By Jennifer W. Eisenberg
December 2019
If you are working in the field of criminal justice, you would be wise to consider a return to school for an advanced degree, because now is a very good time to make that upward move. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a growth rate for most criminal justice related occupations to continue to be above the average nationally through 2026. The rise in the uses of technology in the law enforcement field has contributed to the need for more education and a larger workforce. Cybercrime, for instance, is a critical area that was on few people’s radar only a generation ago. The need to stay up to date with techniques and skills is reflected not only nationally but on a local scale.
Here are a few of the many available job titles in criminal justice: investigator; anti-terrorism analyst; juvenile and adult probation workers; budget analyst; social services coordinator; victim advocate; child advocate; corrections professional; state police; and municipal police. Listed below are criminal justice occupations requiring a master’s degree, along with their average yearly salaries, revealing further evidence that you should think about returning to school.
- Correctional officers and jailers—$43,300
- Private detectives and investigators—$48,610
- Probation officers—$52,110
- Fish and game wardens—$55,670
- Police and sheriff’s patrol officers—$56,260
- Transit and railroad police—$58,560
- First-line supervisors of correctional officers—$58,780
- Detectives and criminal investigators—$75,720
- First-line supervisors of police and detectives—$81,250
In addition, corrections officers are expected to see an 18% increase in need over the next ten years, surpassing the 14% seen by all jobs on average, and employment of criminal forensics experts is predicted to grow 17% through 2026.
The following list of the 20 best online graduate schools with master’s degrees in criminal justice has been researched and ranked according to the criteria shown in the charts. If a tie occurs in points, extra weight will be awarded to the school with the lower tuition cost.
US News & World Report Graduate Online Criminal Justice Ranking:
- Top 5 – 5 points
- Top 25 – 4 points
- Top 40 – 3 points
- Top 50 – 2 points
- Top 75 – 1 point
Payscale.com Salary Ranking:
- Top 100 – 5 points
- Top 500 – 4 points
- Top 700 – 3 points
- Top 900 – 2 points
- Top 1,000 – 1 point
Hourly Tuition Cost:
- $400 and below – 5 points
- $500 and below – 4 points
- $600 and below – 3 points
- $700 and below – 2 points
- Above $700 – 1 point
Offers Two or More Specialties or Options: 3 points
#20 – Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky
Online MS in Justice, Policy, and Leadership
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $611
Payscale Salary Ranking: 783rd
US News & World Report College Ranking: not ranked
Points: 9
Website
The 30 hour, 100% online Eastern Kentucky University master of science in justice, policy and leadership degree offers 8 week terms and six start dates per year. There is a discounted tuition rate of $325 per credit hour available for active-duty military personnel. Eastern Kentucky University’s online master of science in justice, policy and leadership degree sets you up with a personal advisor to answer questions through the admissions process, and you stay connected to that individual through graduation for any bumps in the academic path. Admission calls for a 3.0 GPA, GRE scores, two letters of recommendation, and a $35 fee.
#19 – St Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, Minnesota
MS in Criminal Justice Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $629.65
Payscale Salary Ranking: not ranked
US News & World Report College Ranking: not ranked
Points: 10
Website
St Cloud State University has a 36 credit hour, online master of science in criminal justice degree with a thesis and a non-thesis plan. The curriculum includes the following courses: advanced criminal justice system administration; theories of criminal behavior and justice; and advanced graduate seminar. Two of the electives are counseling theories and emerging issues in local government leadership and management. For admission to St Cloud State University’s online MS in criminal justice program, submit transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and a fee of $40.
#18 – Bellevue University
Bellevue, Nebraska
MS in Justice Administration and Crime Management Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $585
Payscale Salary Ranking: 862nd
US News & World Report College Ranking: not ranked
Points: 10
Website
Bellevue University has developed a master of science in justice administration and crime management degree that is a 36 credit hour program in a cohort format. The curriculum includes the following: planning, budgeting, and resource management; forensics; technology and future trends; criminal law; and ethics and decision making. Admission to Bellevue University’s online MS in justice administration and crime management calls for transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the most recent 60 hours of undergraduate work, and a $75 fee. Letters of recommendation and essays may be required.
#17 – Concordia University Saint Paul
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Online MA in Criminal Justice Leadership
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $475
Payscale Salary Ranking: not ranked
US News & World Report College Ranking: #55-71 (tie)
Points: 10
Website
The Concordia University Saint Paul’s online master of arts in criminal justice leadership degree takes 36 semester hours to complete and is available fully online with no scheduled class meetings, only online asynchronous coursework completed at your own schedule. Coursework is designed to be sequential. Application to this program includes a 400-1000 word statement of purpose and a professional resume detailing a career in a criminal justice related area. Further, Concordia University Saint Paul’s online MA in criminal justice leadership degree expects a conferred undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 3.0.
