Maybe you’ve been working in law enforcement and you want to advance to a managerial position. Or maybe you’ve completed your undergraduate in criminal justice and want to continue your education to qualify for a higher-level position and earn more money. Whatever your individual situation, an online master’s degree in criminal justice can help you reach your goals.
To help you find the right program, we’ve compiled a list of the best online master’s degrees in criminal justice based on what students report they look for most, including personalized degree plans, strong support for online students, affordability, and the ability to earn their master’s on their schedule.
Review these rankings to find out what the best schools offer, then continue reading to learn more about online criminal justice master’s degrees and the careers they can lead to.
Best Online Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice for 2024
We have ranked the top schools below. Our Rankings Data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES.) Click the About the Ranking link below for more information about our methodology.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- 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.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
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Romeoville, ILPrivate not-for-profit $$$
For those who work in criminal justice or public safety, a masters degree can help advance their career, but finding the time for the program while working can be tricky. Luckily, Lewis University offers two master degrees that are fully online and fit around your work schedule. Students can choose between a master degree in criminal justice or public safety, but no matter which they choose, they get a robust curriculum which goes into the theories and applicable knowledge needed to improve the criminal justice system. Lewis University’s program stands apart because of its commitment to career advancement. Students get academic advisors and professional development resources that help them figure out how to progress professionally – plus all these resources are available virtually as well.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $820 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Science in Public Safety Adminstration
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $820 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
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Cape Girardeau, MOPublic $$
Southeast Missouri State University offers a master in criminal science degree which is perfect for both those looking to enter the field and for those already in the industry. Those already in the field can get their master’s while working full-time thanks to the flexible course schedule and online format for all classes in the program. With this Master of Science program, students have the option of customizing their degree by choosing between three different capstone options: writing a thesis, participating in an internship, or taking higher-level leadership courses and developing a portfolio. These options allow students to align their education with their specific career goals. Whether students are coming in with a lot or no prior criminal justice experience, they will graduate with a robust knowledge of the field.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $386.50 per credit in-state | $663.25 per credit out-of-state
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
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Cincinnati, OHPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Xavier University offers one of the most flexible masters in criminal justice programs out there. Every detail of this program was designed for someone who has a full-time job in the field, but would like to get the necessary education after work hours to progress their career. For example, Xavier University offers eight start times throughout the year so students can choose to enroll in courses whenever best suits them. Students can also complete all their coursework asynchronously online, meaning there are no set class times, and can either finish in one to two years, depending on how many courses a student wishes to take each semester. Students with an undergraduate degree in the field can also apply some credits to their masters and finish faster.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $670 per credit hour
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Huntsville, TXPublic $$
Sam Houston State University offers a master in criminal justice degree which is suitable for anyone looking to transition into the field or advance their criminal justice career. Because the program is offered online and the course load is flexible, the program is ideal for the working professional. This program is also geared toward preparing students for leadership roles in the criminal justice system, such as becoming a police administrator, victim advocate, or judge. For additional flexibility, students can choose if they want to take the program fully online, fully in-person, or in a hybrid format. Additionally, all students have access to in-person and online academic support resources and tutoring to ensure they succeed in the classroom.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $725.85 per credit in-state | $1133.85 per credit out-of-state
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $725.85 per credit in-state | $1133.85 per credit out-of-state
- Mode: In-person
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $725.85 per credit in-state | $1133.85 per credit out-of-state
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
21/1
-
Indianapolis, INPublic $$
Indiana University’s online campus offers a unique masters in criminal justice which is perfect for seasoned professionals looking to advance their career. Unlike other degrees, it sits at the intersection of criminal justice and public safety. By the end of the program, students will be prepared to take on a leadership role in either field or to take on a role that combines both, such as being a police administrator. The program also has a specific emphasis on communication and coordination skills so students can effectively manage teams and work in interdisciplinary workplaces. Additionally, the program is designed for working professionals so all classes are offered online and can be taken asynchronously in the evenings, on weekends, or whenever a student isn’t working.
