Online Criminal Justice Masters Degree

Earn your Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Online from an Accredited School

The following colleges and universities offer online master’s degrees in criminal justice. To learn more about each school’s program, click on a link below.

Capella University Online Master of Science in Public Safety/Criminal Justice

Advance your career and increase your effectiveness in the fields of corrections, criminal justice, or the judicial system by broadening your skill set and deepening your understanding of the complex issues surrounding criminal behavior. This online master’s in criminal justice specialization covers such topics as human behavior, the corrections and judicial systems, social change and public policy, ethnic and cultural awareness, and contributing factors such as addiction. This specialization is designed for caseworkers, probation and parole officers, juvenile specialists, law enforcement agents, and others who want to advance their careers and play a stronger role in facilitating positive change in the criminal justice system. Learn More

Total Program Credits: 48 Credits

All credits listed below are quarter credits.

Core Courses

  • HS5002 - Survey of Research in Human Development and Behavior - 4 credits
  • HS5006 - Survey of Research Methodology - 4 credits
  • HS5334 - Ethnic and Cultural Awareness - 4 credits
  • Learn More

Specialization Courses

  • HS5402 - Social Change and Public Policy - 4 credits
  • PSF5371 - Practices of Probation, Parole, and Community Corrections - 4 credits
  • PSF5372 - History of the Juvenile Criminal Justice System - 4 credits
  • PSF5370 - Juvenile Delinquency - 4 credits
  • HS5267 - Intervention with Compulsive and Addictive Behaviors - 4 credits
  • PSF5991 - Integrative Project for Public Safety Learners* - 4 credits
  • Learn More

Three Elective Courses

Criminal Justice Masters Degrees | Back To Top

 

Capella University Online Master of Science in Public Safety/Emergency Management

Major disasters around the world have brought heightened appreciation for emergency professionals with the leadership skills to field manage complex, crisis situations, and coordinate the many agencies that often join forces to address emergency situations. This emergency management specialization is designed to deepen your understanding of the dynamics of all phases of natural and man-made disasters, including dealing with various human reactions, critical incident stress management, risk assessment, evaluation, and analysis, and managing critical incidents via the National Incident Management System (NIMS). People who choose this specialization often work in law enforcement, fire service, or other security or emergency management fields who want to expertly manage critical incidents. Learn More

Total Program Credits: 48 Credits

All credits listed below are quarter credits.

Core Courses

  • HS5002 - Survey of Research in Human Development and Behavior - 4 credits
  • HS5006 - Survey of Research Methodology - 4 credits
  • HS5334 - Ethnic and Cultural Awareness - 4 credits
  • Learn More

Specialization Courses

  • PSF5600 - Public Safety Organizational Leadership - 4 credits
  • PSF5620 - Critical Incident Stress Management - 4 credits
  • PSF5621 - Disaster Management - 4 credits
  • PSF5622 - National Incident Management Systems - 4 credits
  • PSF5623 - Critical Infrastructure Risk Assessment, Evaluation, and Analysis - 4 credits
  • PSF5991 - Integrative Project for Public Safety Learners* - 4 credits
  • Learn More

Three Elective Courses

Criminal Justice Masters Degrees | Back To Top

 

Capella University Online Master of Science in Public Safety/Public Safety Leadership

With the field of public safety becoming broader and more complex, there is increased demand for public safety leaders who are knowledgeable on a range of public safety, criminal justice, and emergency preparedness issues, and have the business and human resources skills to effectively manage a complex organization. The master's-level specialization is designed to prepare you to handle the many facets of public safety leadership through course work that includes human development and behavior, organizational leadership, accounting and finance, and training and performance improvement. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing career advancement or consulting careers in law enforcement, fire services, emergency response, and other public safety professions. Learn More

Total Program Credits: 48 Credits

All credits listed below are quarter credits.

