List of Masters in Criminal Justice Programs – Campus & Online

Criminal justice systems affect us all, and a Masters in Criminal Justice degree program analyzes the operations and interactions of the major areas of this field, like law enforcement, judicial processes, homeland security, and forensics, both in the U.S. and internationally. You’ll also get the opportunity to learn about how policies are changed, the nature of crime, and the psychological and sociological effects of crime and the criminal justice system.

This degree can help you start or advance your criminal justice career, and prepare you for doctoral-level studies for those pursuing a research- or teaching-based career. Most colleges and universities provide the option to complete your master’s degree with a thesis or by completing an exam, project, and/or extra set of classes.

Where Can I Earn My Masters in Criminal Justice Degree?

While you’re listening to the podcast, check out our list of schools with criminal justice graduate programs in the US. For each school, we provide a few highlights, including program offerings, course breakdown, and accreditation.

Click on the links below to jump to a specific state’s programs. You can also skip ahead to our Quick Facts about a master’s degree in criminal justice, or information about degree types and accreditation.

Online Sponsored Programs

Ashford University Accredited by WASC Click To Request Info »	The MS in Criminal Justice degree programs at Ashford University are designed to develop skills in victimology, forensics, and cybercrime. Students move through this degree program one, six-week course at a time, and can specialize in Forensic Science, Homeland Security, Cybercrime and Technology, or Law Enforcement and Corrections Administration.
Colorado Technical University Accredited by HLC Click To Request Info »	At Colorado Technical University, students can complete their MS in Criminal Justice degree online or at the Colorado Springs or Aurora campuses. Students can pursue a general criminal justice degree or specialize in homeland security. These programs are designed to develop skills related to leadership, law enforcement, corrections, and the court system, and consist of a minimum of 48 credits.
Grand Canyon University Accredited by HLC Click To Request Info »	The MS in Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Legal Studies degree program at Grand Canyon University focuses on practical, legal skills in crime analysis and strategic planning. Students in this program can take classes like Criminal Behavior Analysis, Ethics and Decision Making, Legal Communication, and Exploration of Law and Public Policy.
Indiana Wesleyan University Accredited by HLC Click To Request Info »	The MPA in Criminal Justice degree program at Indiana Wesleyan University focuses on social responsibility and civic engagement, and develops ethical, policy analysis, leadership, and decision making skills. Students in this program can take classes like Financing Public Services, Public Institutions and Values, and Public Policy Processes and Strategies.
Liberty University Online Accredited by SACS Click To Request Info »	At Liberty University, students can complete the MS in Criminal Justice degree program completely online. This program focuses on developing written and verbal communication skills needed as a leader or manager in this field. Students can pursue a general degree or pick a concentration in Forensic Psychology, Homeland Security, or Public Administration.
Northcentral University Accredited by WASC Click To Request Info »	The MBA in Criminal Justice degree program at Northcentral University is designed to develop analytical, management, and leadership skills need in correctional institutions, law enforcement, and the court system. This program consists of a minimum of 30 credit hours and can be completed in 16 months.
Saint Joseph’s University Accredited by MSCHE Click To Request Info »	At Saint Joseph’s University, students can complete the MS in Criminal Justice degree program online or on campus. Students in this program can pursue a general degree or a concentration in Behavior Analysis, Behavior Management, Federal Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, or Intelligence and Crime Analysis.
Saint Leo University Accredited by SACS Click To Request Info »	At Saint Leo University, students can complete the MS in Criminal Justice degree program completely online. Students can also pursue a general criminal justice degree, or specialize in Behavioral Studies, Corrections, Criminal Investigation, Forensic Science, Legal Studies, or Critical Incident Management.
South University Accredited by SACS Click To Request Info »	The MS in Criminal Justice degree program at South University is designed to prepare students for careers in management, administrative, research, or teaching positions in the criminal justice field, or continuing their studies at the doctoral level. Students in this program can take classes like Criminal Justice Administration, Criminological Theory, and Criminal Justice, Planning, and Innovation.
Walden University Accredited by HLC Click To Request Info »	The MS in Criminal Justice degree program at Walden University focuses on criminal behavior theory, technology, homeland security, and law enforcement management. This program consists of a minimum of 46 quarter credits, and includes classes like Victimology, Criminal Justice Research, and Technological Solutions and 21st-Century Crime.

