Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Best Programs of 2023
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- 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.
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.
Featured Criminal Justice Programs
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.
Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs
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Franklin University
Columbus, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $670
Out of State | $670
Credits to Graduate
32
School Information
School Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Franklin's MA in criminal justice administration builds career skills for aspiring law enforcement officers, criminologists, and community college professors. You can incorporate a criminal justice management certificate into your degree plan. The online program offers multiple start dates and spans 14 months.
Coursework for Franklin's criminal justice program includes criminology, victimology, and adult and juvenile justice systems. It culminates in a public administration capstone. You must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited school with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit*
In State | $600
Out of State | $600
*Cost based on traditional learning and may vary for online programs.
Credits to Graduate
36
School Information
School Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Lewis' master's in criminal justice offers concentrations in criminal justice and security studies. You'll take courses in criminal law, federal criminal justice systems, and terrorism. The program ends with a comprehensive exam. Lewis belongs to the Academic Alliance of the FBI National Academy Associates, Inc.
Lewis' master's in criminal justice takes place in an accelerated format. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree in social or behavioral science from an accredited school. You must also either currently work in the criminal justice field or have completed two introductory criminal justice courses with at least a "B" grade.
University of New Haven
West Haven, CT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,055
Out of State | $1,055
Credits to Graduate
36
School Information
School Accreditation | New England Commission of Higher Education
New Haven's MS in criminal justice focuses on contemporary criminal justice theory and research. You can choose to concentrate in crime analysis, police behavioral studies, or leadership and management. In New Haven's program, you can take accelerated courses, offered year round.
You must pass a comprehensive exam to earn your degree. New Haven does not require GMAT or GRE scores for admission. First responders and other public safety professionals enjoy a 50% tuition discount.
Texas Southern University
Houston, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $100
Out of State | N/A
Credits to Graduate
36
School Information
School Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TSU offers its executive master of administration in criminal justice through the Barbara Jordan Mickey-Leland School of Public Affairs. If you're a law enforcement, corrections, or social services professional seeking mid-career-level management skills, TSU's program may be a good fit. Plus, you can complete the degree in two years.
You must hold an accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA. In addition, admission requires current employment and at least five years of experience in criminal justice, social services, or a related field.
Lynn University
Boca Raton, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $650
Out of State | $650
Credits to Graduate
37
School Information
School Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Lynn developed its executive online master's in criminal justice for law enforcement and public affairs professionals working nontraditional schedules. Lynn's criminal justice program offers small class sizes and accelerated completion in as little as one year. And as an online student, you'll qualify to participate in Lynn's iPad Initiative program.
The MS in criminal justice culminates in an applied research project. You can hold an accredited bachelor's degree in any field and do not need to submit GRE scores for admission.
University of North Georgia
Dahlonega, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $303
Out of State | $303
Credits to Graduate
36
School Information
School Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
UNG's online master's in criminal justice emphasizes international crime theory and policy. You can choose from electives including forensic behavioral analysis, homeland security, and international political violence. UNG's master's program ends with a capstone seminar.
UNG offers criminal justice graduate courses in an annual rotation and allows you to begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer semester. Admission requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited school and a 2.75 cumulative GPA.
Northeastern University
Boston, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Total Program Cost
In State | $953-$1,103
Out of State | $953-$1,103
Credits to Graduate
32-34
School Information
School Accreditation | New England Commission of Higher Education
Northeastern's online MS in criminology and criminal justice follows an experiential learning model. You may opt to complete a co-op work experience and experiential integration, spanning two consecutive semesters. Northeastern's master's in criminal justice also offers an optional cybersecurity concentration.
You can enter the program in the fall or spring and choose from full- or part-time study options. The program lasts for one year — not including the co-op experience, which extends completion time by six months.
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $775
Out of State | $775
Credits to Graduate
36
School Information
School Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
If you're a legal professional looking to advance your career, UofL's online master's degree in criminal justice may be a good fit. Coursework covers the criminal justice system and applied statistics and research methods in criminal justice. The program culminates in a final research paper. And UofL's program includes an optional practicum experience.
UofL offers eight-week terms and year-round courses, so you can earn your master's in criminal justice in three semesters. Plus, UofL maintains a rolling admissions schedule. You must hold an accredited bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
University of Houston-Downtown
Houston, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $414
Out of State | $772
Credits to Graduate
36
School Information
School Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
UHD offers its online master's in criminal justice through the College of Public Service. UHD's program might be for you if you currently practice criminal justice and aspire to teach at a community college or pursue a doctorate. You may choose a thesis or non-thesis option.
You must hold an accredited bachelor's degree, preferably in criminal justice or a related field. In addition, admission requires a cumulative 3.0 GPA.
Concordia University-Saint Paul
Saint Paul, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $475
Out of State | $475
Credits to Graduate
36
School Information
School Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
CSP focuses on hands-on learning for students completing the master's in criminal justice online. Courses cover research methods, applied ethics, and correctional design, culminating in a criminal justice capstone.
The online MA in criminal justice leadership follows a cohort model and spans about two years. You must hold an accredited bachelor's degree with a cumulative 3.0 GPA. CSP does not charge an application fee.
How Much Does an Online Master's in Criminal Justice Cost?
Average Annual Cost of a Master's Degree
Public Institution | 2019-2020
$12,394
Private Institution | 2019-2020
$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.
Read More: Scholarships for Criminal Justice Majors
How Much Money Will You Make With a Master's in Healthcare Administration?
Source: Payscale
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
*Varies depending on your school/program
Read More: What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice Degree
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