Core Courses

  • HS5002 - Survey of Research in Human Development and Behavior - 4 credits
  • HS5006 - Survey of Research Methodology - 4 credits
  • HS5334 - Ethnic and Cultural Awareness - 4 credits
  • Learn More

Specialization Courses

  • PSF5600 - Public Safety Organizational Leadership - 4 credits
  • PSF5601 - Personal Leadership Development - 4 credits
  • PSF5602 - Leadership and Human Resource Management - 4 credits
  • PSF5610 - Accounting and Finance in Public Safety Organizations - 4 credits
  • PSF5611 - Managing Training and Performance Improvement - 4 credits
  • PSF5991 - Integrative Project for Public Safety Learners* - 4 credits
  • Learn More

Three Elective Courses

Criminal Justice Masters Degrees | Back To Top

Colorado Technical University Online Master of Science in Management / Criminal Justice

The Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Criminal Justice (MSM‐CJ) degree program is designed to meet the emerging administrative and leadership needs of the criminal justice system. The criminal justice field is rapidly expanding in the areas of corrections, law enforcement, law and the courts, and in many types of diversionary and ancillary programs that support the system. As a result, those with leadership and management skills, and those with expertise in program evaluation, budgeting and policy‐making will help forge the future of the criminal justice system.

This program is designed specifically to develop the knowledge base and skills essential to those who will become the managers of people, money and programs, and leaders in planning and decision‐making in the criminal justice system. These skills are applicable to a wide spectrum of employment areas for both public and non‐profit organizations within the criminal justice system and ancillary agencies. The Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Criminal Justice was developed with the direction of leaders in the criminal justice industry and reflects the balance needed for developing excellent administrative skills along with the information base necessary to enhance responsible policy‐making. Learn More

Program Outcomes

  • Discuss trends in the development of public policies and apply management principles and policy analysis techniques to current issues facing criminal justice and juvenile justice agencies
  • Use research results to enhance administrative problem‐solving and decision‐making
  • Explore proactive strategies that reflect responsible organizational values
  • Examine how court rulings, public opinion, research finding, and legislative actions have influenced justice‐related policies
  • Analyze the realities of translating public policy into operational practice in law enforcement, correctional and juvenile justice agencies
  • Evaluate the impact and cost‐effectiveness of justice policies and organizational practices
  • Identify innovative approaches for developing rational, fiscally‐responsible policy choices
  • Apply management and leadership theories to the challenges faced by modern public safety Agencies
  • Learn More

Program Requirements

CJUS610 Crime Lab/Evidence Management 4
CJUS620 Court Services Management 4
CJUS630 Law Enforcement Management 4
CJUS640 Corrections Management 4
CJUS651 Homeland Security 6
HRM620 Managing Organizational Development and Change 4
ID612 Leadership 4
MGM604 Organizational Behavior 4
MGM623 Public Administration 4
MGM634 Advanced Grant Writing 6
Learn More

Total MSM ‐ CJ Degree Program Requirements 44

Criminal Justice Masters Degrees | Back To Top

 

Everest University Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Do you want to contribute to the betterment of society? Further your knowledge of crime and the criminal justice system through a comprehensive study in the areas of theory, research methods and statistics, policy and administration. The program will prepare you for management positions in probation, corrections, immigration, law enforcement, and security. Learn More

The curriculum offers a balance of theory and application in the areas of:

  • Law
  • Ethics
  • Crime and Criminology
  • Applied research methods
  • Critical issues in criminal justice
  • Statistical methods
  • Constitutional theory
  • Management skills
  • Victimology
  • Learn More

The curriculum is designed to provide you with solid leadership and management skills that are applicable to the many disciplines of the program. You will gain the tools necessary to identify, research and solve problems as they relate to the criminal justice system. Learn More

The multi-faceted approach prepares you for employment in an agency or department within the criminal justice community. You will also broaden your skills by obtaining job-related knowledge and expertise in the specialized areas of law enforcement administration, corrections, juvenile justice, drug abuse, and abuse counseling.
Learn More

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice Degree offers a specialized overview of the criminal justice system, preparing graduates for management-level positions in a broad array of criminal justice environments.
Learn More