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Alabama

Jacksonville State University Accredited by SACS	Jacksonville State University’s Criminal Justice Department offers courses leading to the MS degree with a major in criminal justice. Students can also pursue an area of concentration in criminal justice within the Master of Public Administration degree program. All students are required to complete 30 hours.
The University of Alabama Accredited by SACS	The University of Alabama’s Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers a Master of Science degree in criminal justice with a thesis or a non-thesis option. There’s also an accelerated master’s program in criminal justice that allows exceptional undergraduate students to begin taking graduate courses during their senior year. These programs are designed to prepare graduates to work at federal agencies, state organizations, and private corporations.
University of North Alabama Accredited by SACS	The University of North Alabama offers an MS in Criminal Justice by way of admissions into Graduate Studies. The program offers a thesis option, but all students must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of credit. All students in this program are assigned a faculty advisor who will provide continued supervision and guidance.

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Alaska

University of Alaska Anchorage Accredited by NWCCU

For those interested in studying criminal justice at the graduate level can earn an MPA and emphasize their studies in criminal justice. This path provides a theoretical basis for management careers in criminal justice. Students can also also pursue a dual emphasis.

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Arizona

Arizona State University Accredited by HLC	At Arizona State University, the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers an MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice degree, designed to provide students with a high level of theoretical and empirical knowledge about crime and criminal justice. Students gain the skills necessary for careers as criminal justice researchers and/or continued study in doctoral programs in criminology and/or criminal justice.
Grand Canyon University Accredited by HLC	The MS in Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Legal Studies degree program at Grand Canyon University focuses on practical, legal skills in crime analysis and strategic planning. Students in this program can take classes like Criminal Behavior Analysis, Ethics and Decision Making, Legal Communication, and Exploration of Law and Public Policy.
Northcentral University Accredited by WASC	The MBA in Criminal Justice degree program at Northcentral University is designed to develop analytical, management, and leadership skills need in correctional institutions, law enforcement, and the court system. This program consists of a minimum of 30 credit hours and can be completed in 16 months.

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Arkansas

Arkansas State University Accredited by HLC

Arkansas State University offers an MA in Criminal Justice that is designed for students with a BA/BS in the field or in a closely related field. This program is also a great stepping stone for those who wish to pursue doctoral studies.

University of Arkansas Little Rock Accredited by HLC

The Master of Arts in criminal justice program at the University of Arkansas Little Rock provides foundation work for those planning careers in research or teaching. The curriculum teaches leadership and managerial skills appropriate for service in the field of criminal justice. The criminal justice degree requires 36 hours, including core hours and a written thesis or portfolio with oral defense.

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California

Ashford University Accredited by WASC	The MS in Criminal Justice degree programs at Ashford University are designed to develop skills in victimology, forensics, and cybercrime. Students move through this degree program one, six-week course at a time, and can specialize in Forensic Science, Homeland Security, Cybercrime and Technology, or Law Enforcement and Corrections Administration.
California State University Long Beach Accredited by WASC	California State University offers a master’s degree in criminology and criminal justice that requires 36 semester units of coursework. The program consists of six core courses and a series of electives, designed to be completed in two years on campus. Students graduated with an MS in Criminal Justice.
California State University San Bernardino Accredited by WASC	The MA in Criminal Justice degree from California State University San Bernardino offers two options. One is a thesis option designed for students who intend to pursue graduate studies beyond the graduate level and those students who have special research interests in the criminal justice system. The examination option is for those with administrative and management goals.

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Colorado

Colorado Technical University Accredited by HLC	At Colorado Technical University, students can complete their MS in Criminal Justice degree online or at the Colorado Springs or Aurora campuses. Students can pursue a general criminal justice degree or specialize in homeland security. These programs are designed to develop skills related to leadership, law enforcement, corrections, and the court system, and consist of a minimum of 48 credits.
University of Colorado Denver Accredited by HLC	The Master of Criminal Justice degree from the University of Colorado Denver prepares students to work in law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal level as well as in the nonprofit arena. This program helps students develop their critical thinking skills and provides them with an interdisciplinary perspective on criminology and the criminal justice system.
University of Northern Colorado Accredited by HLC	At the University of Northern Colorado, the MA in Criminal Justice program focuses on leadership, management, policy, planning, research and best practices in the criminal justice system. This program is designed with working professionals in mind, through a hybrid format combining classes at the Loveland Center at Centerra with online courses.

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Connecticut

Central Connecticut State University Accredited by NEASC	Central Connecticut State University offers a MA in Criminal Justice degree that provides students with the knowledge and skills required for career advancement, leadership positions, and continued study at the doctoral level. This program emphasizes the application of theory and research in executive decision-making, policy development and analysis, and the treatment of offenders.
Sacred Heart University Accredited by NEASC	For those interested in studying criminal justice at Sacred Heart University, students can apply to the MA in Criminal Justice program. This program provides students with the knowledge needed to obtain advanced professional positions in the field or for those currently working in criminal justice, an MA from Sacred Heart will help them advance further in their careers.

