Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Best Programs 2024
Writer
Editor & Writer
Writer
Editor & Writer
www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Turn Your Dreams Into Reality
Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.
- A master's in criminal justice provides professional, financial, and personal benefits.
- In addition to tuition costs, master's degrees can have hidden costs that students should be aware of.
- Master's in criminal justice jobs include policing, social service, and legal careers.
Our communities rely on the criminal justice field and its professionals to establish order, protect us, and prevent and punish crime.
So what makes up the criminal justice field? This industry includes many career paths, including traditional law enforcement, paralegals, and community service professionals.
The FBI alone fielded nearly 850,000 cybercrime incidents in 2021, resulting in more than $6.9 billion in damages. If you want to get in on the action, a master's in criminal justice can get you there.
Here, we explore some of those rewards and opportunities and the programs that best prepare you for them.If you're considering an online master's in criminal justice degree, here's what to do next:
- Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
- Check out the top-ranked online master's in criminal justice programs, as well as our sponsored programs.
- Request more information from schools you're interested in to find the best fit for you.
Featured Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Browse programs Discover matches Request info
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
University of North Texas
Denton, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Northeastern University
Boston, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Killeen, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Roger Williams University
Bristol, RI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Why Should You Get a Master's in Criminal Justice?
A master's in criminal justice can provide you with many professional benefits. The degree can impact your career trajectory, your responsibilities, and your earnings.
Below, we outline some of the rewards you could reap for getting your master's degree in criminal justice and a few of the reasons for pursuing it online.
Benefits of Getting a Master's in Criminal Justice Degree
- Better understand advanced topics in policy development, social justice, and crime analysis
- Access more specialization opportunities
- Qualify for more leadership positions within your industry and community
- Earn higher wages from high-ranking positions
- Greater control over your career direction and professional happiness
- Build a foundation for further education
- Study while working in the field to advance your experience and education
Reasons for Getting Your Master's in Criminal Justice Online
- First: An online master's in criminal justice provides you with more convenience and flexibility, such as nontraditional class times or asynchronous delivery schedules.
- Second: Online degrees have fewer travel limitations and on-campus requirements, which can open up the door to more school, program, and specialization options.
- Third: Online studies give you more control of your time and education, meaning you can organize your studies around your work schedule and family demands.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Master's in Criminal Justice Degree?
A master's in criminal justice leads to many different careers, but the following chart highlights some of the more popular options and their respective salaries. The upside? With a master's degree, you may have access to some of the highest-paying positions within each of these professions.
Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2021) |
---|---|
Police and Detectives | $66,020 |
Probation Offices and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $60,250 |
Forensic Science Technicians | $61,930 |
Paralegals | $56,230 |
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $99,330 |
As a criminal justice graduate, you'll have the opportunity to join one of several fields. The demand in these industries and professions varies, but — as an essential service — the majority provide job security.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 10% growth for legal occupations. These fields will add more than 200,000 new jobs, including more than 20,000 police and detectives and nearly 50,000 paralegals and legal assistants.
How Much Does an Online Master's in Criminal Justice Cost?
Average Annual Cost of a Master's Degree | 2019-2020
Public Institution
$12,394
Private Institution
$26,621
The facts don't lie: A master's degree can come with a hefty price tag. Unfortunately, there are hidden college costs that can add up on top of the listed price. A list of costs that you should consider when laying out your college expenses include:
- College fees
- Room and board
- Equipment and materials
- Travel
- Miscellaneous expenses
But not all costs have to come out of your pocket. You may qualify for financial aid and federal grants, tuition discounts, or criminal justice scholarships. Plus, an online master's in criminal justice may provide you with additional savings or allow you to earn more money while you study.
How Much Money Will You Make With a Master's in Criminal Justice?
Average Base Salary by Occupation
MS, Criminal Justice
$58,000
MA, Healthcare Administration
$61,000
How Long Does an Online Master's in Criminal Justice Take?
An online master's in criminal justice program typically takes 1-2 years to complete and features 30-45 credits. These programs aim to attract leaders who can leverage ethics, empathy, and professional standards when making decisions.
Average Length of Time
1-2 years*
Required Course Credits
30-45 credits
Is a Master's in Criminal Justice Degree Worth It?
The job security, above-average pay, and strong growth make a master's in criminal justice a worthwhile investment. But you should also consider what you want to accomplish and the direction you want to take in your career. Then, decide if a master's in criminal justice will make that easier.
Here are a few of the pros and cons to compare:
- Cost of education vs. salary increase
- Time spent in the program vs. advancement potential
- Challenging studies vs. access to more specialized fields
At the end of the day, a master's in criminal justice can grant you more opportunities and a competitive advantage over many of your peers. But it will challenge you and require a considerable amount of time, money, and effort. You have to put a value on that process yourself.
Still Looking for the Right Fit in Law? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
Everything Else You Need to Know About a Master's in Criminal Justice
What can you do with a master's in criminal justice?
A master's in criminal justice gives you the qualifications and skills for many protective service, legal, and community occupations. This includes police and detective, probation officer, and paralegal roles at the entry and supervisory levels.
You can also continue your education with a doctorate in criminal justice or a law degree. This would create a path for you to become a postsecondary teacher, researcher, or lawyer.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in criminal justice?
Salaries ultimately depend on your specific location and employer. In general, first-line supervisors of police and detectives make the highest wages.
According to the BLS, police and detectives made a mean annual wage of $98,760 in May 2021. Those employed in the federal executive branch made the highest mean annual salaries at $138,630. The top 10% of all supervisors made more than $159,850.
What do you study in a master's in criminal justice program?
Every program looks a little different, but you'll typically study criminal behavior, the judicial system, and public and criminal justice policies. You may analyze and evaluate professional practices and programs while also examining the effects these have on law offenders and the public.
Depending on your program, you may specialize in the following fields:
- Homeland security
- Public policy
- Cybercrime and cybersecurity
- Strategic management and leadership
- Crime analysis