colorado
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Master of Criminal Justice
Denver, Colorado
University of Colorado Denver
Master of Criminal Justice - Gender-Based Violence
Master of Criminal Justice - Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Irving, Texas
University of Dallas
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Master of Business Administration in Cybersecurity
Houston, Texas
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Master of Art in Criminology
Monroe, Louisiana
University of Louisiana-Monroe
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
Louisville, Kentucky
University of Louisville
Master of Science in Justice Administration
Memphis, Tennessee
University of Memphis
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
Grand Forks, North Dakota
University of North Dakota
Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
Greeley, Colorado
University of Northern Colorado
Masters of Arts in Criminal Justice
Norman, Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Albuquerque, New Mexico
University of Phoenix
Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security
Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security - Global and Homeland Security
Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security - Law Enforcement
Vermillion, South Dakota
University of South Dakota
Master of Science in Administration - Criminal Justice
Toledo, Ohio
University of Toledo
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
Platteville, Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Utica, New York
Utica College
Master of Science in Cybersecurity - intelligence
Master of Science in Cybersecurity - Computer Forensics
Master of Science in Economic Crime Management
Master of Science in Cybersecurity - Cyber Operations
Master of Business Administration in Economic Crime and Fraud Management
Valparaiso, Indiana
Valparaiso University
Online Master of Science in Cyber Security
Birmingham, Alabama
Virginia College
Masters of Science in Criminal Justice
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Walden University
Master of Science in Forensic Psycology
Master of Science in Public Health
Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management
Master of Science in Emergency Management
Pullman, Washington
Washington State University
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
Salt Lake City, Utah
Western Governors University
Master of Science in information Security and Assurance - Security Policy and Standards
Master of Science in information Security and Assurance - Cryptography
Master of Science in information Security and Assurance - Risk Management
Master of Science in information Security and Assurance - Current and Emerging Technology
Master of Science in information Security and Assurance - Vulnerability Assessment
Master of Science in information Security and Assurance - Disaster Recovery Planning, Prevention and Response
Master of Science in information Security and Assurance - Cyberlaw, Regulations and Compliance
Master of Science in information Security and Assurance - Forensics and Network intrusion
Master of Science in information Security and Assurance - Hacking
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Western Kentucky University
Master of Arts in Criminology
Monmouth, Oregon
Western Oregon University
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
New Castle, Delaware
Wilmington University
Master of Science in Administration of Justice - Homeland Security
Master of Science in Homeland Security - Safety & Security
Master of Science in Administration of Justice - Leadership and Administration
Master of Science in Homeland Security - Organizational Leadership
Master of Science in Administration of Justice - Criminal Behavior
Master of Science in Homeland Security - information Assurance
Youngstown, Ohio
Youngstown State University
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
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