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 EducationCareer DevelopmentOnline LearningEditor: Jordan Cosselman
Reviewer: Brett Garland, PhD
Expertise: Criminal JusticeCriminologyGraduate Education- Which Student Are You?
Find the Criminal Justice Program Type That's Right for You
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 - Salary/Pay
Criminal Justice Salary Potential with a Master's Degree
Read more - Top Schools
Best Schools for Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Degrees
Read more
Find the Criminal Justice Program Type That’s Right for You
Criminal justice master’s programs range from policy and administration tracks aimed at people already working in the field to broader academic degrees for those still deciding on a direction. The right one depends on whether you’re chasing a promotion, a career switch, or further graduate study. Getting it wrong adds time and cost. Use what’s below to find your match.
Which Criminal Justice Student Sounds Most Like You?
The Career Starter
You’ve just finished your bachelor’s degree and want a direct route into criminal justice work — policing, corrections, probation, or court services — without years of unrelated experience first.
A full-time, accelerated format lets you move through core criminal justice theory and practice coursework quickly, so you can start applying to academy programs, entry-level analyst roles, or agency positions sooner. A hybrid format still gives you access to campus resources like internship placement and faculty advising, which matter when you don’t yet have professional contacts in the field.
The Career Changer
You’re moving into criminal justice from an unrelated career — the military, business, teaching, or healthcare — and need a program built for students without a criminal justice background.
Look for a program that explicitly admits students from any undergraduate major, since some criminal justice courses assume familiarity with the court system or corrections that you may not have yet. A fully online format also lets you complete coursework around your current job while you plan your transition into the field.
The Promotion Seeker
You’re already working in law enforcement, corrections, or probation and want the credential that moves you from the line into a supervisory or command position.
A leadership or administration concentration builds the budgeting, personnel management, and policy skills that promotion boards and hiring panels look for beyond patrol or custody experience. Part-time, hybrid scheduling matters here since you’re almost certainly still working shifts while you study.
The Working Balancer
You’re working full-time — often on a rotating shift — while managing family or other responsibilities, and need a program that fits around your schedule rather than a fixed classroom calendar.
A fully online, asynchronous format means you’re not tied to a class meeting time that conflicts with overnight or weekend shifts. Pairing that with part-time enrollment keeps your course load manageable alongside a demanding job and home responsibilities.
The Justice Reentry Admin
You work in (or want to move into) corrections — jails, prisons, or community supervision — and are drawn to running rehabilitation and reentry programs, not just custody operations.
A corrections and reentry concentration goes beyond general criminal justice theory into the programming, recidivism research, and reentry-service design that agencies increasingly prioritize. Coursework in program administration prepares you to manage budgets and staff for these initiatives, not just deliver them.
The Victim Services Specialist
You’re drawn to the courtroom side of the system — probation, court administration, or victim advocacy — rather than policing or corrections.
Court and victim-services roles call for coursework in trauma-informed practice and victims’ rights law that a generalist criminal justice curriculum may only touch on briefly. A fully online format also suits this path well, since many victim-advocacy and court-support jobs are civilian roles without shift-work scheduling constraints.
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.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
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.
Criminal Justice Salary Potential with a Master’s Degree
A master’s in criminal justice opens advancement opportunities across law enforcement, federal agencies, corrections, policy, and academia. Graduates move into investigative, analytical, and leadership roles — including detective positions, criminal intelligence analysts, federal agents, and criminal justice administrators. The degree is especially valuable for those seeking advancement within law enforcement or transitioning into policy and research roles.
Detectives and criminal investigators are among the more specialized and better-compensated roles in public safety, with federal and state agency positions typically offering the strongest salaries and benefits. Compensation scales with rank, jurisdiction, and specialization.
Use the salary table below to explore what detectives and criminal investigators earn across states, and see how pay compares in your area.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
| Area | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $93,790 | $120,520 | $160,540 |
| Alabama | $66,290 | $92,610 | $150,780 |
| Alaska | $114,940 | $168,790 | $183,680 |
| Arizona | $102,340 | $111,360 | $142,380 |
| Arkansas | $54,500 | $66,820 | $144,890 |
| California | $124,840 | $136,020 | $165,510 |
| Colorado | $105,480 | $115,130 | $161,550 |
| Connecticut | $95,240 | $103,800 | $130,540 |
| Delaware | $122,050 | $149,990 | $164,510 |
| District of Columbia | $160,760 | $170,810 | $195,190 |
| Florida | $77,060 | $120,180 | $162,450 |
| Georgia | $65,430 | $79,220 | $149,030 |
| Hawaii | $113,940 | $140,750 | $165,030 |
| Idaho | $72,520 | $100,420 | $125,550 |
| Illinois | $91,190 | $114,640 | $157,060 |
| Indiana | $70,340 | $82,740 | $127,790 |
| Iowa | $79,560 | $90,380 | $141,650 |
| Kansas | $75,740 | $91,560 | $114,030 |
| Kentucky | $71,670 | $96,120 | $149,280 |
| Louisiana | $60,450 | $78,700 | $131,730 |
| Maine | $88,310 | $109,300 | $120,430 |
| Maryland | $126,730 | $166,230 | $188,700 |
| Massachusetts | $110,150 | $146,230 | $179,030 |
| Michigan | $90,650 | $120,560 | $164,670 |
| Minnesota | $80,000 | $100,090 | $115,210 |
| Mississippi | $58,640 | $78,230 | $136,120 |
| Missouri | $75,650 | $93,910 | $151,720 |
| Montana | $92,410 | $109,300 | $144,000 |
| Nebraska | $100,530 | $123,930 | $155,210 |
| Nevada | $94,470 | $129,220 | $152,480 |
| New Hampshire | $89,290 | $105,870 | $174,050 |
| New Jersey | $116,300 | $134,000 | $165,570 |
| New Mexico | $86,840 | $109,300 | $111,970 |
| New York | $101,240 | $124,860 | $166,800 |
| North Carolina | $63,280 | $80,330 | $137,550 |
| North Dakota | $82,290 | $106,330 | $129,230 |
| Ohio | $79,300 | $105,690 | $151,200 |
| Oklahoma | $80,430 | $102,250 | $136,120 |
| Oregon | $107,450 | $127,860 | $158,060 |
| Pennsylvania | $97,580 | $116,960 | $154,360 |
| Rhode Island | $88,450 | $99,100 | $159,140 |
| South Carolina | $62,760 | $77,200 | $149,280 |
| South Dakota | $77,730 | $110,880 | $149,280 |
| Tennessee | $77,090 | $107,810 | $149,280 |
| Texas | $90,510 | $109,300 | $132,850 |
| Utah | $78,920 | $115,210 | $149,280 |
| Vermont | $106,330 | $111,530 | $153,670 |
| Virginia | $112,760 | $160,760 | $195,190 |
| Washington | $115,790 | $126,170 | $162,860 |
| West Virginia | $92,410 | $149,280 | $171,250 |
| Wisconsin | $91,040 | $97,120 | $103,130 |
| Wyoming | $81,880 | $104,080 | $149,280 |
Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Criminal Justice Master’s Programs
Best Schools for Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Degrees
Wilmington University
Best for: advancement-focused students
Sam Houston State University
Best for: advancement-focused students
Florida Gulf Coast University
Best for: advancement-focused students
Delta State University
Best for: working students
Franklin University
Best for: working students
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Best for: advancement-focused students
Albany State University
Best for: advancement-focused students
Saint Cloud State University
Best for: advancement-focused students
SUNY College of Technology at Delhi
Best for: working students
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Best for: working students