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Delaware

Wesley College Accredited by MSCHE

Wesley College offers an MS in Criminal Justice degree with an emphasis on preparing graduates for careers in a variety of different areas such as law enforcement, juvenile justice, corrections, public safety and other justice and legal related fields. The MSCJ at Wesley College also emphasizes both theoretical learning as well as reality based case studies.

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Florida

Florida State University Accredited by SACS	Florida State University, through the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers Master of Science and Master of Arts degrees. Within both tracks, there three degree tracks: coursework-only option, area paper option, and thesis option.There is also a One Year Master of Science in Criminology program, uniquely designed for students who aspire to leadership or advanced positions in the field of criminology and criminal justice.
Saint Leo University Accredited by SACS	At Saint Leo University, students can complete the MS in Criminal Justice degree program completely online. Students can also pursue a general criminal justice degree, or specialize in Behavioral Studies, Corrections, Criminal Investigation, Forensic Science, Legal Studies, or Critical Incident Management.
University of Central Florida Accredited by SACS	The University of Central Florida, students can earn an MS in Criminal Justice online. The program emphasizes the historical, political, economic and philosophical forces have shapes crime and punishment in the U.S. UCF also offers a new online dual degree program in which students earn both a Master of Public Administration and Master of Science in Criminal Justice.
University of West Florida Accredited by SACS	The University of West Florida offers an MS in Criminal Justice designed to fit demanding student schedules. Classes are offered evenings, some weekends, and in online and blended delivery formats. Students have the option of choosing between two tracks for their course of study: an internship or an area paper completed under the supervision of a criminal justice faculty member.

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Georgia

Georgia State University Accredited by SACS	Georgia State University’s Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology offers a MS degree in criminal justice that is designed prepare graduates for careers in the following: FBI, ATF, GBI, EPA, Secret Service, numerous local and state law enforcement and correctional agencies, probation and parole agencies, juvenile justice agencies, and the research branches of federal, state, and local agencies.
South University Accredited by SACS	The MS in Criminal Justice degree program at South University is designed to prepare students for careers in management, administrative, research, or teaching positions in the criminal justice field, or continuing their studies at the doctoral level. Students in this program can take classes like Criminal Justice Administration, Criminological Theory, and Criminal Justice, Planning, and Innovation.
University of North Georgia Accredited by SACS	The MS in Criminal Justice program at the University of North Georgia (UNG) is designed for practitioners already in the field or in military service and others that are seeking to improve their credentials and knowledge base for professional advancement. The focus of the program is on international crime and justice.

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Idaho

Boise State University Accredited by NWCCU

The master’s degree in criminal justice at Boise State University is designed to provide students with a foundation in applied research and theory, seminars in substantive areas of criminal justice activity, and focused scholarship on issues of importance in Idaho. Students are required to write either a thesis relevant to issues, policy, or practice in criminal justice, or pass a comprehensive examination.

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Illinois

Illinois State University Accredited by HLC	The Illinois State University’s Department of Criminal Justice Sciences offers a program leading to the MA or MS degree. The Department offers both thesis and culminating research experience as their exit option. MA students must complete a minimum of four semesters in one foreign language or achieve a satisfactory score on a University administered language examination approved by the Graduate School.
Lewis University Accredited by HLC	Lewis University’s MScin Criminal Justice program provides students with an advanced understanding of the knowledge and skills needed to analyze the complex issues in today’s society that criminal justice professionals experience in their careers. Lewis University also offers this program in a flexible online format for added convenience.
Loyola University Chicago Accredited by HLC	The MA degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology at Loyola University and Chicago provides students with a cutting edge education that will prepare them to assume leadership roles in criminal justice and related agencies as well as to pursue more advanced educational opportunities.

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Indiana

Indiana State University Accredited by HLC	Indiana State University offers a MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice with the option to complete the program entirely online. This program is a 36-credit-hour program that is available to students who intend this as their terminal degree or for persons who plan to attend law school.
Indiana University Accredited by HLC	The MS in Criminal Justice and Public Safety (MSCJPS) at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis is a 36 credit hour graduate degree that prepares students with the analytic skills, theoretical understanding, empirical knowledge, and practical applications related to the law enforcement, courts, corrections, and private security environments.
Indiana Wesleyan University Accredited by HLC	The MPA in Criminal Justice degree program at Indiana Wesleyan University focuses on social responsibility and civic engagement, and develops ethical, policy analysis, leadership, and decision making skills. Students in this program can take classes like Financing Public Services, Public Institutions and Values, and Public Policy Processes and Strategies.

