Criminal Justice Masters Degree Online
As the Criminal Justice field expands so does the need for related education. If you are looking to start a career in law enforcement, or are ready to move up the ladder, the Criminal Justice Masters Degree online will definitely make that happen.
The colleges and universities below may help you pick the right online Criminal Justice Master Degree program:
| featured: online Master Degrees in Criminal Justice |
Boston University
Everest University Online
Kaplan University
Keiser University
Michigan State University
Northeastern University
University of Cincinnati – 12 months
Virginia College Online
More master degree level criminal justice schools:
American Military University
American Public University System
Arizona State University
Bowling Green State University – BGSU
Capella University
Colorado Technical University
Eastern Kentucky University
Florida International University
Florida State University (highly recommended)
Hodges University
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Norwich University
Penn State (highly recommended)
Saint Joseph’s University
Saint Leo University
South University
Tiffin University
University of Arkansas at Little Rock – UALR
University of Central Florida
University of Florida (Forensic Sciences – highly recommended)
University of Maryland University College – UMUC
University of Phoenix
Upper Iowa University
Utica College
The list of Master level criminal justice degree programs will be expanded as more schools emerge.



{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I am considering getting my criminal justice masters degree online. I did my bachelors online, but I am curious to what to expect regarding how much work a master’s degree in criminal justice requires. Is there is big difference between a masters degree and other degrees in how much work is required and how much harder and time consuming it could be?
Jamie,
I really like your questions and will use them in one of my blog posts in the near future. The truth is the questions are a little more complicated and are dependent on factors that you can only know. But I’ll try anyway.
Regardless of which online school you went to, how many classes you took at one time, and the structure of the program I am confident you will have an upper edge when it comes to online learning at a graduate level.
From my perspective, I enjoyed my Masters more than I did when I went for my undergrad. One big reason, I was more passionate about what I wanted to do after I obtained my Masters degree in Criminal Justice. When I went to Colorado Technical University for Business I had 2 classes at one time, but when I went to Boston University for my masters I only had 1 class at a time. I liked the class load at CTU, but one class at BU made it more manageable for me to turn in assignments, participate in discussions, and keep up with the assigned reading.
The reality in all this is everything is dependent on your own belief in yourself, your abilities, and devotion to your subject area. You can expect more work on a graduate level, but it can become whatever you want it to become (easier or harder). One last advice: don’t run away from prestigious schools that are often much cheaper than their commercial counterparts just because you may think they will be harder. The end result can propel you further when you start weighing your career options. I hope this helps you. Good luck!
First off, thanks for the great blog!
I have a question- I reside in NYC and have always heard about John Jay College of Criminal Justice. But unfortunately, have not found much info about it online. Do you know anything about how good of a school it is? I already have my BA, have been working as a legal assistant for a few years but want to get my Master’s in Criminal Justice to change into a CJ career- ultimately I’d love to have a government job but I’m also interested in the NYPD. I wanted to go to John Jay so it could help me decide between everything.
And then again, some have told me I don’t even need a degree in Criminal Justice and that I should just start applying places.
Can you give me some advice?
Thanks so much!
In the criminal justice field, John Jay College of Criminal Justice is considered one of the best schools in the nation. Even government officials from other countries attend John Jay to bring back with the the knowledge that they can apply in their system. “Google” John Jay College and go to their criminal justice section. You’ll find the list of accolades the school has received.
Yes, with a Bachelor’s degree you can apply into Local, County, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies, even without a degree in Criminal Justice. I personally would get my Master’s out of the way so when it’s time for a promotion there would be less scrutiny in the education qualifications department. However, there are many successful law enforcement employees that do well with just a Bachelor’s degree.
Have you considered studying online? If not, take a look at schools like University of Cincinnati, Penn State University, Michigan State University, and Northeastern University. These are considered to be some of the best criminal justice schools. Good luck.
Arizona State University has an AMAZING online degree! The Bachelors degree allows students to take classes in a 7 week format. Great for me (a working Mom). I am also excited about their online masters degree.
The best thing about this program is that it has a high ranking, the cost is very affordable and the classes seem to be built especially for students like me. You should definitely check out the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at ASU!
Thanks for sharing
If I can make a recommendations to your list:
1) University of Massachusetts – Lowell, MA Campus
- This school has a good Criminal Justice and Criminology program that can be taken traditionally, online or a combination of the two.
Mr. Gadek, thank for the site, I have often referred to it and greatly appreciate your work here.
Josh,
Thanks for the recommendation. I mentioned University of Mass – Lowell in my Best Criminal Justice Schools in Massachusetts article.
And, I’m glad you like the site : )