Credit Units: 54 or 56
Length: 21

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed to meet the needs of a highly focused but multifaceted institution of American society, the criminal justice system. The program utilizes a multi-discipline approach to serve the variety of agencies/departments within the criminal justice community. The curriculum is designed to offer a balance of theory and application that will prove to be challenging to the student and useful in the field and focuses on law enforcement administration, corrections, juvenile justice, drug abuse, and abuse counseling. Learn More

COURSE CODE COURSE Quarter Credit Hours
Graduate CORE REQUIREMENTS

CJL 5528 Law and the Legal System 4.0
CCJ 5489 Ethics in Criminal Justice 4.0
CCJ 5019 Crime and Criminology 4.0
CCJ 5702 Applied Research Methods 4.0
CCJ 5006 Overview of Criminal Justice 4.0
CCJP 5450 Critical Issues in Criminal Justice 4.0
CCJ 5704 Statistics For Criminal Justice 4.0
CCJ 5781 Writing for Research at the Graduate Level 2.0
CCJP 5000 Navigating Graduate School in Justice Studies 2.0
TOTAL QUARTER CREDIT HOURS 32.0
Learn More

ELECTIVES
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice student will select four (4) additional courses from those listed below and complete a minimum of 16.0 quarter credit hours:

CJL 5069 Modern Constitutional Theory 4.0
CCJ 5665 Victimology 4.0
CJC 5428 Counseling the Offender 4.0
CCJ 5408 Interpersonal Management Skills 4.0
CCJ 5672 Women, Crime and Criminal Justice 4.0
CCJ 5667 Substance Use, Crime and Criminal Justice 4.0
CJJ 5028 Juvenile Justice System 4.0
CCJP 6000 Criminal Justice Capstone 6.0
OR two additional electives 8.0
Learn More

TOTAL QUARTER CREDIT HOURS 6.0 or 8.0
TOTAL QUARTER CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED 54.0 or 56.0

Criminal Justice Masters Degrees | Back To Top

Kaplan University Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice

The Kaplan University Master of Science in Criminal Justice is built on a professional model of relevant, practical knowledge. The program offers two courses of study, a nonthesis track that lends itself to practical law enforcement applications and a research-based thesis track that focuses on theory and prepares you for criminal justice instruction. There are five areas of specialization in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program: Law, Global Issues in Criminal Justice, Leadership and Executive Management, Corrections, and Policing.

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program consists of a minimum of 55 quarter credit hours. All classes are five credits. A completed thesis track degree consists of seven core courses and four electives or specialization courses and a non-thesis track degree consists of five core courses and six electives or specialization courses. Learn More

Core Requirements:

Criminological Theory - 5 credits
Critical Legal Issues in Criminal Justice - 5 credits
Research Methodology - 5 credits
Organizational Behavior - 5 credits
Data Analysis - 5 credits
Research and Thesis I - 5 credits
Research and Thesis II - 5 credits
Learn More

Policing Emphasis Area Electives:

Employment and Policy Law - 5 credits
Fiscal Issues in Criminal Justice - 5 credits
Critical Issues in Policing - 5 credits
Ethics and Diversity in Policing - 5 credits
Learn More

Criminal Justice Masters Degrees | Back To Top

 

Kaplan University Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice/Global Issues in Criminal Justice

The Kaplan University Master of Science in Criminal Justice is built on a professional model of relevant, practical knowledge. The program offers two courses of study, a nonthesis track that lends itself to practical law enforcement applications and a research-based thesis track that focuses on theory and prepares you for criminal justice instruction. There are five areas of specialization in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program: Law, Global Issues in Criminal Justice, Leadership and Executive Management, Corrections, and Policing.

