Online Master's in Criminal Justice Degree Guide
Updated April 11, 2024
Criminal justice, an interdisciplinary study, focuses on the justice system, relevant organizations, and the evolution of the field. Criminal justice experts can pursue law enforcement, courts, and corrections roles.
People interested in the criminal justice system and related careers can pursue an online master's degree in criminal justice. Prospective criminal justice practitioners can read the following page to discover the benefits of an online degree, the various types of master's programs, and common career paths.
What Is an Online Master's in Criminal Justice?
An online master's in criminal justice prepares you for a variety of criminal justice occupations and helps kick-start career advancement in the field.
You learn widely applicable investigative techniques and strategies for use in public, private, and contract professions. Many master's programs also provide leadership practices to help usher you into management positions.
Compared to a campus-based program, an online master's in criminal justice program can provide a more flexible learning environment and improve program accessibility by limiting travel requirements.
Earning an online degree suits self-directed students, as courses often feature less peer and professor interaction and more independent study. That said, some online programs feature on-campus or on-site requirements, so you'll want to clearly understand the expectations prior to enrolling.
Most students take two years to complete an online criminal justice master's program, which typically requires between 30 and 45 credits. However, some institutions offer one-year or accelerated program options.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Get a Master's in Criminal Justice Online?
Earning a master's in criminal justice online can lead to personal and professional rewards. The advanced and specialized training of this degree can put you in a unique position in the industry.
Though each student has their own reasons for pursuing the degree, the following list describes some of the benefits that online criminal justice master's graduates enjoy.
- Career Opportunities: In general, criminal justice training grants you access to a variety of careers, but the advanced education that comes with a master's degree can unlock even more pathways, such as in federal or specialized positions.
- Higher Wages: Some employers perceive that applicants with a graduate degree have additional skills compared to bachelor's degree-holders. Companies may pay more for employees they view as having superior skills.
- For example, the Austin Police Department offers education incentive pay at a rate of $3,600 a year for master's degree-holders, while the rate for employees with a bachelor's degree is $2,640 a year.
- Flexibility: In-person programs require enrollees to attend classes at specified times throughout the week. Online programs may offer asynchronous classwork, offering additional flexibility compared to on-campus degrees. Individuals that work or have other commitments may benefit from the increased flexibility offered by online degrees.
- Affordability: Students can save money on tuition, transportation, and housing by attending online programs. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost for on-campus master's in protective services cost $8,910 annually. However, online programs had an average annual tuition of $8,164.
Types of Online Master's Degrees in Criminal Justice
Students interested in online criminal justice degrees at the master's level can pursue their training in several different ways. They may choose from a number of degree options and concentrations or they may build their own specializations within general degrees.
While graduates may access similar careers regardless of their type of degree, they should understand the possible differences between them to get the most out of their program. The following list details the main types of online master's in criminal justice degrees.
Compared to other online criminal justice master's programs, an MS degree grounds its core program in the sciences. MS programs may feature thesis requirements, which can help prepare students for a Ph.D. program. Since MS degrees may also lead to careers in the law enforcement field after graduation, they are a versatile option for students.
One of the more popular degree options available, an MA in criminal justice can lead students down a variety of pathways. These programs may focus on policy, administration, and leadership training. After completing the humanities-focused degree, graduates can enter the workforce or pursue a Ph.D.
An MPA in criminal justice helps graduates apply their public administration theoretical training to the criminal justice field.
Students learn to develop and implement public programs and policies. They also examine legal strategies and procedures used in the field. An MPA in criminal justice supports students looking for careers in administration or management positions.
An MBA in criminal justice equips students to improve and implement criminal justice policies. This training also develops leadership and management skills. This degree prepares graduates for careers in management, operations, and legal positions within the diverse criminal justice field.
MCJ programs teach data analysis, rationals to commit crime, and justice system challenges. Graduates should have the ability to assess crime theories and understand how different departments work together in the criminal justice system. Degree-holders can pursue roles in law enforcement, the legal system, or teaching.
Online Master's in Criminal Justice Curriculum
Each master's program features its own unique curriculum and course options. The different degree types and concentrations for online master's programs can also impact the available courses. In general, however, most programs feature core training courses, electives, internships, and thesis or capstone projects.
Common Degree Concentrations
- Counterterrorism
- Criminal Investigation
- Criminal Justice Administration
- Criminology
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Forensics
- Emergency Management
- Homeland Security
Core Courses
Core courses deliver the training that is considered essential in the field. This may include fundamental criminal justice courses and courses required by the school or department.