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Iowa

Mount Mercy University Accredited by HLC	For those interested in studying criminal justice at Mount Mercy University, their MA in Criminal Justice degree is an online program with classes offered in 5- and 10-week sessions. Graduates of are prepared to effectively address social needs by working with communities through preventive and proactive interventions.
St. Ambrose University Accredited by HLC	At St. Ambrose University, students can earn a Master of Criminal Justice. This program is designed for those interested in upper-level careers in law enforcement, security, corrections and human services. This program is also ideal for those wishing to teach criminal justice or serve as personnel and training specialists in justice-related organizations.

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Kansas

Washburn University Accredited by HLC	Washburn University’s Master of Criminal Justice degree program focuses on enhancing students’ understanding of the organizational operations and managements principles used in the criminal justice administration field. Students in this program can take elective classes like Ethics in Criminal Justice Practice, Staff Development, and Organized and White Collar Crime.
Wichita State University Accredited by HLC	Wichita State University offers a MA in Criminal Justice, which is one of the oldest programs of its type in the United States. This program prepares graduates for many leading careers in this field and is designed to teach students to assimilate knowledge, acquire skills, and develop professional judgment and behaviors appropriate for wise and ethical practice.

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Kentucky

Eastern Kentucky University Accredited by SACS	Eastern Kentucky University offers an MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice, an on-campus program that is designed to foster critical thinking and provide students with a strong theoretical foundation, solid research methods skills, real-world knowledge about society and the criminal justice system. A minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate credit is required.
University of Louisville Accredited by SACS	At the University of Louisville offers an interdisciplinary graduate-level program criminal justice. Students can earn a MS in Criminal Justice either online or on campus or a combination of both methods of delivery. Students in this program have a wide variety of electives to choose from and for those who want to try out the program, a non-degree status is available.
University of the Cumberlands Accredited by SACS	The University of the Cumberlands offers an online program for those interested in earning a master’s degree in criminal justice. Students graduate with a MS in Justice Administration – a program that is heavily focused on preparing graduates for advanced careers in this field.

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Louisiana

University of Louisiana Lafayette Accredited by SACS	The MS in Criminal Justice degree program at the University of Louisiana Lafayette focuses on teaching students how to understand, prevent, intervene, and respond to juvenile delinquency and crime. Students in this program can also take classes in subjects like restorative justice, poverty, education, and drug use. This program can be completed via the thesis or comprehensive exam track.
University of Louisiana Monroe Accredited by SACS	At ULM, students can obtain their MA in Criminal Justice degree with or without a thesis. The thesis option consists of a minimum of 33 semester-hours, and the non-thesis option consists of a minimum of 36 semester-hours. Students in this program can take classes like Juvenile Justice System, Advanced Theories of Crime and Delinquency, and Minorities, Crime, and Criminal Justice.

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Maine

Husson University Accredited by NEASC

Husson University’s MS in Criminal Justice Administration degree program is designed to develop the analysis, decision-making, leadership, communication, and implementation skills necessary for management roles in this field. This program consists of a minimum of 36 credits, and students can take classes in areas like law, interpersonal relations, budgeting, psychology, and policy-making.

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Maryland

University of Maryland Accredited by MSCHE

At the University of Maryland, students have the option to earn a traditional Master’s in Criminal Justice at College Park, a Professional Master’s in Criminal Justice in China, a Professional Master’s in Criminal Justice in Vietnam, or a joint MA/JD degree. Students in the traditional program can take classes in subjects like criminology, policing, and criminal justice analysis and research.

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Massachusetts

Boston University Accredited by NEASC	Boston University’s Master of Criminal Justice degree program gives students the option to complete their degree online or at the Charles River campus. This program is designed to prepare students for doctoral studies and career advancement. Students in this degree program can take classes like Victimology, Criminal Justice Administration, and White-Collar Crime.
Northeastern University Accredited by NEASC	The MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice degree program at Northeastern University focuses on the systems involved in policy development and analyzes how those policies affect justice individuals and organizations. Students can choose the traditional 12-month degree, or choose to add 6-18 months to their program with an experiential component.

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Michigan

Michigan State University Accredited by HLC

At Michigan State University, the criminal justice graduate degree program is designed to prepare students for doctoral study and careers in criminal justice research and teaching by focusing on a combination of research, critical issues, and interdisciplinary theory. Students in this program can take classes like Survey in Forensic Science, Globalization of Crime, and Assessment of Police Policies and Operations.

