Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Degrees

By Jennifer King Logan | Updated 9/18/2020

A degree in criminal justice prepares people to be dynamic, forward-thinking, well-educated leaders in our criminal justice system. That’s where the following ranked list of online master’s in criminal justice degree programs comes in. These programs prepare graduates for leadership within police departments, state and federal investigation agencies, and correctional facilities, as well as in the legal, judicial, government, and social welfare systems. Professionals who take on these roles are well-compensated. Read on for more information about career options and networking opportunities.

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2020 Best Online Colleges Offering Master's in Criminal Justice Degrees

2020 Most Affordable Criminal Justice Masters Degrees Badge

The 10 best value online master's programs in criminal justice programs can be found at these colleges and universities. Graduates of the #1-ranked school, Northeastern University, earn a median salary of $96,500 after earning their Master of Science in Criminal Justice. Second-ranked CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice for here, and the cost per credit, which is $545.00, and found here">$11,445 per year. Graduates of the school's criminal justice program earn a median salary of $78,300.

Alumni salaries were provided by PayScale. View our methodology for more details or learn more about OnlineU.

Rank	School	Annual Tuition	Mid-Career Salary
# 1	#1 Northeastern University	$30,590	$96,500
# 2	#2 CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice	$11,445	$78,300
# 3	#3 Anna Maria College	$12,330	$73,400
# 4	#4 National University	$11,934	$73,100
# 5	#5 Sam Houston State University	$9,283	$71,400
# 6	#6 University of Cincinnati	$13,090	$67,800
# 7	#7 Saint Joseph's University	$15,966	$63,800
# 8	#8 Saint Leo University Online	$10,620	$57,600
# 9	#9 Tiffin University	$10,500	$52,700
# 10	#10 Troy University	$7,410	$48,000

Salary data provided by

2020 Online Colleges Offering Criminal Justice Degrees - Ranking Details

#1 Northeastern University

Annual Tuition: $30,590
Median Salary: $96,500
Locations: Burlington (MA)
Accreditation: NECHE

The online Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree at Northeastern University offers a flexible option for individuals who wish to gain the knowledge and skills needed for professional opportunities in law enforcement, corrections, private security, and the court system. This criminal justice program has six concentrations for students to tailor their education to their career interests: community and family justice, corrections, global criminal justice, leadership, policing, and security. A capstone course is required to complete the program.

#2 CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Annual Tuition: $11,445
Median Salary: $78,300
Locations: New York (NY)
Accreditation: MSCHE

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers several online criminal justice degree options that give students the flexibility needed to advance their education in law enforcement as they balance work and family responsibilities. The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice offers concentrations in criminal law and procedure, criminology and deviance, policing, and terrorism studies. Other options for online criminal justice degree programs at CUNY John Jay include the Master of Arts in International Crime and Justice, the Master of Science in Security Management, and the Master of Public Administration: Public Policy and Administration with a specialization in criminal justice policy and administration.

#3 Anna Maria College

Annual Tuition: $12,330
Median Salary: $73,400
Locations: Paxton (MA)
Accreditation: NECHE

The online Master of Public Administration degree at Anna Maria College offers two specializations for those wishing to pursue careers in law enforcement: one in criminal justice and one in homeland security. The criminal justice option prepares graduates to enter or advance in careers in criminal justice, with the potential for job opportunities in law enforcement agencies at various levels. Those who pursue the homeland security option will gain the skills needed for jobs focused on keeping our country safe from domestic and foreign threats.

#4 National University

Annual Tuition: $11,934
Median Salary: $73,100
Locations: La Jolla (CA)
Accreditation: WSCUC

The Master of Criminal Justice degree at National University equips students with the skills they need to pursue leadership opportunities in law enforcement. With courses that are four weeks long, students can complete this online criminal justice program in as few as 12 months. Students will learn the disciplines, theories, and philosophies of criminology and the justice system. Coursework includes a comparison of the U.S. criminal justice system with those from around the world. Graduates of the program have gone on to pursue careers in law enforcement and corrections at the local, state, and federal levels.

#5 Sam Houston State University

Annual Tuition: $9,283
Median Salary: $71,400
Locations: Huntsville (TX)
Accreditation: SACS COC

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice and the Master of Science in Criminal Justice – Leadership and Management programs at Sam Houston State University provide students with a solid education in law enforcement. Program faculty members have been recognized among the most productive researchers nationally by the Journal of Criminal Justice Education. Graduates of the master’s in criminal justice online programs have pursued job opportunities in police administration, victim advocacy, the court system, corrections, security, and social services. A Master of Science in Digital Forensics is also available online at SHSU. Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in the public and private sectors in digital forensics and network security.