Program Highlights:
Master of Sceince in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 33
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $320 per credit in-state | $450 per credit out-of-state
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Las Cruces, NMPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Saint Leo, FLPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Denver, COPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Northfield, VTPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Anderson, SCPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Huntington, WVPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
New Castle, DEPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Montgomery, ALPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Lakewood, COPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Miami Gardens, FLPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Clinton, MSPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Florence, ALPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Fayetteville, NCPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Tampa, FLPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
22/1
-
Edwardsville, ILPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Wichita Falls, TXPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
University, MSPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Birmingham, ALPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Tiffin, OHPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Cleveland, MSPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Montgomery, ALPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Morristown, NJPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Tahlequah, OKPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Omaha, NEPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Columbia, SCPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Fairmont, WVPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Saint Paul, MNPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Boca Raton, FLPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Memphis, TNPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Warrensburg, MOPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Wichita, KSPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Richmond, KYPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Youngstown, OHPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Monroe, LAPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Plainview, TXPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
9/1
-
Center Valley, PAPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Greenville, NCPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Louisville, KYPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
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Detroit, MIPublic $$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
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Cincinnati, OHPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Fort Lauderdale, FLPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
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Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
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).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
What You’ll Get Out of an Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Master’s degrees in criminal justice online are designed to give you the advanced skills and knowledge to land higher-level positions and command larger salaries. To do this, programs expect you to attain certain outcomes throughout your coursework. The following are examples of the goals these programs generally have for students, but it’s important to keep in mind that specific schools may have different outcomes.
Decision-Making Skills
People in the criminal justice field—especially those who are in managerial-level positions—make decisions that affect a whole community. As you work toward your master’s degree in criminal justice online, you’ll learn how decisions are made in criminal justice organizations and how the needs of the community are weighed when making these choices.
Ethical Skills
No matter what decisions are made in a criminal justice organization, they need to be approached in an ethical manner. Your degree program will help you build your ethical standards by understanding the leadership philosophies professionals adhere to, the ethical values behind this framework, and the role of accountability when making organizational choices.
Policymaking Skills
To tackle criminal justice issues, professionals need to understand best practices of policymaking. Your coursework will give you policymaking skills that allow you to examine an issue, conduct research, draft and implement policies, monitor success, and update policies if they’re not working.
Critical Thinking Skills
Throughout your studies in an online criminal justice master’s degree program, you’ll learn advanced theories about policing, victimology, policymaking, leadership, and criminology. But knowing the theories isn’t enough; you need the critical thinking skills necessary to apply theories to the real-world situations you’ll be called to address as you move up the career ladder. An online master’s degree in criminal justice will provide these skills so you can evaluate events against the theoretical foundations you learned in class.
Courses You Can Expect in Your Criminal Justice Online Master’s
The curriculum offered in online criminal justice master’s degree programs helps you reach the goals and outcomes the school expects. To understand how the coursework you take is connected to the goals outlined above, continue reading this section. Keep in mind that individual schools differ, so it’s important to review the coursework offered by the online master’s in criminal justice programs you’re interested in.
Policing
This course looks at the history of policing, as well as how policing works in the present day. You’ll sharpen your critical thinking and decision-making skills as you gain an advanced understanding of how police professionals use theory and practical standards to find solutions to specific problems. Course topics may include police procedure, community policing policies, police corruption, and the organizational structures of law enforcement agencies.
Crisis Intervention
To help you understand how to work with people in crisis, this course provides information on the different types of crises people in the criminal justice field may witness, which can include crises caused by abuse, health problems, and natural disasters. In this class, you’ll learn ethical skills that are necessary to help people in crisis, as well as critical thinking and decision-making skills that allow you to find the best solutions for people during the most challenging times in their lives.
Ethical Leadership in Criminal Justice
Everyone in the criminal justice field is required to adhere to certain ethical values, however those in leadership positions are held to the highest standards of ethical responsibility. This course helps you build your ethical skills and understand the challenges leaders face, from budgetary concerns to risk management to staffing.
Organizational Change in Criminal Justice
When you enroll in this course during your master’s in criminal justice online program, you’ll get the chance to enhance your decision-making skills as you learn how criminal justice professionals deal with organizational change in their agencies. Specific topics may include strategies for assessing an organization’s culture, the models used to make changes in an organization, employee motivation, and the factors that influence organizational change.
