Students who graduate with a master’s degree in criminal justice are qualified to work in many protective service, legal, and community occupations. They can pursue a career as police supervisors, detective supervisors, victim’s advocates, forensic psychologists, cybercrime specialists, and other jobs in law enforcement and criminal justice management. If they currently work in law enforcement or the justice system, a master’s degree can lead to promotion and a higher salary.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median pay for police and detectives in 2021 was $66,020, while psychologists made an average of $81,040. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of a master’s program at a private institution in 2020-21 was $26,621, and $12,394 at a public institution. Completing this degree takes between one and two years of full-time study.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Degree Program
Choose your area of study
Since those holding this degree are qualified to work in many different areas of criminal justice, students should know what career they’d like to pursue after graduation and then choose a concentration that aligns with those goals. For example, some programs offer concentrations in homeland security, cybercrime, public policy, crime analysis, public administration, law enforcement leadership, and more. Additionally, other programs offer or require an internship or field experience, so potential applicants should check to make sure such opportunities are available where they live.
Research schools and programs
Once you’ve chosen an area of study, it’s time to research various schools and their programs. Focus on those that offer courses and specializations that correspond with your desired career path. You can find most information on the program’s page on the school’s website. Some schools may require students to complete an online form to receive additional information, or you may need to speak with an admissions counselor at the university to get answers to all your questions.
In addition to the academic aspects of the program, think about the following factors as well:
- Is the school accredited? Accreditation is where you should start. Regionally accredited institutions provide the best programs and education. Additionally, you won’t be eligible for federal financial aid if the school isn’t accredited. Furthermore, if you want to pursue post-secondary education, such as a doctorate, most universities will only accept a master’s degree from an accredited school. Finally, a degree from an accredited school will give you many more employment opportunities if you plan to enter the workforce after graduating. Be sure to apply only to institutions accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- What is the cost of the program? Price should also be one of the first factors you consider. Focus on programs within your budget so you don’t waste time researching those that won’t work for you financially. Find a balance between staying within your budget and finding a program you’ll enjoy participating in.
- What is the learning format? Students should decide if they want a format that is synchronous, asynchronous, or a combination of the two. Those with family or work responsibilities who will do most of their studying evenings and weekends may prefer an asynchronous format. Those who can study during the day and would like to interact more closely with fellow students and instructors may opt for a synchronous program. Some universities require students to be online at specific times for certain courses. Still, most studying can be done at the student’s convenience as long as all necessary deadlines are met.
- Where is the school located? Even if the program is 100% online, various campus events may be held on campus, such as career fairs, meet-and-greets, in-person orientations, sporting events, and various student clubs, organizations, and other activities. If you would like to participate in any of these, choose a school close to your home.
Prepare for tests and applications
Each university has admissions requirements, so check the school’s website for details. Some institutions offer rolling admissions, while others have specific deadlines for submitting applications and supporting documentation. The program’s start date may be a factor, as online programs don’t always start at the same time as their on-campus counterparts. Also, some universities require GRE scores for admittance to graduate degree programs.
Select your program
After you’ve completed your research into various schools and programs, take some time to examine what you found. Consider the pros and cons of each program, eliminate the ones that won’t work for you, and then make a list, in order of preference, of all the remaining programs. It’s a good idea to apply to all the schools on the list since you don’t know the responses. Keep your options open. If you receive several acceptance letters, choose the school that ranks highest on your list.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Financial aid is available to eligible students from the U.S. government in the form of grants, loans, and work-study programs. Fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive such assistance. Many schools offer various financing options, or you may be able to pay for a course at a time as you work through the program. If you have previously earned college credits beyond a bachelor’s degree, it may be possible to transfer them; this can reduce the number of courses you need to take for the degree. Past and current military members can usually get a discount on their tuition. Beyond that, a part-time job can help pay for your degree if you have room in your schedule.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Degree Program
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How We Rank Schools
This list features some of the best online master’s in criminal justice programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online master’s in criminal justice programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Degree Program?
Each criminal justice program has its own curriculum, and the different programs can vary quite a bit. Nevertheless, students generally study subjects such as law enforcement, courts and the justice system, criminal behavior, research methods, public policies, data analytics, and others.
Online students receive course material via an online learning management system (LMS) such as Moodle, Canvas, D2L Brightspace, or Blackboard. Some institutions have developed their own LMS. While each LMS has unique features, students can usually log in to a student portal to view the course syllabus, class schedules, audio-video material, reading material, course assignments, grades, and more. Students also have access, via the LMS, to chats and message boards where they can view announcements and communicate with fellow students and instructors.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in criminal justice degree program
- Crime analysis in policing. This course examines methods and techniques police employ when collecting and collating data, along with the software and technology used. It also covers theory and research on crime analysis and how police use these to reduce crime.
- Analysis of criminal justice systems. In this course, students learn about the evolution of criminal justice theory and how various criminal justice systems have developed. They also examine how these systems respond to criminality and how to explain and evaluate these different responses.
- Courts, sentencing, and the judicial process. Students learn about the U.S. judicial process, including courtroom decision-making models and how they take into account politics, race, sex, and various bureaucratic issues and influences. It also examines social policies and their effect on courts and sentencing.
- Ethical and legal issues. Ethical issues are challenging the justice system more than ever, from local courts to the nation’s highest court. In this course, students examine such issues as abortion, same-sex marriage, gender issues, euthanasia, environmental concerns, and other topics that are shaping the legal landscape in the 21st century.
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in criminal justice degree program?
Most universities provide for application submission online via their websites. Paper applications can be submitted through the mail. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, but it doesn’t necessarily need to be in a related field. If the applicant does not have a bachelor’s degree, prior work experience in law enforcement or criminal justice may be accepted. Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions should be submitted; each university has a minimum GPA requirement, but these can vary. Most graduate programs also require applicants to submit resumes, a personal statement or letter of intent, and one or more letters of recommendation. Applicants should always contact an admissions counselor before applying.
How much does an online master’s in criminal justice degree program cost?
An online master’s in criminal justice costs between $10,000 and $24,000. Plan on additional fees for technology and software, books, and certain university services. Often, the tuition is higher for out-of-state residents, but this is not always the case for online students.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in criminal justice degree?
Depending on the program, an online master’s in criminal justice requires 30-45 credits and can be completed in one or two years with full-time study. Some universities offer an option to study part-time, but students are generally required to complete the degree in five years or less.