#6 University of Cincinnati

Annual Tuition: $13,090
Median Salary: $67,800
Locations: Cincinnati (OH) (and 1 other)
Accreditation: HLC

The University of Cincinnati offers four online criminal justice degrees designed for working professionals needing convenience and flexibility while pursuing an advanced degree. The Master of Science in Criminal Justice can be tailored to career goals by adding a concentration in Analysis of Criminal Behavior, Corrections and Offender Rehabilitation, and Law Enforcement and Crime Prevention. Classes are offered in seven-week and 14-week terms. Students can complete the degree in one year by taking two courses each consecutive term. Part-time students taking one course per term may graduate in two years. Start dates are offered six times during the calendar year. Students pursuing a 33-semester-hour master’s in criminal justice online degree study subjects such as criminology, correctional theory, crime analysis, correctional rehabilitation, and terrorism. The asynchronous course format allows students to access their courses 24/7 whenever studying fits their personal life and work schedule. Admitted students are assigned a Student Success Coordinator to help them stay on track for graduation. Many instructors offer regularly scheduled online office hours.

#7 Saint Joseph's University

Annual Tuition: $15,966
Median Salary: $63,800
Locations: Philadelphia (PA)
Accreditation: MSCHE

Saint Joseph’s University has customizable online master’s degrees in criminal justice. Students may tailor the generalist Master of Science in Criminal Justice to their personal interests and career plans by adding a specialization. Possible add-ons to the MS in Criminal Justice include Behavioral Analysis, Behavior Management, Federal Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, and Intelligence and Crime Analysis. All concentrations require 30 credit hours of coursework, excluding the 36-credit-hour Behavioral Analysis concentration. The 12-credit criminal justice core consists of four classes that focus on ethics in criminal justice, research, professional writing, and criminology. Depending on their concentration, students take classes such as risk assessment, homeland security, white-collar crime, forensics, juvenile justice, behavior assessment, and GIS mapping. Asynchronous classes are easily accessible at all times on the Blackboard platform convenient for working adults. Admission to the program requires a completed online application, two recommendation letters, resume, official transcripts, letter of intent/writing sample, and explanation of a GPA below 3.0, if necessary. Additional requirements may apply to internship placements. Saint Joseph’s University supports online learners by offering advising, 24/7 tech support, and career assistance.

#8 Saint Leo University Online

Annual Tuition: $10,620
Median Salary: $57,600
Locations: St. Leo (FL)
Accreditation: SACS COC

Saint Leo University offers a range of online forensic science degrees that can be tailored to professional career goals. Start dates are available six times during the year. The 10 master’s degrees at SLU are designed for working professionals seeking career mobility. Options include a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Cybersecurity Management, as well as a Master of Science in Cybersecurity. Also offered is the Master of Science in Criminal Justice—a generalist degree—with optional concentrations in Behavioral Studies, Corrections, Criminal Investigations, Critical Incident Management, Forensic Science, Legal Studies, and Incident Management. The curriculum entails five core courses in criminal justice and six electives totaling 36 graduate credits. Students study topics such as policy making, forensics, leadership, ethics, criminal behavior, offender treatment, cybersecurity management, and network security. Regular admission to the program requires a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA and a professional goal statement. Prerequisite classes in computer networks, information technology, and management information systems are recommended for students considering a Cybersecurity concentration. Students conveniently access asynchronous classes 24/7 via Lions SHARE, an online D2L platform. The WorldWide Student Services department offers academic support, virtual activities, student advising, and career guidance to enrich their college experience.

#9 Tiffin University

Annual Tuition: $10,500
Median Salary: $52,700
Locations: Tiffin (OH)
Accreditation: HLC

Tiffin University offers a 30- to 33-credit Master of Science in Criminal Justice with concentrations in Crime Analysis, Crime Science, Criminal Behavior, Homeland Security, Homeland Security Administration, and Justice Administration. Also available for those interested in digital forensics is the Master of Science in Cyber Security. Admitted students have the choice of six start dates. Criminal justice students can take classes in leadership, criminal justice trends, legal issues, personnel management, policy analysis, crime scene analysis, community policing, terrorism, cultural competence, mental health law, and more. The 30-credit MS in Cyber Security focuses on network security, cyber threats, cyber investigations, and incident management. Designed for working adults, these online criminal justice degrees are flexible. Classes are asynchronous so that students can access their classes anytime, anywhere. Prospective students must submit an online application with official transcripts and a 300-word goal statement/writing sample. Students must also disclose if they have ever been suspended or expelled from another school or convicted of a felony. Tiffin helps admitted student reach their goals by providing online tools and resources such as the Murphy Academic Support Center.