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Minnesota

Concordia University St. Paul Accredited by HLC	The MA in Criminal Justice Leadership program at Concordia University – Saint Paul consists of 36 credit hours and is offered fully online. For those who are interested in studying online, this program is designed for busy studies with a flexible class schedule. Course length is seven weeks and requires 36 credit hours.
St. Cloud State University Accredited by HLC	St. Cloud State University offers an MS in Criminal Justice with two specializations offered — criminal justice administration and criminal justice counseling, or students may elect an elective track. Students have a few options for earning their degree: on campus, completely online or hybrid (synchronously online) formats.
Walden University Accredited by HLC	The MS in Criminal Justice degree program at Walden University focuses on criminal behavior theory, technology, homeland security, and law enforcement management. This program consists of a minimum of 46 quarter credits, and includes classes like Victimology, Criminal Justice Research, and Technological Solutions and 21st-Century Crime.

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Mississippi

MIssissippi Valley State University Accredited by SACS	The MS in Criminal Justice degree program at Mississippi Valley State University is designed to prepare students for doctoral-level study and to help advance their careers in this field. Students can pursue a general criminal justice degree, or pick a concentration in Criminology, Law Enforcement, Corrections, or Criminal Justice Administration.
University of Mississippi Accredited by SACS	The University of Mississippi’s criminal justice graduate degree program is designed to develop critical thinking, research, analysis, communication, and ethical thinking skills. Students in this program can take classes like Criminal Justice Administration, Criminal Justice in American Society, Emergency Management, and Topics in Judicial Administration.

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Missouri

Missouri State University Accredited by HLC	At Mississippi State University, students can complete the MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice degree program online, and is designed to develop the decision-making, policy analysis, and leadership skills necessary for this field. This degree can be complete with or without a thesis, and students can take electives like Juvenile Justice and Law Enforcement and Community.
University of Missouri Kansas City Accredited by HLC	UMKC’s MS in Criminal Justice degree program focuses on policy analysis of criminal justice and criminology issues, and is designed to prepare students for doctoral studies and career advancement within this field. This degree can be completed with a thesis, or with a demonstration project.

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Montana

University of Providence Accredited by NWCCU

The University of Providence Criminal Justice program is designed to prepare graduates for advanced study or law school as well as careers in In addition to providing prerequisite law enforcement at all levels of government, law, courts, corrections, and justice administration, government and non-profit organizations, and private sectors. Students graduate with an MS in Organizational Leadership, Criminal Justice degree.

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Nebraska

University of Nebraska Omaha Accredited by HLC

The MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice degree program at the University of Nebraska Omaha is designed to help students advance their careers. Students in this program can take electives like Criminal Law, Sociology of Deviant Behavior, and Women, Crime, and Justice.

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Nevada

University of Nevada, Las Vegas Accredited by NWCCU	At UNLV, students can gain a better understanding of the nature, causes, and consequences of crime and crime control through the MA in Criminal Justice degree program. Students in this program can take elective courses like Victimization, Criminal Justice Policy, and Delinquency and Juvenile Justice.
University of Nevada, Reno Accredited by NWCCU	The MA in Criminal Justice degree program at the University of Nevada, Reno is designed to develop critical thinking skills by focusing on how theory, research, and social policy interact in this field. Students in this program can take classes like Criminal Justice Policy Analysis, Planned Change in Criminal Justice, and Ethics, Law, and Justice Policy.

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New Hampshire

Southern New Hampshire University Accredited by NEASC

The criminal justice graduate degree program at SNHU focuses on developing skills in resource planning, consensus building, ethical leadership, and business management for this field. Students in the program can pursue a general degree in criminal justice, or pick a concentration in Public Safety Administration or Advanced Counterterrorism and Homeland Security.

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New Jersey

Fairleigh Dickinson University Accredited by MSCHE	The MA in Criminal Justice degree program at Fairleigh University is designed to develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, communication, social research, and professional skills needed for this field. Students in program can take classes like Social Justice Advocacy, Critical Analysis of Criminal Justice, and Crime, Victimology, and Risk Reduction.
New Jersey City University Accredited by MSCHE	NJCU’s MS in Criminal Justice degree program focuses on the nature and causes of crime the management of correctional systems and the techniques and applications of research. Students in this program can take classes like Contemporary Corrections, Elite Deviance, and Crime in a Global Context.

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New Mexico

New Mexico State University Accredited by HLC

At NMSU, students can pursue their criminal justice graduate degree on campus or completely online. This degree is designed to help students advance their careers at the federal, state, and local levels throughout the criminal justice field. Students in this program can take classes like Advanced Feminist Research Methods, Criminal Justice Administrative Systems, and The Nature of Crime.