#16 – Texas A&M International University
Laredo, Texas
Online MS in Criminal Justice
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $335.81
Payscale Salary Ranking: not ranked
US News & World Report College Ranking: not ranked
Points: 10
Website
Texas A&M International University has a 36 credit hour, online master of science in criminal justice degree that can be completed in as few as 12 months. There are 6 start dates per year, and the courses last 7 weeks. The required six core courses include advanced seminar in criminal justice, law and criminal justice, advanced methods of social research, and seminar in criminological theory. To apply to Texas A&M International University’s online MS in criminal justice program, submit transcripts showing a minimum 2.8 GPA, professional resume, and $35 fee.
#15 – Marshall University
Huntington, West Virginia
MS in Criminal Justice Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $378.50
Payscale Salary Ranking: 99th
US News & World Report College Ranking: not ranked
Points: 11
Website
Marshall University’s online master of science in criminal justice degree is offered in four synchronous sessions, with opportunities to interact with faculty in a virtual setting at least 4 times in each course. Among the 18 hours of required coursework you will take: seminar in criminal justice, advanced theory in criminal justice, and capstone or thesis. Electives include terrorism, miscarriages of justice, and understanding cybercrime. To apply to Marshall University for their online MS in criminal justice degree, submit transcripts with minimum 3.0 GPA, GRE scores, two letters of recommendation, personal statement, and $40 fee.
#14 – East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
MS in Criminal Justice Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $893.82
Payscale Salary Ranking: 805th
US News & World Report College Ranking: #17 (tie)
Points: 12
Website
East Carolina University’s 36 credit hour online master of science in criminal justice degree features three 15 semester hour certificates in addition to the degree. These certificates are in criminal justice education, public management and leadership, and security studies. The hours for the certificates are applicable (in most cases) to be used as elective credits for the East Carolina University MS in criminal justice online degree. Core courses range from criminal justice principles to the seminar in criminal behavior. Application requirements for this degree include three letters of recommendation, GRE scores, a statement of purpose, and $75 fee.
#13 – Xavier University
Cincinnati, Ohio
Online MS in Criminal Justice
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $640
Payscale Salary Ranking: 61st
US News & World Report College Ranking: not ranked
Points: 12
Website
With six start dates per year, the Xavier University master of science in criminal justice online degree can be completed in just 1-2 years. The 30 credit hour program does not charge an application fee. Students applying to Xavier University’s online MS in criminal justice degree should be prepared to provide two professional letters of recommendation that speak to the applicant’s ability to do work at the graduate level and either a satisfactory GPA or a satisfactory GRE, MAT or LSAT score. A perk of the online program is the very accessible Technology Services Website.
#12 – Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
MA in Criminal Justice Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $526
Payscale Salary Ranking: 973rd
US News & World Report College Ranking: not ranked
Points: 12
Website
The 30 credit hour, online master of arts in criminal justice degree offered by Slippery Rock University may be completed in 12-18 months. The program has three options: thesis, in which the candidate completes and defends an original research project; non-thesis (internship), in which the candidate completes comprehensive exams, one elective course, and internship experience with a criminal justice agency; and general, in which the coursework focuses on theory, practical skills, and research. Slippery Rock University’s online MA in criminal justice degree calls for two references, essay, resume, transcripts with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and $25 fee.
#11 – Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, North Carolina
MS in Criminal Justice Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $421.33
Payscale Salary Ranking: not ranked
US News & World Report College Ranking: not ranked
Points: 12
Website
The 33-36 credit Fayetteville State University online master of science in criminal justice degree has three admit dates per year and three graduation tracks: thesis (33 hours); comprehensive exam (33 hours); and enhanced coursework (36 hours). The enhanced coursework option includes a three hour class in advanced research. Applicants to the Fayetteville State University MS in criminal justice online degree should be prepared with a 2.75 undergraduate GPA and at least two letters of reference that can address the student’s ability to prosper at the graduate academic level. There are three application deadlines per school year.
#10 – Albany State University
Albany, Georgia
Master’s in Criminal Justice Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $300
Payscale Salary Ranking: not ranked
US News & World Report College Ranking: not ranked
Points: 13
Website
Albany State University’s 30 credit hours of instruction online master’s in criminal justice degree offers a thesis and non-thesis option. It further allows for specialization in law enforcement or corrections. There is a comprehensive exam that must be passed prior to graduation. The Albany State University master’s in criminal justice online degree offers professional development opportunities and career placement services to students, though these offers are not guarantees of job placement. Core courses for this program include the following: research statistics; research methods; and organization and administration. Admissions requires official transcripts and a $25 application fee.