#10 Troy University

Annual Tuition: $7,410
Median Salary: $48,000
Locations: Troy (AL)
Accreditation: SACS COC

Overview of Master’s in Criminal Justice

A graduate degree in criminal justice provides a strong foundation for professionals who want to assume higher-level positions and leadership roles in their chosen fields. However, students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in criminal justice should try to clarify their career goals before choosing an online college or university to attend. There is much variation in programs, degrees, and areas of concentration, and some programs even allow for customization under a counselor or advisor’s guidance.

Program Requirements

Admissions requirements vary from one school to another. While most criminal justice master’s programs have minimum grade point requirements, they can vary from a 2.5 to a 3.0. Other common requirements for application are official transcripts, letters of recommendation, prior experience, and personal essays on career aspirations and outlook. It is worth noting that many schools do not require the GRE to apply.

Obtaining an online master’s degree in criminal justice requires diligence and planning. While this degree typically takes full-time students two years to complete the required 30 to 36 credit hours, some online students may be able to finish their studies in as little as 12 months. For part-time students, the process generally takes three years. A few online criminal justice master’s degrees also include a capstone project.

Curriculum

Many colleges and universities offer a Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree. This is what is referred to as a generalist degree, and the curriculum encompasses a broad range of relevant courses in theories or philosophies of criminology, techniques and procedures in crime analysis, criminal behavior, and ethics. However, some schools encourage or require master’s students to choose an area of concentration, such as community and family justice, corrections and rehabilitation, policing, intelligence, public policy, or homeland security and terrorism.

In addition to, or in some cases in lieu of, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree, some schools offer variations on this degree, and the curriculum for each is carefully selected to train students for specific roles. For example, a degree program could lead to a Master of Arts in International Crime and Justice, a Master of Science in Security Management, or a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management.

Finally, some programs prepare students for a technology-based career with programs leading to a Master of Science in Digital Forensics or a Master of Science in Cybersecurity.

Choosing a Master’s of Criminal Justice Program

Many factors go into selecting the right online master’s degree in criminal justice program. Students who have very specific career goals should carefully evaluate programs to ensure selecting one that will help fulfill those goals. Other students may consider a program that leads to a generalist Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree.

Other important factors include program structure and time commitment. While many online programs offer flexibility, some programs are a better fit for those studying part-time while working a full-time job. Some students may also want to investigate faculty credentials, opportunities to gain hands-on experience, and other support resources offered through the program.

Financing a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice

While paying for a master’s degree online is often a prospective student’s primary concern, many programs offer flexible options for paying tuition. Some schools provide discounts for active military or law enforcement. Others offer financial aid or student loans. Also, some students may be eligible for tuition assistance from their employer.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a voluntary action taken by educational institutions to have the content and quality of the programs they offer evaluated. The review is often conducted by independent regional or national agencies. Accreditation signals that the institution meets or exceeds quality standards and shows a commitment to continuous improvement.

Prospective criminal justice students should verify whether the school is accredited by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) or some other recognized accrediting agency as determined by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Graduating from an accredited program is sometimes required in order to work for certain states or employers.

Specializations

The term “criminal justice” encompasses a wide range of career opportunities and work environments, from policing and investigation to the courts and correctional facilities. It also addresses public safety at every level, from local to international agencies. Some possible areas of concentration include:

Corrections and Rehabilitation: The U.S. Correctional System oversees people in all stages of the criminal process, from people in jails and prisons to those on parole and probation. The system employs many professionals who specialize in providing rehabilitative services, education, and counseling to people who have served their sentences.

Criminal Investigation: Criminal investigators use an array of investigative techniques to uncover, collect, identify, research, categorize, and interpret evidence that can lead to identification and conviction. Some also work as criminal profilers, who compile data about similar crimes and those who committed them in order to form theories about the perpetrator of a crime under investigation. Analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are all essential to specialists in this field, who are often called upon to communicate their findings to other law enforcement agents, lawyers, and perhaps even the members of a jury.

Cyber Security: Where digital forensic investigators deal with the aftermath and fallout from cybercrime, cybersecurity analysts work on preventing cybercrime by designing more secure systems. Analysts in this field often further specialize in a particular area, including infrastructure, networks, applications, the cloud, or the Internet of Things.

Digital Forensics: Digital forensic investigators use their highly specialized technology skills and knowledge to research crimes involving digital devices, such as computers, computer networks, and mobile devices. They identify people who have committed crimes, assess damage after breaches, and make recommendations.

Homeland Security: With a workforce of 229,000 and 22 divisions, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is dedicated to protecting the country and its people from threats and responding to disasters. This creates numerous opportunities for criminal justice professionals with advanced knowledge and skills to work in such areas as aviation, border, maritime, and port security. Additionally, some agencies are charged with detecting and protecting against chemical, biological, and nuclear threats.