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New York

Long Island University Post Accredited by MSCHE	The MS in Criminal Justice degree program at LIU Post consists of a minimum of 36 credits, and is designed to prepare students for careers in areas like law enforcement, corrections, forensics, homeland security, federal agents, and more. Students in this program can take elective classes in subjects such as terrorism, high technology, law, cyber crime, and criminal behavior.
Monroe College Accredited by MSCHE	At Monroe College, students can pursue the MS in Criminal Justice degree program on campus or online, and is designed to develop the research, critical thinking, and communication skills necessary to this field. Students in this program can take electives like Terrorism and Counterterrorism, Urban Poverty and the Family, and Crisis Management and Disaster Preparedness.
St. John’s University Accredited by MSCHE	The MA in Criminal Justice degree program at St. John’s University is designed to prepare students for career advancement in professions like criminal justice agencies, legal settings, and non-profit organizations. Students in this program can take classes like Forensic Psychology, Comparative Criminology, and Drugs and Society.
University at Albany Accredited by MSCHE	The MA in Criminal Justice degree program at the University at Albany is designed to prepare students for doctoral study and advanced careers in this field. Students can pursue a general criminal justice degree, or choose to specialize in information technology. In either program, students can take classes like Theories of Crime, Research Design, and Crime Causation, Prevention, and Intervention.

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North Carolina

East Carolina University Accredited by SACS	The MS in Criminal Justice degree program at ECU is designed to prepare students for criminal justice and teaching careers as well as doctoral-level study. This program can be tailored to meet students individualized needs, does not require a thesis, and can be completed online.
North Carolina Central University Accredited by SACS	The MS in Criminal Justice degree program at NCCU focuses on both the structural and theoretical components of this field. Students in this program can take elective classes like Police in the Community, Correctional Counseling and Treatment, and Leadership Analysis and Development.
University of North Carolina Charlotte Accredited by SACS	The UNC Charlotte MS in Criminal Justice degree program is designed to develop the critical thinking, research, communication, and leadership skills necessary to pursue doctoral-level studies and advance in criminal justice careers. Students in this program can take elective classes like Police Problems and Practices, Juvenile Justice Systems, and Criminal Justice Management and Decision-Making.

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North Dakota

North Dakota State University Accredited by HLC

Students in the MS in Criminal Justice degree program at North Dakota State University must pick a concentration in criminology, policing, or corrections. Depending on the concentration chosen, students can take classes like Criminal Justice Policy, Police and Society, Juvenile Corrections, and Gender and Justice.

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Ohio

Bowling Green State University Accredited by HLC	The MS in Criminal Justice degree program at Bowling Green State University focuses on developing leadership, communication, analysis, and research skills to prepare students for careers or doctoral-level studies in this field. Students can pursue a general criminal justice degree, or specialize in Forensic Investigation.
Franklin University Accredited by HLC	The MA in Criminal Justice Administration at Franklin University prepares graduates to apply knowledge to solve present-day challenges at the local, state or federal level. There is an option to complete the program in only 14 months and courses are offered entirely online.
University of Cincinnati Accredited by HLC	The University of Cincinnati MS in Criminal Justice degree program is designed to develop leadership skills to prepare students for doctoral- level study and careers in law enforcement, corrections, social sciences, and the court system. This program can be completed in a hybrid or fully online format.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma City University Accredited by HLC	OKCU has MA and MS in Criminology degree programs that are designed to teach students the science, theory, research, and application of the criminal justice process. Students graduating from this program can be prepared for doctoral-level study and careers in areas like crime analysis, corrections officer, professor, and more.
University of Oklahoma Accredited by HLC	At the University of Oklahoma, students in the MS in Criminal Justice degree program can meet with an advisor to create an individualized degree plan. Students can pursue a general criminal justice degree, or pick a concentration in Corrections Management, Restorative Justice, and Administration and Leadership.

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Oregon

Portland State University Accredited by NWCCU	Portland State University’s MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice degree program is designed to develop the analytical, critical thinking, communication, research, and leadership skills needed to advance in careers in criminal justice. Students in this program can take classes like Criminal Justice Policy, Criminal Justice Theory, and Analysis of Crime and Justice Data.
Western Oregon University Accredited by NWCCU	The MA in Criminal Justice at Western Oregon University is designed to prepare students with the leadership and managerial skills need to advance their professional criminal justice careers. This program consists of a minimum of 45 credits, and students can take classes like Criminal Justice Administration, Offender Treatment, and Community Based Organizations.