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program consists of a minimum of 55 quarter credit hours. All classes are five credits. A completed thesis track degree consists of seven core courses and four electives or specialization courses and a non-thesis track degree consists of five core courses and six electives or specialization courses. Learn More

Core Requirements

Criminological Theory - 5 credits
Organizational Behavior - 5 credits
Critical Issues in Criminal Justice - 5 credits
Research Methodology - 5 credits
Critical Legal Issues in Criminal Justice - 5 credits
Learn More

Global Justice Emphasis Area Courses

Comparative Criminal Justice Systems - 5 credits
Transnational Crime - 5 credits
Critical Issues in Terrorism - 5 credits
Contemporary International Justice Issues - 5 credits
Learn More

MSCJ Elective Area Courses

MSCJ Elective - 5 credits
MSCJ Elective - 5 credits
Learn More

Criminal Justice Masters Degrees | Back To Top

 

Kaplan University Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice/Corrections

The Kaplan University Master of Science in Criminal Justice is built on a professional model of relevant, practical knowledge. The program offers two courses of study, a nonthesis track that lends itself to practical law enforcement applications and a research-based thesis track that focuses on theory and prepares you for criminal justice instruction. There are five areas of specialization in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program: Law, Global Issues in Criminal Justice, Leadership and Executive Management, Corrections, and Policing.

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program consists of a minimum of 55 quarter credit hours. All classes are five credits. A completed thesis track degree consists of seven core courses and four electives or specialization courses and a non-thesis track degree consists of five core courses and six electives or specialization courses. Learn More

Curriculum Requirements

Criminological Theory - 5 credits
Research Methodology - 5 credits
Critical Legal Issues in Criminal Justice - 5 credits
Organizational Behavior - 5 credits
Critical Issues in Criminal Justice - 5 credits
Comprehensive Examination - 0 credits
Learn More

MSCJ Elective Area Courses

MSCJ Elective - 5 credits
MSCJ Elective - 5 credits
Critical Issues in Corrections - 5 credits
Comparative Correctional Systems - 5 credits
Critical Issues in Juvenile Justice - 5 credits
Community Based Corrections - 5 credits
Learn More

Criminal Justice Masters Degrees | Back To Top

 

Kaplan University Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice/Law

The Kaplan University Master of Science in Criminal Justice is built on a professional model of relevant, practical knowledge. The program offers two courses of study, a non-thesis track that lends itself to practical law enforcement applications and a research-based thesis track that focuses on theory and prepares you for criminal justice instruction. There are five areas of specialization in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program: Law, Global Issues in Criminal Justice, Leadership and Executive Management, Corrections, and Policing.

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program consists of a minimum of 55 quarter credit hours. All classes are five credits. A completed thesis track degree consists of seven core courses and four electives or specialization courses and a nonthesis track degree consists of five core courses and six electives or specialization courses. Learn More

Core Requirements

Criminological Theory - 5 credits
Research Methodology - 5 credits
Critical Legal Issues in Criminal Justice - 5 credits
Organizational Behavior - 5 credits
Critical Issues in Criminal Justice - 5 credits
Learn More

Law Emphasis Area Electives

Law Emphasis Area Electives - 5 credits
Law Emphasis Area Electives - 5 credits
Law Emphasis Area Electives - 5 credits
Law Emphasis Area Electives - 5 credits
Learn More

MSCJ Elective Area Courses

MSCJ Elective - 5 credits
MSCJ Elective - 5 credits
Learn More

Criminal Justice Masters Degrees | Back To Top

 

Kaplan University Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice/Leadership and Executive Management

The Kaplan University Master of Science in Criminal Justice is built on a professional model of relevant, practical knowledge. The program offers two courses of study, a nonthesis track that lends itself to practical law enforcement applications and a research-based thesis track that focuses on theory and prepares you for criminal justice instruction. There are five areas of specialization in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program: Law, Global Issues in Criminal Justice, Leadership and Executive Management, Corrections, and Policing.