Electives allow students to choose courses in more specialized areas. They may complement the core training or delve into interdisciplinary studies. Students may find some of the following courses in criminal justice programs across the country.
Criminological Theory
In this course, students gain a fundamental understanding of crime, criminal behavior, and the legal system. They study the theoretical natures of crime, the various types of crime and criminal behavior, and the potential causes of crime. Courses also explore the social structure of law and order and observe how different theories impact criminal justice policies and procedures.
Criminal Justice Ethics
This course examines the ethical dilemmas within the criminal justice system. Training covers the balance between the professional responsibilities of the field, as well as the moral and the ethical implications that may arise in a student's career. Criminal justice ethics classes typically fall within the core program and provide students with essential ethical training.
Contemporary Issues In Criminal Justice
In this course, learners study the issues faced by today's professionals and the historical context in which these issues sit. Students look at how the field has changed over time, and the causes and motivations for that evolution. The courses also look at how current issues could impact future policies and procedures in criminal justice professions.
Police Budgeting and Finance
Students in this course learn about the financing of police departments and law enforcement agencies. They learn how management creates budgets and defends them at each organizational level. This training can prepare graduates for careers in administration and management within different agencies.
Criminal Justice Policy
Criminal justice policy courses look at how administration and management professionals tackle the creation and implementation of criminal justice policies within the various departments and organizations.
Students analyze current policies and look at how and why those organizations implemented them in the first place. This training can help students looking to qualify for management positions.
The Master's Practicum and Thesis
In addition to concentrations and specializations, students can use a master's practicum and thesis to build a specific expertise. By choosing an area of professional interest for the thesis topic or practicum location, learners can impact their career path and gain a competitive advantage over other job candidates.
A thesis is an extensive research project in which students create an in-depth report in an area of interest. These projects typically take up the majority of a learner's second year of study and can involve a considerable amount of work. Students interested in a thesis should look for programs that offer them as course options or requirements.
Like a thesis, a practicum is typically completed during the second year of a master's program. Students often choose as their practicum site an organization or field that they wish to work within after graduation. This allows them to build relevant experience at the same time as completing their education.
Career and Salary Outlook for Criminal Justice Graduates
Graduates with a master's degree in criminal justice qualify for a variety of positions in law enforcement and related fields. Their core training prepares them for advanced investigative work, while their focused skills and expertise qualifies them for leadership positions. Whatever specialized education they possess can expand the field of careers even further.
With a competitive median annual salary of almost $70,000, law enforcement offers attractive career options for job-seekers of all education levels. Master's graduates, however, tend to find work in managerial roles and specialized careers.
As a result, these professionals gain easier access to the top 10% of wages in the field, such as emergency management directors earning over $145,000 and first-line supervisors of correctional officers earning more than $110,000.
The following list highlights just some of the positions available to graduates with an online master's degree in criminal justice.
Criminal Investigator or Detective
Criminal investigators solve cases through collecting and analyzing evidence. They may work with and within a wide variety of law enforcement agencies and levels. While most criminal investigators need a bachelor's degree, a master's degree can lead to professional advancement and higher wages.
FBI Agent
- Average Salary: $69,886 (February 2024)
FBI agents investigate federal crimes and issues of national security. The FBI features many divisions and agents often specialize in a field, such as cybercrime, counterintelligence, and terrorism. Most FBI positions require a bachelor's degree at minimum, but some employers prefer master's graduates, and may offer higher salaries.
Air Marshal
- Average Salary: $70,031 (Limited data, November 2021)
Air marshals fly on commercial flights and look out for any suspicious or criminal activity. They observe all other passengers and attempt to maintain the safety of the people and equipment on board. A bachelor's degree is usually required to qualify for open roles, though a master's degree graduate may receive preference and wage enhancements.
Emergency Management Director
- Median Salary: $79,180
- Job Outlook (2022-32): +3%
Emergency management directors help organizations prepare and plan for emergencies. They lead in times of need and help limit damages and recover efficiently. A bachelor's degree is usually the minimum requirement, but a master's degree can lead to better opportunities and more professional rewards.
First-Line Supervisor of Correctional Officers
- Median Salary: $63,310
These supervisors oversee the operations of corrections officers. They coordinate the activities of the officers and ensure they follow all procedures and policies. Correctional officers typically need a bachelor's degree, whereas supervisors need experience or more advanced training.