Incident Management: In business, an “incident” is a physical or computer security event, such as an explosion at a manufacturing plant or an online security breach, that could lead to a disruption in the organization’s operations. If not addressed properly and immediately, an incident can mushroom into a crisis. Incident managers are specially trained to manage and coordinate teams of people who handle such events, providing employee support and communications with the public so that business operations can return to normal as quickly as possible.

Certifications and Licenses

In general, law enforcement, security, and corrections professionals are not required to be licensed or certified. However, some professionals in the field of criminal justice may find that additional certifications will enhance their careers, especially if coupled with a master’s degree in criminal justice. These certifications include:

Professional Security Consultant Certification: Certified Security Consultant certification indicates that the security professional is trained and qualified to conduct security operation tasks, risk assessment, and security management.

Certified Law Enforcement Intelligence Analyst: After gaining professional experience, those interested in advancing in law enforcement can obtain this certificate to continue to develop their investigative analyst careers.

Frequently Asked Questions for Online Master's in Criminal Justice Degrees

What can I do with a master’s degree in criminal justice?

There are many job openings within the criminal justice system, including within the judicial system, in city police departments, in federal investigation agencies, in the social welfare system, and in correctional facilities. The majority of these require an undergraduate degree or a high school diploma paired with specialized training. However, professionals may seek an advanced degree to qualify for higher-level positions in criminology, management, and leadership. Graduates of online master’s degree programs in criminal justice will find themselves well-positioned for leadership roles in law enforcement, security services, and the legal and social systems.

How much can I earn with a master’s degree in criminal justice?

A master’s degree in criminal justice opens the door to higher-paying administrative and management positions in any given field of law enforcement and security services. For example, the average police chief earns about $203,000 annually, and the average fire chief earns about $180,000 annually. An advanced degree in criminal justice also increases an applicant’s chances of landing the more high-level jobs in law enforcement and intelligence. These could include becoming an FBI agent with an annual salary starting at $75,000, a CIA agent earning $65,000 a year, and a criminal investigator with the U.S. Marshals earning anywhere from $99,000 to $146,000 a year. A Juvenile Justice Caseworker can expect to make almost $52,000 a year, on average.

What skills do I need for a career in the criminal justice system?

Many online master’s degree programs in criminal justice are designed to help build practical skills in addition to teaching theories and philosophies. Many of these valuable skills can be applied to a wide range of work environments. They include critical thinking abilities, hands-on investigative techniques, lab research methods, and written and communication skills.

Can I earn a doctorate in criminal justice online?

Yes, there are a number of online doctoral programs in criminal justice that will help train students for high-level careers in research, academia, law enforcement, and the judicial system. Because criminal justice looks at the causes of criminal behavior and the treatment of criminals, there are numerous opportunities for research in this field, especially in academia. Knowledge at this level also helps prepare doctoral candidates for leadership positions in law enforcement, in corrections and rehabilitation, and within the judicial system, where they will focus on establishing policies and setting standards.

What are some professional industry associations for criminal justice?

One way for criminal justice students and professionals to stand out and stay current in their professional skills is by joining an industry association. These groups offer networking and continued education opportunities, among other benefits. Additionally, they can be resources for news and changes within the industry. Some popular criminal justice industry groups include:

American Correctional Association: The ACA is the overarching association that represents all correctional workers, from prisons to jails. Membership is open to students, and affiliation with this organization may be helpful for professionals who want to advance in their careers within the correctional system.
International Association of Crime Analysts: The IACA is an organization that promotes growth in the field of criminal data and statistical analysis and interpretation. Members of this international organization are dedicated to sharing the latest trends and developments with each other to promote best practices.
American Jail Association: The AJA is the only nonprofit organization that focuses exclusively on serving those who work in local or county jails. Membership gives professionals access to career development and educational resources.
American Academy of Forensic Science: Formed in 1948, the AAFS is a professional society for forensic scientists and criminal anthropologists. The group’s objectives are to promote professionalism and integrity, foster research, improve practices, and encourage collaboration among forensic scientists.

References

Average Special Agent CIA Salary. [online] Payscale. Available at: https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Special_Agent_(CIA)/Salary [Accessed 6 August 2020].
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent Yearly Salaries. [online]. Indeed.com. Available at: https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Federal-Bureau-of-Investigation-%28fbi%29/salaries/Special-Agent [Accessed 6 August 2020].
Protective Services. [online]. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Available at: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/home.htm [Accessed 6 August 2020].
Public Paychecks: America’s Police and Fire Chiefs. [online]. The Business Journals. Available at: https://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/news/2018/11/21/public-paychecks-americas-police-and-fire-chiefs.html [Accessed 6 August 2020].

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