Online Criminal Justice Masters

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Earning a Online Criminal Justice Masters takes about two years, but it can be two years very well spent. An Online Criminal Justice Masters program will cover advanced topics such as research methodology, analyzing criminal behavior, leadership and the law. If you plan to work in federal law enforcement, having a master’s degree could increase your opportunities for advancement. After completing an online master’s program, criminal justice students can further their careers to take on advanced positions with local, state and federal authorities. If you are already a law enforcement officer, or in a criminal justice-related field, a master’s in criminal justice will help you to sharpen critical work-related skills and move up the career ladder more rapidly. For someone entering the field for a competitive position, such as within a federal agency, you will have a definite advantage. Career examples within Federal agencies include:

  • Forensic psychologist
  • FBI agent
  • Blood Spatter Analyst

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, criminal justice careers are anticipated to grow at a rate of 7% between 2020 and 2030, which is above the national average. Many colleges and universities now offer an online criminal justice degree. In this guide we will be discussing all aspects of criminal justice degree programs – admission requirements, scholarships, curriculum, and much more. We will also review the best online criminal justice degrees in the country.

Best Online Criminal Justice
Masters Programs

Like many other fields of study, an Online Criminal Justice Master’s program can be achieved through online learning. But when it comes to selecting the best online schools, in which one can pursue a master’s in criminal justice, it is important to consider several key factors. Our methodology included elements like tuition, program quality, graduation rates, program reputation and many other parameters The expert team at Find Best Degrees has considered all these factors. (Link to methodology pop up) and created a list of the best criminal justice programs that can be taken online. Here is a list of the best online criminal justice programs: *

Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page

Find Best Online Criminal Justice
Masters Near Me

It is not an exaggeration to say that the Internet has changed our lives forever. This definitely includes how we learn. With so many institutions offering Online Criminal Justice Master Degree programs, you no longer have to worry about finding a college or university near you. Now, the university comes to you by way of the World wide Web.

Criminal justice master’s programs can be attended through online learning. But when it comes to selecting good online schools, in which one can pursue a master’s in criminal justice, it is important to consider several key factors.

Once again, we have done most of the work for you by providing the list below. If you are searching for a local institution, just enter the location and we’ve got you covered. Take a look at our list below to find a criminal justice degree in your preferred geographic area.

What to Expect from the Online Criminal
Justice Master’s Program?

Areas of Specialization for Online
Criminal Justice Masters

At times, criminologists aid in actual investigations and play a role in the apprehension of criminals, while in other cases they conduct research that leads to better law enforcement techniques. The term “criminologist” itself encompasses a variety of disciplines in the criminal investigation field.

The branches of criminology are usually classified as:

Depending on your area of specialization, the working conditions of criminologists can vary according to your specific job function:

Laboratory WorkCrime Scene WorkOffice WorkCourt Work
A forensic scientist, or a science lab technician, will spend much of the day working in a laboratory setting. There they study evidence obtained at a crime scene. Forensic scientists also spend a considerable amount of time at the computer, analyzing data and using sophisticated software programs to identify possible criminal suspects.Criminal investigators gather evidence at the crime scene to be taken back to the laboratory for analysis. Their work may involve gathering tissue and fluid samples from dead bodies, examining blood stain spatters and weapons found at the scene of the crime and any other potential clues.The criminologist, like other police officers and detectives, spends a lot of time filling out and filing paperwork. Criminologists have to document their findings by filling out police reports and must keep extensive records for future investigative purposes.Some criminologists who are recognized as leading authorities in the law enforcement community can be asked to serve as expert witnesses in court cases. For example, forensic psychologists are sometimes called upon to comment on a suspect’s behavior and mental state.

Depending on your concentration, you’ll also have the opportunity to study specialized issues like security management, emergency management, and more, including:

Why Should I Do an Online Criminal
Justice Masters?

Free Online Criminal Justice
Masters Courses

There are many free online criminal justice courses, but finding a completely free, legitimate degree is harder. However, a free online criminal justice certificate can definitely get you started in the right direction if you want to pursue a degree in that field.

The introduction of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) and other free online courses has radically changed the way higher education courses are delivered, and criminal justice is no different. There is a myriad of free introductory and advanced courses in criminal justice. Online classes for criminal justice include history, policy, theory, and ethics and by starting to study these topics, the student will get a better understanding of what criminal justice is all about.

Here are three sources for free online courses in Criminal Justice:

Course Description Offered by
TOP 25 FREE ONLINE CRIMINAL JUSTICE MOOC COURSES FOR 2020They list courses by Coursera, EdX, University of Leeds, and University of YorkCriminal Justice Degree Hub
Hot Topics in Criminal JusticeAn American MOOC provider. They offer free online courses, many of them led by top colleges or companies like Google. Learners can access all course materials and there’s a small fee for a certificate of completion.
“As a way of thinking about dealing with these problems”, this course examines two over-arching issues: What should we do with people who have committed crime, and how should we identify who they are?
Coursera
The Psychology of Criminal JusticeAn American (MOOC) provider created by Harvard and MIT. It hosts online university-level courses in a wide range of disciplines to a worldwide student body, including some courses at no charge. “Learn how behavioral science can improve our criminal justice system.”edX

How To Get Into the Online Criminal
Justice Master’s Program?

Like most Associate Degree programs, an online associate in criminal justice also has admission requirements. To be admitted to an online criminal justice degree program, here are requirements:

Every college and university will have different admission requirements, which is independent of the program the student is admitted to.

How long does an Online Criminal
Justice Masters take?

One Year Online Criminal Justice
Masters Programs

Accreditation for Online Criminal Justice
Master’s Degree

How to Pay for Online Criminal Justice
Master’s Programs?

FAQs Related to Online Criminal Justice
Master’s Programs

 How to get a Criminal Justice degree?

What college has the best Criminal Justice program?

How much is Criminal Justice college?

What can a master’s degree in criminal justice do?

Can you get a Criminal Justice degree online?

How long does it take to get a Criminal Justice degree?

Is Criminology and Criminal Justice the same?

Career Opportunities and Salaries after Online
Criminal Justice Master’s

Once you have a master’s degree in criminal justice, the careers you can pursue include Paralegal, Police Officer, Corrections Officer, Probation Officer, Security Officer, Evidence Tech (also called Crime Scene Technicians), Insurance Investigator, Youth Detention Counselor, Victim Advocacy, Cyber Security Investigator.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries do vary greatly depending on location, years of experience, and several other factors. Numerous paths are available in the field of criminal justice. Some common career possibilities include the following:

Job TitleSalary
Forensic Science Technicians$60,590
Forensic Psychologists$105,780
Computer Systems Analysts$93,730
Information Security Analysts$103,590

There are also job opportunities with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Secret Service, Federal Air Marshals, and the U.S. Border Patrol. Check with each agency to see whether it’s hiring.

There were 17,200 forensic science technicians in 2019, according to the BLS, and employment is projected to grow 16% through 2030. They work in police departments, crime labs, morgues, and medical examiners’ offices.

In a 2009 blog post, the American Psychological Association calls forensic psychology a “postgrad growth area” and points out that the demand for forensic psychologists is greater than the supply.

Job growth for information security analysts is estimated at 33% by the BLS through 2030, because as computer and cybercrime continues to grow, there should be job opportunities in computer forensics in both the legal system, and in corporations large and small for the foreseeable future.

Certification and Licensing for Online
Criminal Justice Masters

Additional Resources for Online
Criminal Justice Masters

Disclaimer:

The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners. | Page last updated: Dec 2023.