Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Best Programs 2024

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $320

Out-of-State | $320

Credits to Graduate: 36

SHSU's online master of science in criminal justice prepares you for a career in corrections, securities, social services, or law enforcement. This two-year degree requires 21 core credits and 15 elective credits. You may take courses such as the ethics of criminal justice, emergent issues in criminal justice leadership, or critical analysis of justice administration.

To apply, you need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field with a GPA of 3.0 or better. If your GPA is lower, you may submit your GRE scores.

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $585

Out-of-State | $585

Credits to Graduate: 33

UMass Lowell's master of arts in criminal justice provides full-time and part-time students with an online or hybrid degree focused on current topics in public safety. The curriculum includes five core courses, an array of electives, and an optional master's thesis.

To apply, you should hold a bachelor's degree in any subject with a GPA of 2.8 or better. UMass Lowell does not require GRE or GMAT scores. The application fee is $50. If you are a police officer, you may qualify for incentive pay after graduation.

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $348

Out-of-State | $856

Credits to Graduate: 33

USF's online master of arts in criminal justice covers theories, real-world principles, and current research in the field. Courses include research methods in criminology, quantitative analysis in criminology, minorities and crime, and terrorism and homeland security. 

After graduation, you may pursue a career as a cybercrime expert, trafficking prevention analyst, or justice policy professional, or you could apply to a doctoral program in a related field. Applicants should submit proof of a bachelor's degree and a 1-2 page statement of purpose along with two letters of recommendation. 

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $460

Out-of-State | $660

Credits to Graduate: 36

Offered online and on campus, UNT's master of science in criminal justice provides students with a concentration in justice policy and administration. Courses include a seminar on organized crime, advanced criminological theory, and world criminal justice systems. You can also take advantage of research opportunities, internships for credit, or study abroad initiatives. 

To graduate, you must pass a comprehensive exam. For consideration as an applicant, submit your transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and other application forms before the deadline of August 1 or Dec. 1. 

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $679

Out-of-State | $679

Credits to Graduate: 31

USD's MS in law enforcement and public safety leadership is a 20-month program designed for current law enforcement professionals who aspire to advance to commanding roles. The curriculum includes 10 three-unit courses and a one-unit capstone. 

You take subjects like best practices in community engagement, public safety law in a dynamic world, and data fluency and analysis for law enforcement leaders. The 1,000-plus students who have enrolled in this online program hold an average of 17 years of law enforcement experience each.

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $1,011

Out-of-State | $1,011

Credits to Graduate: 32-34

You can earn Northeastern's master of science in criminology and criminal justice in one year by studying entirely online. You can also combine your online studies with classroom-based learning or complete your degree part time. 

The program focuses on deviancy, crime prevention, and justice systems. The curriculum includes 16 credits of required courses and 16 credits of electives. You may use your elective credits to concentrate in cybersecurity. By completing six months of approved full-time work, you can also add a two-credit experiential learning component. 

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $288

Out-of-State | $288

Credits to Graduate: 30

You can complete Georgia College's online master of criminal justice in as few as four semesters. Courses include criminological theory, police in society, and criminal justice statistics. You may conclude with either an internship or independent study. Pre-doctoral students may want to pursue the justice scholar track, which requires a capstone research project.

Georgia College also offers public service and law and public policy tracks. To apply, you need a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or better or acceptable standardized test scores.

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $298-309

Out-of-State | $705-717

Credits to Graduate: 36

A&M-Central Texas' online master of criminal justice combines criminal justice research with real-world experience to prepare scholars and practitioners. Courses include advanced criminology, race and ethnicity, and quantitative data analysis. A&M-Central Texas offers thesis and non-thesis options. 

You can complete the 12-course sequence in as few as two years. For admission, the school requires you to hold a bachelor's degree with a 2.5 GPA or better in the last 60 credits of your program. 

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $1,091

Out-of-State | $1,091

Credits to Graduate: 36

Students in RWU's master of science in criminal justice explore the causes of crime alongside justice system management. You can take courses in cybersecurity, leadership, and public administration. The program concludes with an optional thesis for students who want to conduct research. This degree is available part time or full time, hybrid, or 100% online. 

Among 2022 graduates of the RWU School of Justice Studies, 100% had real-world experience, and 97% landed a placement within six months of graduation. The average starting salary was $54,000.

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $832

Out-of-State | $832

Credits to Graduate: 30

MSU's master of arts in criminal justice is built on the university's 80-year legacy in the field. Required courses include criminal justice behavior and ethics and a criminal justice management seminar. You can either specialize in security management or select four electives. A capstone completes the program.

Available fully online, this 10-course program takes two years to finish. To apply, you need a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or better. MSU does not require students to submit GRE scores to apply for this program.