Best Online Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice

If you’re looking to build a career in criminal justice, a master’s degree can help you move into advanced roles in law enforcement, the court system, or probation supervision. These roles usually offer increased responsibilities, greater leadership potential, and higher pay.

An online criminal justice master’s program can give you the flexibility to further your education without leaving your current job. Our guide to the best online master’s in criminal justice programs offers an overview of common course topics, career options after graduation, and answers to common questions about the criminal justice field.

A criminal justice master’s program builds advanced knowledge of law enforcement theories and practices. You’ll gain specialized skills in criminology, criminal justice administration, and law enforcement leadership.

Your training will qualify you for potentially rewarding and in-demand positions, such as the various supervisory roles within law enforcement. Not only do these upper-level careers typically come with a significant pay bump, they can also give you the chance to make a bigger difference in your community.

Earning your master’s in criminal justice online provides you with more flexibility than a traditional degree program. You can further your education while continuing your career. An online format also lets you attend a top program without having to relocate.

In a criminal justice master’s program, you’ll build a broad knowledge of the justice system. You’ll study policing practices and the U.S. court system. You’ll also explore general topics such as law, criminal justice management, and theories of crime.

Many online programs in this field offer concentrations such as criminology, cybersecurity, and homeland security. Below are descriptions of three common courses in master’s in criminal justice online programs.

This general course introduces theoretical and analytical frameworks for criminal justice studies. This class covers the history of the criminal justice system and major theories and approaches to law enforcement. You’ll examine the social, cultural, and political role of criminal justice and policing practices.

Research forms a major component of many criminal justice master’s programs. This class explores the use of research and data in creating and evaluating criminal justice policies and practices. You’ll gain a broad understanding of research tools and methodologies in the criminal justice field and learn how to conduct and evaluate research.

This class introduces criminology and the various factors that influence criminal behavior. You may explore the major theories and sociological and psychological approaches to criminology. This class also examines the role criminology plays in determining criminal justice policy and practices.

Many factors influence the cost of your criminal justice master’s program, including school type, delivery format, and program length.

You can save money by attending an in-state public school. You may spend more on your education if you pursue an online master’s degree in criminal justice from a private or out-of-state school. Some schools charge online students the same rate, regardless of residency status.

As an online learner, you may save money on commuting and other education-related expenses; however, you should plan for extra costs like graduation and technology fees. You must also buy textbooks and other school supplies. You can save money by buying used or digital books.

Even if you’re pursuing a criminal justice master’s degree online, you may need to complete some in-person components. This may lead to additional travel and lodging expenses.

An online master’s degree in criminal justice prepares you for many advanced careers in law enforcement and related fields. Most criminal justice careers do not require a master’s degree. That said, the degree can make you more competitive for top positions.

If you are transitioning to law enforcement, know that most careers require you to complete a training program before becoming an officer. Other protective and public service roles, such as emergency management, may require you to hold certifications.

Read on to learn more about potential careers for criminal justice graduates.

These professionals investigate crimes and gather evidence related to criminal investigations. They may specialize in one type of crime, such as homicide or narcotics. Detectives typically interview witnesses and collect evidence to identify criminal suspects. They may also supervise and direct other police officers.

These directors oversee preparations for emergency scenarios, such as natural disasters and terrorist attacks. They work with government agencies, public safety officials, and other professionals to plan for and respond to disasters. Emergency management directors commonly assess disaster risk factors. They also design safety protocols and lead disaster-response teams.

Probation officers rehabilitate criminal offenders, helping them stay out of jail or reintegrate into society after being in jail. With a master’s degree in criminal justice, you can pursue more administrative roles in this field, directing overall probation practices and policies. Graduates may also work as treatment specialists, developing rehabilitation plans for their clients.

After you complete your criminal justice master’s degree, you have several continuing education pathways available. You might continue in your field with a Ph.D. in criminal justice or a Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ). While the Ph.D. typically leads to a postsecondary teaching career, the DCJ tends to lead to more advanced roles within the law enforcement industry.

You could also pair your criminal justice master’s degree with other related degrees, such as a Juris Doctor degree if you wish to practice criminal law. If you want to effect change in communities or policies, you might aim for a master’s in public administration or doctorate in public administration.

The interdisciplinary nature of criminal justice allows you to take your education in many directions, depending on your strengths and interests.

The school’s accreditation status should be one of the first things you check before enrolling in a program. Institutional accreditation not only provides you with quality assurances; it can impact your financial aid, transfer credits, and your future licensure and employment opportunities. Institutional accreditation comes from organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education (ED).

In the criminal justice field, no organizations provide programmatic accreditation. Yet, some organizations still review these programs. Though not a CHEA- or ED-recognized accreditor, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) certifies programs that meet its academic standards.