First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives
- Median Salary: $96,290
First-line supervisors of police and detectives coordinate the police force, manage training, and assign cases. These professionals may investigate, log, and resolve complaints made against officers. Applicants for this role need an associate degree, or relevant experience.
How to Choose an Online Master's in Criminal Justice Program
Accreditation agencies can accredit entire institutions or specific programs. Accredited institutions demonstrate that they achieved a certain standard of learning.
Applicants should ensure their prospective school holds accreditation, as accreditation is necessary for any further studies. Employers may question a school's value and teaching techniques if it is unaccredited.
Programmatic accreditation agencies focus on specific sectors within their realm of specialization. Currently, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) does not recognize any entities capable of accrediting criminal justice programs. However, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) may provide endorsements or certifications for qualified criminal justice programs.
Online programs may offer a synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid format. Asynchronous schedules provide students with additional flexibility, allowing individuals to concurrently pursue a career. Most online programs can be completed remotely, but some may require enrollees to attend an in-person training seminar.
Each school designs its own curriculum, which can include core, elective, and concentration courses. Individuals with specific career goals can choose a program that focuses on their ideal vertical. Applicants can also focus on the skills taught by different institutions, and how they can apply to future careers.
Tuition and fees vary greatly among schools. Institutions may also offer various amounts of financial aid, which can eliminate or reduce tuition costs. Prospective attendees should compare the cost, after financial aid, of different programs. The following scholarships may specifically help individuals in criminal justice programs.
- Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program
- IALEIA Education Scholarship
- ACJALAE Scholarship Program
- ACJS Student Scholarship Awards
- Pi Gamma Mu Scholarships
An institution's student support services may include internship connections, career counseling, and financial aid application assistance. Students can usually utilize these services and resources free of charge. Each school's level of support may vary, prospective attendees should review the support offered by competing institutions.
Admission Requirements for Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs
The admission requirements for online criminal justice master's programs vary by school, but students can get an idea of what to expect from the following general guidelines. Most master's degrees in the field require applicants to complete a bachelor's degree.
Some programs may require a degree in a specific discipline, such as criminal justice or a related field. Applicants may also need to complete prerequisite courses, such as foundational criminal justice or legal system courses. Some programs prefer applicants with professional experience, such as military service.
Many programs also set minimum grade and GRE or GMAT test score requirements. The necessary grades and scores depend on the competitiveness of the program. Some programs set the minimum GPA at 3.0, GRE scores at 850, and GMAT scores at 400.
Additional admission requirements usually include professional recommendations and a written statement or essay. This latter piece may take the form of a statement of goals, a personal essay, or an essay on a suggested topic.
Continuing Education for Criminal Justice Graduates
Holders of advanced criminal justice degrees can choose to advance their knowledge via a doctoral or certification program. Criminal justice Ph.D. programs focus on advanced research, analysis, and leadership methods. Ph.D. graduates can pursue emergency management director, policy analyst, or high-ranking law enforcement roles.
Those that wish to learn more about criminal justice, but with less time and cost commitments than obtaining another degree, can pursue a criminal justice certification. Professionals can choose a certification that aligns with their career plans. Certification program topics can include forensic science, legal, and corrections.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master's in Criminal Justice Degrees
Is an online master's in criminal justice worth it?
An online master's in criminal justice program may be worth the time and monetary commitment for individuals interested in understanding crime and law enforcement. Graduates of master's programs can pursue legal, analytical, and high-ranking law enforcement positions.
Is an online master's in criminal justice hard?
People interested in criminal justice should not find a master's in criminal justice more difficult than other majors. Attendees may take a combination of core and elective courses, allowing them the freedom to choose courses suitable to their interests and skill sets. Course topic options include crime policy, analytical methods, and forensic behavior analysis.
Is it better to get an online master's in criminology or criminal justice?
Master's degrees in criminology and criminal justice focus on different topics, neither one is inherently better. Criminology degrees focus on determining the causes and results of crime to prevent future issues. Criminal justice degrees focus on investigating existing crimes and upholding laws.
Does the FBI prefer a master's degree?
No, the FBI's minimum requirements for an agent role includes being a U.S. citizen, passing a background check, and holding a bachelor's degree. Specialized roles within the FBI may require a graduate degree or relevant work experience.
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