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program consists of a minimum of 55 quarter credit hours. All classes are five credits. A completed thesis track degree consists of seven core courses and four electives or specialization courses and a nonthesis track degree consists of five core courses and six electives or specialization courses. Learn More

Core Requirements

Critical Legal Issues in Criminal Justice - 5 credits
Criminological Theory - 5 credits
Research Methodology - 5 credits
Organizational Behavior - 5 credits
Critical Issues in Criminal Justice - 5 credits
Learn More

MSCJ Elective Areas

MSCJ Elective - 5 credits
MSCJ Elective - 5 credits
Learn More

Policing Emphasis Area Courses

Employment and Policy Law - 5 credits
Theoretical Applications of Justice Management - 5 credits
Fiscal Issues in Criminal Justice - 5 credits
Human Resource Development - 5 credits
Learn More

Criminal Justice Masters Degrees | Back To Top

 

Kaplan University Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice/Policing

The Kaplan University Master of Science in Criminal Justice is built on a professional model of relevant, practical knowledge. The program offers two courses of study, a non-thesis track that lends itself to practical law enforcement applications and a research-based thesis track that focuses on theory and prepares you for criminal justice instruction. There are five areas of specialization in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program: Law, Global Issues in Criminal Justice, Leadership and Executive Management, Corrections, and Policing.

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program consists of a minimum of 55 quarter credit hours. All classes are five credits. A completed thesis track degree consists of seven core courses and four electives or specialization courses and a non-thesis track degree consists of five core courses and six electives or specialization courses. Learn More

Core Requirements

Criminological Theory - 5 credits
Organizational Behavior - 5 credits
Critical Issues in Criminal Justice - 5 credits
Research Methodology - 5 credits
Critical Legal Issues in Criminal Justice - 5 credits
Learn More

MSCJ Elective Area Courses

MSCJ Elective - 5 credits
MSCJ Elective - 5 credits
Learn More

Policing Emphasis Area Courses

Employment and Policy Law - 5 credits
Fiscal Issues in Criminal Justice - 5 credits
Critical Issues in Policing - 5 credits
Ethics and Diversity in Policing - 5 credits
Learn More

Criminal Justice Masters Degrees | Back To Top

 

University of Phoenix Campus and Online Master of Science/Administration of Justice and Security

The Master of Science/Administration of Justice and Security degree provides the required knowledge for the student to develop competence in administering criminal justice or security programs. While distinctions between the roles of justice and security organizations are understood, the degree emphasizes an understanding of administrative responsibilities common to both disciplines. The value of cooperative interaction is also addressed. The degree provides the student with administrative program development and problem solving skills in preparation for promotional or transitional opportunities in the management of police, corrections, security or court operations.
Learn More

Course #

Course Title

Credits

Prerequisite(s)

     
Core Courses    

CJA 500

Survey of Justice and Security

3

-------
CJA 510 Organizational Administration and Behavior 3 CJA 500
CJA 520 Management of Institutional Risk 3 CJA 500
CJA 530 Ethics in Justice and Security 3 CJA 500
CJA 540 Criminological Theory 3 CJA 500
CJA 550 Legal Issues in Justice and Security 3 CJA 500
CJA 560 Critical Incident Management 3 CJA 500
CJA 570 Cyber Crime and Information Systems Security 3 CJA 500
CJA 580 Public Policy Issues 3 CJA 500
CJA 585 Concepts of Physical and Personal Protection 3 CJA 500
CJA 590 Forensic Science and Psychological Profiling 3 CJA 500
CJA 595 Program Development and Evaluation 3 CJA 500


Criminal Justice Masters Degrees | Back To Top

 

Walden University Online Master of Public Administration/Criminal Justice

This specialization is designed for criminal justice professionals, including supervisors and managers in policing, courts, corrections, security, and associated support agencies, who aspire to move into upper-level management and administrative assignments. The coursework includes an in-depth review and discussion of contemporary decision-making models and issues confronting the American criminal justice system. Learn More

Completion Requirements

  • 64 total quarter credit hours
    • Core courses (52 cr.)
    • Specialized courses (12 cr.)
  • Portfolio

Core Courses
The program’s courses are 12 weeks in length. Quarters 1 through 9 are delivered in a prescribed sequence.

