Best Online Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice

The MS criminal justice degree program offered by Saint Leo is a fully online program, and offers increased opportunities in the criminal justice profession. Skills learned will deal with all aspects of criminal justice, including finances and management. In addition, there are several degree focuses students can choose from within the criminal justice program. Saint Leo is a military school, and offers some financial aid to graduate students when available. Career services are offered to students from enrollment until after graduation including access to the alumni network and assistance with resume building.

Utica College offers a BS in criminal justice, with learning experiences both in the professional realm and abroad. Internship and other practice-based learning opportunities are available and required for graduation, and special focus is given to international issues. The program is designed to prepare students for further education, while still giving students ample opportunities to learn employable skills and knowledge. Online resources are available for students, as well as on-campus support services, organizations, and multi-cultural support events and organizations. A large number of Utica’s students receive financial aid, including a list of scholarships.

Students can graduate with either a master of science in criminal justice or a master of science in criminal justice leadership and management. Both programs consist of 36 credit hours. The leadership and management degree is designed for students currently working in mid-management positions in the field of criminal justice who are seeking career advancement. The standard criminal justice masters is for students who are pursuing careers in corrections, law enforcement, social services or securities. Degrees earned online are identical to those earned by traditional, on-campus students, and all online degrees are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

National University's Master of Criminal Justice degree is fully online. Criminal justice training at National University prepares adults to meet requirements associated with corporate security, military security, police, prison officer and probation roles. Administration in criminal justice, how to encourage and help develop civil rest, understand court decisions and how to conduct criminal justice research are other functions that the degree prepares students to complete. Theory and applied knowledge are program cornerstone's. There are eight core courses in the 36 quarter credit hour program. Examples of these courses are comparative criminal justice systems, violence and victimization and advanced research methods.

The criminal justice master's degree at the University of New Haven can be completed 100 percent online. Courses are condensed into periods of six-and-a-half to seven weeks, meaning all 36 credits can be completed in two years. Graduates will be qualified for careers in the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The university invites prospective students to watch a virtual information session about the master's program, which combines academic theory with real-world applications. The University of New Haven has compiled a vast menu of resources designed specifically to help criminal justice students.

In addition to awarding the Master of Arts in Justice Administration and Public Service, the College of Saint Elizabeth operates a Police Studies Institute. Through the institute, current public safety workers discuss public policies and receive advanced leadership educational training. Master's degree classes are designed for adults with deep interest in law enforcement or existing criminal justice or public safety work experience. Areas that master's degree classes spotlight include social justice, community safety, law enforcement and court systems. Documents needed when applying for the master's degree include an application, personal statement, recommendation letters and a resume. Applicants must also complete an interview.

The master of science in criminal justice administration program focuses on management, research methods, program evaluation and personnel administration. Graduates can go onto law school or careers that include homeland security, law enforcement, corrections and private security and investigation. Concentrations include law enforcement, corrections and a hybrid program, as well as an online program for distance learners. Most students will finish the program in 18 months to two years, and all students must finish in fewer than five years. Coursework is designed to promote critical thinking and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to criminal justice applications.

Roger Williams University's School of Justice Studies awards a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. Policing is only one area that instructors focus on in class. Crime causes, juvenile and adult court systems and community based correction options are other areas that instructors cover. Adults who want real life criminal justice training before they graduate with the master's degree can participate in an internship. Additional program outcomes include strong critical thinking, reasoning and analyzing skills. Continued criminal justice education is provided through the university's graduate cyber security, public administration and legal studies and law programs.

Option to earn a graduate criminal justice degree at Tiffin University starts in the university's School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences. Adults who currently have a bachelor's degree could earn a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. Specializations that criminal justice majors can declare are in crime analysis, homeland security, criminal behavior, forensic psychology and justice administration. More than half of the master's degree can be completed online. As the program advances, lectures are complemented with conferences and guest speaker appearances. The school also operates a center for cyber-defense and forensics and a center for justice and social and behavioral research.

Students who graduate with a master of science in criminal/social justice degree will be able to join a variety of law enforcement organizations or advance their careers within their current organization. The faculty who teach the courses not only have doctoral degrees, but hands-on professional experience in several different fields. Lewis University and all of its master's programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Students will complete assignments according to fixed class schedules. Students are not, however, required to be online at any specific time of day. technical support is available at all hours of the day, as is student service support.