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania State University Harrisburg Accredited by MSCHE	Penn State Harrisburg’s MA in Criminal Justice degree program is designed to prepare students for leadership opportunities in areas like victim services, adult and juvenile services, policing, and law enforcement. In this program, students can take courses like Policy Analysis and Planning, Juvenile Justice, and Homeland Security and Defense in Practice.
Saint Joseph’s University Accredited by MSCHE	At Saint Joseph’s University, students can complete the MS in Criminal Justice degree program online or on campus. Students in this program can pursue a general degree or a concentration in Behavior Analysis, Behavior Management, Federal Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, or Intelligence and Crime Analysis.
Temple University Accredited by MSCHE	Temple University offers an MA in Criminal Justice that is designed to serve as a first stage of training for students wishing to eventually pursue more advanced graduate work. The program requires the completion of 30 credit with courses that provide substantive grounding in decision-making and operational aspects of the criminal justice system.
University of Pennsylvania Accredited by MSCHE	The Master of Science in Criminology degree program at the University of Pennsylvania is designed to prepare students for careers in government and the private sector and doctoral-level studies. Students in this program can take classes like Criminal Justice Data Analytics and Evidence-Based Crime Prevention.

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Rhode Island

Roger Williams University Accredited by NEASC

The MS in Criminal Justice degree program at Roger Williams University focuses on the theory and practice of criminal law and the moral complexity of the criminal justice system. This program consists of a minimum of 36 credit hours and students can take classes like Criminological Theory, Crime and Public Policy, and Legal Issues in the U.S. Justice System.

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South Carolina

Anderson University Accredited by SACS	At Anderson University, students can complete the criminal justice graduate degree in a hybrid format by taking classes online and meeting on campus for two days each month. This program consists of a minimum of 36 credit hours and can be completed 20 months.
University of South Carolina Accredited by SACS	The University of South Carolina’s MA in Criminology and Criminal Justice degree is designed to provide criminal justice professionals with the leadership skills needed to advance their careers or for doctoral level studies in this field. Students in this program can take courses in areas like criminal justice system operation, criminology, research methods, and statistics.

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South Dakota

University of South Dakota Accredited by HLC

At the University of South Dakota, students can study criminal justice applying to the Master of Science in Administration Program and choosing criminal justice studies as their area of concentration. The program is offered completely online and requires 24 credit hours in criminal justice, in addition to the MSA requirements. There is a capstone project and wide selection of courses to choose from, including criminal law, police administration, and national security policy.

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Tennessee

Middle Tennessee State University Accredited by SACS	MTSU’s criminal justice graduate degree is designed to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, homeland security, courts, police administration, correctional management, probation, parole, juvenile justice, drug rehabilitation, and private security or investigations. This degree can be completed 100% online.
Tennessee State University Accredited by SACS	The graduate degree program in criminal justice at Tennessee State University is designed to develop communication, critical thinking, and moral reasoning skills. Students must complete a minimum of 36 hours, and can complete this degree with or without a thesis.

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Texas

Texas State University Accredited by SACS	The MS in Criminal Justice degree program at Texas State University is designed to develop the program planning, implementation, and evaluation skills as needed for this field. Students in this program can take classes like Administration of Justice, Advanced Criminological Theory, and Current Legal Issues in Criminal Justice.
University of North Texas Accredited by SACS	At the University of North Texas, students in the MS in Criminal Justice degree program can have the opportunity to participate in faculty-directed research, get an internship, and study abroad. This program can be completed on campus or online and focuses on examining the operation and administration of the criminal justice system from practical, empirical, and theoretical perspectives.

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Utah

Weber State University Accredited by NWCCU

The graduate degree program at Weber State University is offered completely online and can be completed in a minimum of 12-18 months. Students in this program can learn from faculty with professional experience in corrections, forensics, policing, and law. No GRE or thesis is required to complete this program.

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Vermont

Norwich University Accredited by NEASC

The MS in Criminal Justice degree program at Norwich University is completely online, and is open to Norwich graduates and graduates of the U.S. Army Military Police School Captains Career Course (MPCCC) looking to develop leadership and management skills for international military and law enforcement positions.

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Virginia

George Mason University Accredited by SACS	George Mason University’s MS in Criminal Justice degree program is designed for early-to-mid-career criminal justice professionals, with the goal to develop their analytical, research, and leadership skills as they pertain to this field. Students in this program can take classes like Implementing Crime and Justice Policy, Leadership in Justice Organizations, and Evaluation of Crime and Justice Policies and Practices.
Liberty University Online Accredited by SACS	At Liberty University, students can complete the MS in Criminal Justice degree program completely online. This program focuses on developing written and verbal communication skills needed as a leader or manager in this field. Students can pursue a general degree or pick a concentration in Forensic Psychology, Homeland Security, or Public Administration.
Virginia State University Accredited by SACS	At Virginia State University, students can complete the MS in Criminal Justice degree program either with a thesis or without a thesis, and both options consist of a minimum of 36 credit hours. Students in either program can take classes like Policy Analysis in Criminal Justice, Contemporary Criminal Justice, and Theories of Crime and Criminology.

