Best Online Criminal Justice Master’s Programs of 2024
If you are employed in homeland security, law enforcement, or a related field and seeking an educational advantage, an online criminal justice master’s degree can help you progress in your career. However, it’s important to note that not all programs are equally effective. To aid in your search for a worthwhile program, we’ve compiled a list of the top online criminal justice master’s degree programs from across the nation. Our rankings are based on important factors, including affordability, number of online programs, academic quality, and availability of student support services. Learn more about this year’s top programs below and find the one that best meets your education and career goals.
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of graduate students at the school taking at least one class online.
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for graduate students per academic year.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio: Schools with lower ratios ranked higher.
- Percentage of students admitted. More selective schools ranked higher.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
New York, New York
Graduate criminal justice students seeking maximum study convenience, specialized coursework, and an affordable tuition rate will want to consider the online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, a public college in the City University of New York system. The program is presented 100% online with coursework delivered asynchronously, meaning that there are no scheduled meeting times for classes. The curriculum consists of four required core criminal justice courses along with electives and coursework in one or two of four unique specialization tracks: Criminal Law and Procedure, Criminology and Deviance, Policing, or Terrorism Studies. Students are required to take and pass a qualifying examination following completion of the four core courses and prior to starting their specialization and elective coursework. Students who meet certain criteria may opt to write a thesis instead if completing four elective courses. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution (or international equivalent), an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (or meet contingency requirements), and completion of an undergraduate statistics class.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 36
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $470/credit (in-state); $565/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
2
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Study flexibility and affordability are also key features of the Master of Science in Criminal Justice Program at North Carolina Wesleyan University. The 33-credit program is delivered 100% online in an asynchronous format, so students can complete their coursework whenever they can. The program is also self-paced so full-time students can complete all degree requirements in as little as 12 months. Program content consists of 18 credits of core criminal justice courses along with 15 credits of coursework in either the Criminal Justice Practice or Criminal Justice Administration concentration. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field and a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA. Applicants with an undergrad GPA below 2.5 may still be considered based on additional application submittals. Applicants must also either have a minimum of two years professional experience in criminal justice or related field, or complete an internship after admission into the program.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 33
- Length: 12 months
- Cost: $525/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
3
Danville, Virginia
Averett University is a Baptist affiliated private university located in Danville, Virginia. Averett's online MS in Criminal Justice in Administration and Leadership program is designed to prepare currently employed professionals to advance into administrative and leadership roles in their respective areas of the criminal justice field. The fully online course of study consists of 19 credits of core major coursework and 12 credits of courses in one of two concentration tracks (Administration and Leadership or Disaster Management). The program culminates in completion of either a master's thesis or comprehensive examination. Admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA on the last 60 credits of undergraduate study. Applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0 may be considered with the submittal of additional documentation including letters of recommendation from current or former employers or professors.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 31
- Length: Less than 23 months
- Cost: $655/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
4
McKenzie, Tennessee
5
Fort Wayne, Indiana
6
Providence, Rhode Island
7
Stephenville, Texas
8
Odessa, Texas
9
Laredo, Texas
10
Ada, Oklahoma
11
Saint Louis, Missouri
12
Clinton, Mississippi
13
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
14
Tiffin, Ohio
15
Saint Leo, Florida
16
Romeoville, Illinois
17
Saint Louis, Missouri
18
Huntsville, Texas
19
Las Cruces, New Mexico
20
San Angelo, Texas
21
Saint Paul, Minnesota
22
Fayetteville, North Carolina
23
Fairbanks, Alaska
24
Itta Bena, Mississippi
25
Orangeburg, South Carolina
26
Milledgeville, Georgia
27
Lake Charles, Louisiana
28
Grambling, Louisiana
29
Plainview, Texas
30
Dahlonega, Georgia
31
Long Beach, California
32
Scottsdale, Arizona
33
Alpine, Texas
34
Tallahassee, Florida
35
Houston, Texas
36
Beaumont, Texas
37
Florence, Alabama
38
Jacksonville, Alabama
39
Orlando, Florida
40
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
41
Monroe, Louisiana
42
Cleveland, Mississippi
43
Youngstown, Ohio
44
Mars Hill, North Carolina
45
Platteville, Wisconsin
46
Killeen, Texas
47
Bronx, New York
48
Columbia, South Carolina
49
Tampa, Florida
50
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Understanding a Master’s in Criminal Justice Online
Online master’s degree programs in criminal justice are designed to provide students with a thorough comprehension of advanced theories and policies, as well as the legal and ethical responsibilities required of professionals, and the strategic thinking needed to apply these concepts effectively in the workplace. Due to the online delivery of much of the curriculum, several schools offer distance learning options, making it simpler for students to manage their education alongside their personal and professional obligations. These programs may be entirely online, or in some instances, hybrid programs that include a blend of online coursework and on-campus requirements may be available.
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Options
As graduate students often have various commitments and unique requirements, schools offer a range of educational options that cater to these diverse needs. Some students may pursue a master’s degree to transition into a new field and may benefit from programs that provide a foundational understanding of the basics. Other students may have years of experience in criminal justice and wish to earn a master’s degree to accelerate their career advancement. To meet these varying needs, schools offer accelerated programs that focus on specialization without the additional coursework that covers topics the student already knows. To learn more about these different degree options, read on.
Typical MCJ Online
Online master’s degree programs in criminal justice are designed for both newcomers to the field and those who already have criminal justice degrees and work experience. These programs cover advanced criminal justice and criminology theories, research methods and analysis, crime analysis, and leadership in criminal justice.
