Whether you aspire to be a crime analyst, law enforcement leader, or legal professional, an online master’s program in criminal justice can help you reach your goals. Use this guide to find top schools and learn what to expect as an online master’s student.
Author: Shannon Lee
Expertise: Graduate Ed.CareersOnline LearningEditor: Jordan Cosselman
Reviewer: Brett Garland, PhD
Expertise: Criminal JusticeCriminologyGraduate Ed.- Program Spotlights
Inside Three Online Master's Programs in Criminal Justice
Read more - Degree Advantages
5 Key Advantages of Earning an Online Criminal Justice Master's Degree
Read more - What You'll Learn
What You'll Learn in Online Criminal Justice Master's Degree Programs
Read more - Accreditation
Accreditation Standards for Online Criminal Justice Master's Programs
Read more - Career Options
What You Can Do with a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice
Read more - Top Schools
Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
Read more
An online master’s degree in criminal justice offers a convenient and affordable way for professionals to deepen their expertise and qualify for leadership roles. Many programs are designed specifically for working adults.
Whether you want to specialize in cybercrime, public safety, or criminal justice reform, online programs allow you to advance your education on a schedule that works for you. But which schools offer the best and most flexible options? Read about today’s top programs and what to expect from your education.
Inside Three Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice
Rankings are a helpful starting point, but they don’t tell the full story. To determine whether a program is right for you, it’s important to look at coursework, cost, and career outcomes.
Below, we spotlight three online criminal justice master’s programs to give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
Boston University
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice at Boston University (BU) stands out for its flexibility and specialization options. Students can choose concentrations such as:
- Strategic Management
- Crime Analysis
- Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity
The program can be completed in as little as 16 months. Coursework is offered through Boston University Metropolitan College, which features lower tuition rates than traditional BU programs. Admissions requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree in any field
- Resume
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Application fee (waived for members of the American Jail Association)
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring a high-quality education. Students can complete the program in:
- 1 year (full-time)
- 2-3 years (part-time)
Courses are available anytime, anywhere, offering maximum flexibility for working professionals. The university also offers six start dates per year. Students can choose from three concentrations:
- Law Enforcement and Crime Prevention
- Analysis of Criminal Behavior
- Corrections and Offender Rehabilitation
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a recognized leader in online education, and its Master of Arts in Criminal Justice reflects that experience. Key features include:
- 7.5-week courses
- Adjustable course loads
- A required capstone project
Required coursework includes:
- Applied Data Analysis in Criminal Justice
- Seminar in Criminology
- Seminar in Criminal Justice
- Criminal Justice Planning and Program Evaluation
Applicants must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, along with transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a written statement of professional goals.
5 Key Advantages of an Online Criminal Justice Master’s Degree
Earning a graduate degree is a major commitment. Here are five reasons professionals choose an online criminal justice master’s program:
- Flexible Learning
Online formats allow students to balance school with full-time work. - Career Advancement
A master’s degree can help qualify you for leadership and supervisory roles. - Specialization Options
Programs often offer concentrations in management, cybersecurity, and more. - Career Mobility
A graduate degree can support a shift into teaching, policy, or administration. - Higher Earning Potential
Master’s degree holders may earn up to $10,000 more per year than those with only a bachelor’s degree.
What You’ll Learn in Online Criminal Justice Master’s Program
While curricula vary by school, most programs share common learning outcomes. Students typically complete coursework in criminology, research methods, and data analysis.
Many programs allow students to tailor their studies through electives. Some also require a capstone or final project that applies classroom learning to real-world issues.
Sample Courses
Computer Applications in Criminal Justice
Covers software commonly used in the field, including word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and online research tools.
Administration of Criminal Justice
Examines the structure and function of law enforcement, courts, corrections, and rehabilitation systems.
Applied Research in Criminal Justice
Focuses on designing and conducting ethical research in criminal justice contexts.
Data Analysis in Criminal Justice
Explores how data and statistics inform policy decisions across courts, corrections, and law enforcement.
Applied Research Project (Capstone)
A culminating project that applies academic and professional experience to a current criminal justice issue.
Criminal Justice Specialization Options
Some programs allow students to formally specialize by completing a set of focused electives. Common options include:
Emergency and Disaster Management
Emphasizes interagency coordination during natural disasters and terrorism-related events.