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Washington

Seattle University Accredited by NWCCU	Seattle University’s MA in Criminal Justice degree program focuses on the application of theory and research methods in the development of initiatives, policies, and practice. Students can pursue a general criminal justice degree or pursue a concentration in Victimology, Investigative Criminology, or Criminal Justice Research and Evaluation.
Washington State University Accredited by NWCCU	The MA in Criminal Justice degree program at Washington State University is designed to prepare students for doctoral-level studies or applied work in criminal justice agencies. In this program, students can develop their analytical, assessment, and research skills, as well as their written and oral communication skills.

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West Virginia

Marshall University Accredited by HLC	At Marshall University, students can complete the MS in Criminal Justice degree program online. This program consists of a minimum of 30 hours and is designed to provide theoretical, legal, and methodological training for research, teaching, and management careers in criminal justice. Students in this program can take elective courses in areas like terrorism, computer crime, and victimology.
West Virginia State University Accredited by HLC	The MS in Criminal Justice Administration degree program at West Virginia State University consists of a minimum of 36 hours and can be completed within six semesters. Students in this program can take classes like Leadership Psychology, Legal Aspects of Criminal Justice Administration, Criminal Justice and the Community, and Crisis Management, Homeland Security, and Critical Incident.

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Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Accredited by HLC

The MS in Criminal Justice degree program at UW-Milwaukee focuses on analyzing the legal, organizational, political, and behavioral frameworks of the U.S. criminal justice system, and is designed to prepare students for doctoral-level study or leadership positions in this field. Students can take classes like Administration of Criminal Justice Systems and Perspectives on Crime and the Criminal Justice System.

University of Wisconsin Platteville Accredited by HLC

At UW-Platteville, students can complete the MS in Criminal Justice degree program online. Students have the option to pursue a general criminal justice degree, or to pick a concentration in Criminal Justice Theory, Criminal Justice Management, or Victim and Offender Services. Students in this program can take classes like Law as Social Control, Victimology, and At-Risk Youth.

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Wyoming

University of Wyoming Accredited by HLC

For those interested in studying criminal justice at the University of Wyoming, students choose a concentration in criminal justice through the existing Master’s of Public Administration (MPA) graduate program in the Department of Political Science. This collaboration with the MPA program helps meet the educational needs of current and future criminal justice professionals.

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Masters in Criminal Justice Quick Facts

Here is a brief snapshot of what to expect and look forward to with a master’s degree in criminal justice.

Quick Facts
Common Pre-Enrollment Requirements:	Bachelor’s Degree, 1 – 3 years professional experience (preferred), GMAT or GRE
Common Core Subjects Covered:	Criminal Justice Administration, Criminological Theories, Research, Legal Studies, Policy Analysis, Leadership
Non-Classwork Required:	None (internship strongly recommended, and thesis may also be required)
Expected Time to Complete Master’s Degree:	1 – 2 years
Common Next Steps:	Intermediate/Senior-Level Position, Doctoral Degree
Most Common Career Fields:	Management, Administration, Research, Teaching, Human Services, Law Enforcement, Public Safety, Corrections, Federal Security

Exploring Degree Types and Accreditation

There are several types of criminal justice degrees offered at the graduate level, and many of them are offered as either a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS). The MA programs often don’t require students to complete a thesis, and are usually designed to prepare graduates for leadership and management positions within their current criminal justice career field. The MS programs typically require a thesis that is designed to prepare students to pursue a doctoral degree, followed by a career in academia or research.

Those pursuing a graduate degree in criminal justice have a variety of options to choose from, including:

• MA/MS in Criminal Justice/Criminology – a graduate degree that focuses on developing students’ understanding of advanced criminal justice concepts and and applications, covering subjects like justice, crime policies, victimology, and law enforcement; some programs allow students to pursue a criminal justice-related concentration; can also be referred to as a Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ)
• MA/MS in Criminal Justice Administration/Leadership – a graduate degree that focuses on developing students’ understanding of advanced criminal justice concepts, and applying that to administrative and management roles
• MBA in Criminal Justice – a graduate degree that focuses on applying advanced business administration skills to careers in the criminal justice field
• MPA in Criminal Justice – a graduate degree that focuses on applying advanced public administration skills to careers in the criminal justice field

Accreditation is important for all degrees, ensuring you receive a qualified education. The accrediting bodies featured in our list are:

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