Criminal justice master’s degree programs may offer synchronous or asynchronous options to accommodate online learners. Synchronous programs require students to attend lectures at a designated classroom time, which is often the same schedule as classes taught on campus. However, students may have some flexibility when it comes to completing tests and assignments. Asynchronous programs are more flexible, allowing students to watch lectures and submit assignments at their own convenience.
Accelerated MCJ Online
Accelerated master’s degree programs in criminal justice are designed for individuals who have already committed to studying in the field and want to pursue an advanced degree. To help students complete their master’s degree in less time, schools offer these programs to those currently earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Upon acceptance into the program, students can take a specific number of credits that will count towards both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Admission requirements for accelerated master’s degree programs may include a minimum 3.0 GPA and a high score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). In addition, schools may require students to complete prerequisite courses for admission, such as research methods, crime theory and causes, and criminal justice policy. Depending on the school, coursework may be entirely online or a combination of online and on-campus classes.
Online MCJ Programs with No GRE
Like the SAT, the GRE is designed to give schools information about students’ ability to handle the rigors of the programs they apply to. However, many schools do require that students take the GRE in order to gain admission into an MCJ program, some departments are waiving that requirement—especially for those who have already established themselves in the criminal justice profession. Although, this step alleviates the stress associated with preparing for a standardized test, criminal justice master’s degree programs with no GRE requirement are still just as rigorous and have high admissions standards.
MCJ Curriculum Breakdown
The specific curriculum of an online Master of Criminal Justice program varies depending on the school. Some programs offer students the opportunity to specialize in a specific area of the discipline, such as public administration, cybersecurity, behavior analysis, or corrections. The following are examples of the coursework that students in these programs may be required to complete.
Criminological Theory
This class provides a deep dive into the reasons why people commit crimes and the factors that contribute to criminal activities. Specific topics covered may include social deviance and contemporary issues in criminology.
Psychology and the Legal System
Students who are interested in how psychological research theories apply in a legal environment can take this class to learn the relationship between psychology and law enforcement, corrections, and the judiciary system. The course may discuss eyewitness testimony, jury selection, inmate counseling, and criminal profiling.
Restorative Justice
This class explores the theory and practice of restorative justice and how it affects offenders and crime victims, as well as the justice system and entire community. The course may provide an overview of how restorative justice is handled on a global level.
White Collar Crime
Students are taught the ways that white collar crime is detected, as well as the types of crimes other criminals commit. The class may cover how these crimes impact organizations and consumers.
Addiction
Those who are interested in the connection between addiction and crime can get an overview in this class. Students may learn about the physical and psychological effects of drug use, as well as treatment interventions.
The Judicial Process
This class provides an understanding of how the court system works through discussions of the ways the judiciary handles crimes from the first court appearance through the appeals process. Examples of controversial cases may be discussed to illustrate how the theories students learn work in the real world.
Organizational Behavior
Those who aspire to take leadership positions can learn the management skills they need in this class. Topics covered may include fiscal accountability, motivating employees, dealing with the hiring and onboarding process, and effective organizational communication strategies.
Fundamentals of Public Administration
Students will learn about the theories and principles associated with public administration in this class. The course may also cover the mechanics of public administration, including human resource management and budgeting.
How Does a Master’s in Criminal Justice Work Online?
Online criminal justice master’s programs typically require core classes that all students must complete to establish a foundation for their concentration. These core classes may cover criminology, data analysis, criminal justice theory, crime intelligence analysis, and issues in criminal justice. In addition to concentration-specific courses, students may be required to take elective classes, such as juvenile justice and delinquency, mental health and the law, women and crime, and terrorism. Some programs may also require students to complete a capstone course at the end of the program, where they synthesize all of the concepts they learned into a project.
NCJA & ACJS Accredited for Online MCJ Programs
To ensure that they’re receiving a quality education that will give them the skills that employers demand, students should only choose MCJ programs that have been accredited by the NCJA and ACJS. These accrediting agencies judge programs based on several factors, including curriculum, program goals, specializations offered, and faculty credentials.
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice: FAQs
As people explore which MCJ programs they’re interested in, they should keep in mind what will be expected of them so they can put their best foot forward. This section answers some important questions that hopeful students may have as they search for schools.
Will You Get Accepted into an MCJ Program?
The standards that prospective students are required to meet depend on the specific program that they are interested in. However, generally, people who apply to these programs are expected to:
What’s the Timeline for an MCJ Program Online?
Students can generally complete an MCJ program in about two years, but the exact time it takes to earn this degree depends on the requirements of a specific criminal justice department. The following is an example of what the timeline to complete this degree may look like.
| Term | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Criminal Justice Theory | 4 |
| 1 | Ethics, Justice, and Social Control | 4 |
| 2 | Applied Research in Criminal Justice | 4 |
| 3 | Community Corrections | 4 |
| 4 | Capstone Course | 4 |
Can You Afford an Online Masters in Criminal Justice?
Although factors like curriculum and accreditation are important when choosing an online criminal justice master’s program, affordability is also something that people weigh heavy when making their decision. To provide an idea of what students can expect to pay when they enroll in these programs, we put together the following sampling of the tuition costs at different schools.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University | 36 | $627 | $22,572 |
| Purdue University | 55 | $420 | $23,100 |
| Walden University | 48 | $505 | $24,240 |
| Liberty University | 36 | $565 | $20,340 |