Crime Analysis
Covers investigative techniques, criminal intelligence, and data-driven crime prevention.
Nonprofit Management
Prepares students to lead nonprofit and nongovernmental criminal justice organizations.
Strategic Management
Applies policy, ethics, and financial analysis to criminal justice administration.
Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity
Focuses on digital crime, cyber risk assessment, and emerging legal frameworks.
Criminology
Examines crime through sociology, psychology, economics, and data analysis.
Forensic Science
Integrates biology, chemistry, and psychology to analyze criminal evidence.
Legal Studies
Covers criminal law fundamentals, liability, punishment, and legal procedures.
Accreditation Standards for Online Criminal Justice Programs
Accreditation ensures that your degree meets recognized standards of educational quality. It also confirms that employers and other institutions will respect your credential.
There are two main types:
- Institutional accreditation (entire school)
- Programmatic accreditation (specific programs)
Most criminal justice master’s programs rely on institutional accreditation, as there is no widely recognized programmatic accreditor. Some programs are certified by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS).
To verify accreditation, consult the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
What You Can Do with a Master’s in Criminal Justice?
Graduates often work in law enforcement, courts, corrections, or government agencies. Others pursue roles in academia or the private sector. Common career paths with a master’s in criminal justice include:
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Investigate crimes and build cases for prosecution. A master’s degree can open doors to advanced roles.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $50,670 | $91,100 | $154,360 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Fire Investigator
Determine the causes of fires and explosions, often working alongside law enforcement.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $47,580 | $75,480 | $149,870 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Probation Officer
Support rehabilitation efforts and may advance into supervisory positions.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $45,390 | $64,520 | $106,290 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Correctional Officer
Oversee incarcerated individuals and pursue management roles with advanced education.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $32,950 | $57,050 | $93,950 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Provide legal support and benefit from deeper knowledge of criminal justice systems.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $39,710 | $61,010 | $98,990 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Costs and Financial Aid for Criminal Justice Programs
Tuition is a major consideration, but it’s not the only cost. Students should also account for:
- Academic and technology fees
- Books and materials
- Residency or proctoring fees (if applicable)
Financial aid options may include scholarships, grants, loans, and employer tuition assistance.
What Your Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Could Cost
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Toledo | 30 | $599.91 | $17,997.30 |
| Florida State University | 36 | $553.70 | $19,933.20 |
| Purdue University Global | 55 | $420.00 | $23,100 |
Online Master’s Q&A with a CS Professor and Department Head
Dr. Brett Garland, Professor and Department Head at Missouri State University, shares insights on online learning, career preparation, and emerging skills.
Q. Criminology and criminal justice are great for online learning. Are there any hands-on opportunities you’d recommend for those in your online classes?
A. We like to pose scenarios to our students and have them utilize their academic training to solve real-world problems. My class on evidence-based practices in corrections requires students to create mock program sessions and critique their designs with one another. Online formats are well suited, especially with the increased utilization of videoconferencing technologies, to get students from various backgrounds and regions to interact and refine the critical thinking skills of one another.
Q. What kinds of careers do you often see your graduates pursue, especially if they’ve earned a master’s degree?
A. Our master’s degree program is designed to give students the ability to advance professionally. The entire curriculum is built to achieve this goal. We require completion of classes on policy analysis, leadership management, data analysis, and theory-driven policy development. Students can further specialize for careers through 12-hour certificates in the areas of homeland security and defense, crime prevention, and criminal justice leadership and management.
Q. What kind of courses should students take to be poised to jump into emerging criminal justice careers?
A. Students interested in law enforcement will put themselves in an advantageous position if they speak certain foreign languages fluently, analyze data sets to identify crime trends and behavioral patterns, and demonstrate technical writing skills.
Q. What are a few of the most important things you want your criminology students to learn?
A. Regardless of the chosen criminal justice profession, all students will need to develop strong critical thinking skills and a penetrating understanding of criminal motives and behaviors. Criminology students should not be asked to simply soak up information; they should be challenged relentlessly to apply what they know, all with the goal of achieving safer and more just communities. Too many times academic programs impart knowledge and ask students to go and put their learning to good use, without giving proper guidance on how to actually do so.