Note: The specializations are optional for the M.P.A. program. Students who choose not to pursue a specialization will complete only the core courses (General Program). Learn More

MMPA 6000 Foundations for Graduate Study - 6 credits
MMPA 6220 Principles of Public Administration: Applied Critical-Thinking Skills - 6 credits
MMPA 6265 Organizational Theory and Behavior - 4 credits
MMPA 6300 Strategic Management of Information - 4 credits
MMPA 6230 Professional Leadership and Ethics - 4 credits
MMPA 6240 Cultural Competency: Communication Skills for a Global Society - 2 credits
MMPA 6210 Managing at the Boundaries: Creative Thinking for Social Change - 6 credits
MMPA 6285 Policy Analysis - 4 credits
MMPA xxxx 1st of 3 specialization courses (see table below) - 4 credits
MMPA 6250 Nonprofit and Governmental Budgeting and Finance - 4 credits
MMPA 6275 Human Resource Management - 4 credits
MMPA 6295 Applied Research - 4 credits
MMPA xxxx 2nd of 3 specialization courses (see table below) - 4 credits
MMPA xxxx 3rd of 3 specialization courses (see table below) - 4 credits
MMPA 6305 Capstone Seminar - 4 credits
Learn More

Specialized Courses

MMPA 6350 Historical and Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice - 4 credits
MMPA 6351 Policy Analysis in the Criminal Justice System - 4 credits
MMPA 6352 Leadership: Putting Theory into Practice in Criminal Justice Administration - 4 credits
Learn More


Criminal Justice Masters Degrees | Back To Top

 

Walden University Online Master of Public Administration/Homeland Security Policy and Coordination

Today’s complex public safety environment demands smart policy on emergency response strategies. Walden’s specialization in Homeland Security Policy and Coordination prepares homeland security professionals to implement protective measures without compromising individual rights and freedoms. With this knowledge, students are equipped to effectively develop policy to protect individuals’ safety and freedom. Learn More

Completion Requirements

  • 64 total quarter credit hours
    • Core courses (52 cr.)
    • Specialized courses (12 cr.)
  • Portfolio

Core Courses
The program’s courses are 12 weeks in length. Quarters 1 through 9 are delivered in a prescribed sequence.

Note: The specializations are optional for the M.P.A. program. Students who choose not to pursue a specialization will complete only the core courses (General Program). Learn More

MMPA 6000 Foundations for Graduate Study - 6 credits
MMPA 6265 Organizational Theory and Behavior - 4 credits
MMPA 6300 Strategic Management of Information - 4 credits
MMPA 6230 Professional Leadership and Ethics - 4 credits
MMPA 6240 Cultural Competency: Communication Skills for a Global Society - 2 credits
MMPA 6210 Managing at the Boundaries: Creative Thinking for Social Change - 6 credits
MMPA 6285 Policy Analysis - 4 credits
MMPA xxxx 1st of 3 specialization courses (see table below) - 4 credits
MMPA 6250 Nonprofit and Governmental Budgeting and Finance - 4 credits
MMPA 6275 Human Resource Management - 4 credits
MMPA 6295 Applied Research - 4 credits
MMPA xxxx 2nd of 3 specialization courses (see table below) - 4 credits
MMPA xxxx 3rd of 3 specialization courses (see table below) - 4 credits
MMPA 6305 Capstone Seminar - 4 credits
Learn More

Specialized Courses

MMPA 6320 Public Policy Implications of Terrorism Legislation and Policies - 4 credits
MMPA 6321 Terrorism: A Systemic Approach for Emergency Preparedness - 4 credits
MMPA 6322 Critical Incident Planning and Leadership - 4 credits
Learn More


Criminal Justice Masters Degrees | Back To Top

 

Featured Colleges

Each of our featured colleges provide quality and accredited online degrees in many fields including computer forensics, criminal justice, and information systems security. Many of these schools also have campuses in several major metropolitan areas across the United States. To learn more about these schools, click on the button(s) of the school(s) below.

 

Back To Top