Community-Based Corrections
This course covers the history of community-based corrections and the research about the effectiveness of these programs. Specific topics covered include drug courts, boot camps, probation, parole, and house arrest. During the class, you’ll be able to build your critical thinking skills as you learn the strategies for community-based corrections and evaluate how well these approaches work and how much they’re based on industry research.
Judicial Process
This course provides a deep dive into the judicial process, allowing you to build on your critical thinking skills as you find out advanced theories about judiciaries on the local, state, and federal levels. The course may also cover inequities in the justice system and look at specific cases and how they were handled in the courts.
FAQs About Online Criminal Justice Master’s Degree Programs
No matter what your career goals are, deciding to pursue an online master’s degree in criminal justice is a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. As you do research to make your choice, you’re probably going to have a lot of questions. To help make it a little easier for you, below we answer common questions prospective students have.
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Are online master’s programs in criminal justice offered fully online?
Yes, you can enroll in a criminal justice master’s degree program that is completely online. Some programs are asynchronous, meaning you can complete your coursework during times that are most convenient for you. However, other programs are provided in a synchronous format, meaning that you are required to work based on a set schedule for lectures and assignments. As a result, be sure that you check what format online programs are offered in so you can choose the option that best fits your lifestyle.
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What types of careers can I pursue with a master’s degree in criminal justice?
When you dedicate so much time, not to mention money, to a degree program, you want to know what jobs you’ll be able to land after graduation. The following are examples of jobs available to those who earn a master’s degree in criminal justice online.
- Child and Family Services Supervisors
- Correctional Treatment Specialists
- Court Administration Managers
- Economic Security Managers
- Homeless Outreach Supervisors
- First-Line Supervisors of Police
- Paralegals
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What accreditation should an online master’s in criminal justice degree have?
Accreditation is an important consideration for those choosing a school for an online master’s degree in criminal justice. When you choose a school that has been accredited, you can enroll with confidence that you’ll receive the quality education you deserve. When undergoing the accreditation process, schools are required to prove that they’re offering access to a quality curriculum, experienced faculty, and services students need to succeed.
As a result, you should only consider schools that have been accredited by organizations such as the Higher Learning Commission, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
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What does the admissions process look like for an online master’s in criminal justice?
Generally, when you apply to a master’s degree in criminal justice online, you’re expected to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least a 3.0 grade point average. In some cases, students are expected to have a high score on the GRE or GMAT, though many schools no longer require those standardized tests. You may also be required to submit a statement of purpose explaining why you’re interested in earning this degree, as well as participate in an interview with someone in the criminal justice department.
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How much does an online master’s in criminal justice cost?
Depending on the school, you may be charged for your online criminal justice master’s degree program by the credit hour, semester, or entire program. For example, Purdue University Global charges $420 per credit, Arizona State University charges $6,086 per semester, and University of Southern California students pay $53,256 for the entire program.
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How long does it take to earn an online master’s degree in criminal justice?
An online master’s degree in criminal justice generally takes about two years if you’re enrolled full time, though some schools have programs that only take one year. If you attend part time, it can take around three years. Since all individual schools have different requirements, it’s important to review your top choices to determine what your time commitment would be.
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Which specializations are available for a master’s degree in criminal justice?
Do you want a managerial role in a policing agency? Or become the head of a research lab that specializes in forensic evidence? No matter what your aspirations are, the specializations a school offers can get you one step closer to your goals. The following are examples of concentrations that online master’s degrees in criminal justice may offer:
- Behavioral Science
- Crime Analysis
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Criminology
- Cybercrime
- Forensic Science
- Homeland Security
- Public Safety Administration
Salary and Job Demand: Is an Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Worth It?
Before you enroll in an online criminal justice master’s degree program, you probably want to be sure that the degree will be worth it based on the job choices available, salary potential, and expected job growth. Below you will find a comparison of different jobs for those with a master’s degree in criminal justice, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Career | Median Annual Earnings (2021) | Job Growth (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|
| Social Services Managers | $74,000 | 12% |
| Forensic Science Technicians | $61,930 | 11% |
| Paralegals | $56,230 | 14% |
| Police and Detectives | $66,020 | 3% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics