Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice

Saint Leo University offers an MS in Criminal Justice online via either a traditional or accelerated track. Degree-seekers may complete the program in two years, or opt to accelerate their work even faster with approval. The program is made up of 36 total credit hours, with five classes of core curriculum and six electives.

This MS in Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven is a nationally recognized degree conducted entirely online. A 12 credit hour core curriculum provides the foundation for the full 36 credit hour program, with three areas of focus in Crime Analysis, Police Behavioral Studies, and Leadership and Management. Students select 24 credits of electives to make up the majority of their degree.

The Master’s in Criminal Justice at Liberty University is 100 percent online, and suited for those just starting their careers or developing further. The program offers specializations in Forensic Psychology, General Studies, Homeland Security, or Public Administration to enhance the degree. Students must complete 36 credit hours total, including an optional thesis program.

University of the Cumberlands offers a Master’s in Justice Administration that incorporates a core curriculum as well as a wide variety of specializations. The program requires 31 total credit hours, with 18 going to core courses and 12 to specialization courses. All graduates must also complete a capstone project for degree achievement.

This online MS in Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University was ranked #1 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Designed for working professionals, the program requires 36 credit hours and furthers students’ careers in police administration, victim advocacy, and more. All courses are offered entirely online, and the degree can be completed within two years.

The MS in Criminal Justice from Florida International University is an online program requiring 36 credit hours for completion. In addition to 15 credit hours of required coursework and 12 hours of criminal justice electives, students may incorporate 9 credits of general electives. College teaching preparation is available within the program for students interested in that career path.

The University of Central Florida grants students an MS in Criminal Justice, available fully online. The program also offers a dual degree in Master of Public Administration, fostering complementary skills for careers in public service. The degree requires 36 credit hours to complete, with 21 credits of core classes, a selection of required and voluntary electives, and final capstone project.

Boston University offers an Online Master’s of Criminal Justice degree with concentrations in either Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity or Strategic Management. The program requires 40 credit hours, with 6 required classes plus 4 electives. This degree is ideal for professionals already experienced in the field.

The online Master’s in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts – Lowell is nationally ranked as a top online Criminal Justice program by various sources. The program requires 33 credit hours, 11 hours of which are devoted to core classes. Students may choose areas of interest for the remaining 18 hrs of study.

An MS in Criminal Justice Studies from Florida State University is delivered entirely online. The 36 credit hour program requires zero visits to campus, and can be completed within two years. Participants earn their degree after completing 15 credit hours of core coursework and 21 credit hours of electives, 9 of which may be from unrelated disciplines.

This MS in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University is a flexible program with two additional focus areas available. The core program requires 30 credits for completion, and specializations in Judicial Administration and Security Management each require several additional courses. Students have access to a global community of resources as well as optional field experience.

The online MS in Criminal Justice from Nova Southeastern University is an interdisciplinary program of 30 total credit hours. Students complete 15 credit hours of core curriculum, plus courses in a chosen concentration and electives. Twelve specialty concentrations are available for a broad range of career tracks.

The University of Central Missouri offers an online MS in Criminal Justice degree with flexible scheduling for completion. Students select a thesis or non-thesis track to reach the required 36 credit hours for a degree. Core courses comprise 21 credit hours, and a 15 credit hours research component will include electives and optional thesis work.

An MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice is offered online at California State University – Long Beach. The accelerated program is flexible in schedule, and well-suited for professionals intending to enhance their career. In addition to 36 credit hours of study, students select a thesis or comprehensive exam option for degree completion.

This online MS in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville focuses on three concentration options, with additional sub-focuses. Catering to a variety of continued career and education paths, concentrations in Criminal Justice Theory, Criminal Justice Management, and Victim and Offender Services are available. The program requires 30 total credit hours, half of which are core classes and half electives, with certification in Child Advocacy also available.

The MS in Criminal Justice online at Lamar University is designed for professionals interested in propelling their current career forward. Students complete 30 credit hours of coursework from three categories of study. An extensive selection of applied criminology courses are available to enhance core course requirements.

This online Master’s in Criminal Justice from East Carolina University is a 36 credit hour program offering optional certifications. Eighteen hours of core classes and 18 hours of electives give students the opportunity to create the degree best-suited for them, whether they’re building on professional experience or looking for new direction. Specific certifications in Security Studies, Public Management and Leadership, and Criminal Justice Education are also available.

The MS in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati – Main Campus offers a fast-track to completion within one year, or the option to take more time. A top-ranked online program, the degree requires 33 credit hours and offers a general course track. Additionally, concentrations are available in Analysis of Criminal Behavior, Law Enforcement & Crime Prevention, and Corrections & Offender Rehabilitation.

At the University of Nebraska at Omaha, an MS in Criminology is available online at a flexible pace. Students may also elect to complete some courses in person if they wish, and the program totals 36 credit hours. Eleven classes plus a capstone course complete this degree designed for working professionals.

An online MA in Criminal Justice is available from California State University – San Bernardino. Designed for professional interested in furthering their careers in the field, students may choose to complete a thesis or a cumulative exam for degree completion. The program requires 45 credit hours for both tracks, with required courses and electives.

This MS in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisville is a 100 percent online program with the opportunity to pursue various specializations. Students must complete 36 credit hours for a degree, combining 15 hours of core classes, 18 hours of electives, and a final paper worth 3 credit hours. Students may also optionally choose an accelerated six week term schedule.

An MS in Criminal Justice Administration is available online from Columbia College. The program also offers management tracks in either Law Enforcement Administration or Corrections Administration. The core degree requires a minimum of 36 credits, with an additional 9 credits for the optional management tracks.

Rowan University’s online MA in Criminal Justice is a part-time program designed to be completed within 5 consecutive semesters. Students must complete 30 credit hours made up of 18 credits of required courses and 12 elective hours. Degree completion is achieved after either a comprehensive exam or a thesis project.

A Master’s in Criminal Justice is available online from Colorado State University – Global Campus. Degree-seekers complete 36 credit hours of study, and may tailor courses to pursue specific areas of focus. An internship component in the field is also available to enhance field experience.

An MS in Criminal Justice is available online from the University of North Texas, ranked second in the state and #18 in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report. The two year degree includes both a core curriculum and electives for a total of 36 credit hours. Students complete a final comprehensive exam to receive their degree.

This online Master’s of Criminal Justice degree from New Mexico State University – Main Campus is ideal for candidates entering the field or those with experience. Students complete 36 total credit hours of coursework, with an internship option available as part of study. Coursework centers around 15 credit hours of core content, 12 credits of related electives, and 9 credits of electives from unrelated disciplines.

This is a highly flexible MA in Criminal Justice degree from Arizona State University. Offered through the College of Public Service and Community Solutions, the program requires 33 credit hours and includes a capstone course and research paper. Students may enroll full or part time, and have six years to complete the degree.

The MA in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Kent State University at Kent is available fully online. Students complete 33 credit hours of work, combining core curriculum with elective choices. Special areas of concentration are available in Corrections, Global Security, Policing, and Victimology.

An MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Missouri State University – Springfield is available online. Students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours for the degree, and may choose a thesis-track or non-thesis track program. Each option is made up of a core curriculum, electives, and a final requirement.

Bowling Green State University – Main Campus provides an MS in Criminal Justice online that is ranked best in the nation. The majority of class content is self-paced, and does not require logging online at designated times for participation. The program requires 33 credit hours, and classes last seven weeks with a one week break between each.