#9 – University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
MS in Criminal Justice with Concentration in Justice Policy and Administration Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $277.79
Payscale Salary Ranking: 562nd
US News & World Report College Ranking: not ranked
Points: 13
Website
The University of North Texas master of science in criminal justice with a concentration in justice policy and administration online degree allows up to nine transfer credits from other accredited institutions of higher learning. You will need to take a comprehensive exam at the end of this program, prior to graduation. The University of North Texas MS in criminal justice with a concentration in justice policy and administration online degree is a 36 hours of instruction affair that can advance your career and set the stage for your next professional goal. Admissions calls for transcripts, two letters of recommendation, personal statement, and a $75 fee.
#8 – Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona
MS in Applied Criminology Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $575
Payscale Salary Ranking: 613th
US News & World Report College Ranking: not ranked
Points: 14
Website
The online master of science in applied criminology degree offered by Northern Arizona University is a 36 credit hour program and boasts three emphasis areas, each requiring 9 units of study: communities and justice; law, policy, and social change; and transnational crime and justice. The nine core units of foundation courses are criminology theory, research methods for criminology, and either qualitative research or research statistics. Admissions for the online MS in applied criminology degree at Northern Arizona University calls for transcripts with a minimum 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and a $65 fee.
#7 – Excelsior College
Albany, New York
MS in Criminal Justice Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $645
Payscale Salary Ranking: 31st
US News & World Report College Ranking: not ranked
Points: 15
Website
Excelsior College offers an online master of science in criminal justice that accepts up to 15 previous transfer hours and requires transcripts and a $50 fee, but no GRE scores for admission. There are three concentration options: homeland security; emergency management; and no concentration. The 30 credit program includes a capstone experience that is a culmination of the learning process and an exploration of the career options afforded by this degree. The 18 credits in core courses include legal and ethical issues in criminal justice. Excelsior College’s MS in criminal justice online degree has a discounted tuition rate available for military personnel and veterans.
#6 – Fairmont State University
Fairmont, West Virginia
Online MS in Criminal Justice
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $418
Payscale Salary Ranking: 567th
US News & World Report College Ranking: not ranked
Points: 15
Website
Fairmont State University features a master of science in criminal justice 100% online degree that offers a thesis path and a capstone path. The capstone path necessitates extra electives and a capstone course that draws on the combined coursework of the degree. The 30 hour degree is broken into eight week terms to facilitate optimal interactions with the busy schedules of working adults. The Fairmont State University online MS in criminal justice degree also offers two five-week terms in the summer months. To apply, send transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and a $50 fee.
#5 – Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
Online MS in Criminal Justice
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $502.75
Payscale Salary Ranking: 619th
US News & World Report College Ranking: #3
Points: 16
Website
The online master of science in criminal justice degree offered by Sam Houston State University is a 36 credit hour program with a core of 15 hours that includes critical analysis of justice administration, survey of research methods, perspectives in criminology, and statistics for criminal justice research. Global terrorism is offered as an elective. The degree may be completed in two years, including summers. Application to the online MS in criminal justice program at Sam Houston State University calls for transcripts with a minimum 3.0 GPA, 3 letters of recommendation, personal essay, and a $45 fee.
#4 – Colorado State University Global
Greenwood Village, Colorado
Master’s in Criminal Justice Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $500
Payscale Salary Ranking: not ranked
US News & World Report College Ranking: #21
Points: 16
Website
Colorado State University Global has a 36 credit hour master’s in criminal justice online degree which features two specializations: fraud management; and information technology. The application process asks for transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 3.0, statement of purpose, resume, and $25 fee. The program has no on-campus requirements and can be completed in about two years. With monthly start dates for academic terms, the Colorado State University Global online master’s in criminal justice runs on twelve 8-week terms per year, divided into three trimesters. Coursework in this degree includes criminological theory, restorative justice, and analytical methods.
#3 – New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Online Master of Criminal Justice
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $399.50
Payscale Salary Ranking: 344th
US News & World Report College Ranking: #49 (tie)
Points: 16
Website
The New Mexico State University master of criminal justice online degree features an internship component that must be approved by the director of the program. Admission to this program asks for three letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and a personal essay. New Mexico State University’s online master of criminal justice program does not offer the thesis option to online students. Online students must pursue the comprehensive exam option for this degree. Using the same curriculum and faculty as the campus-based program, the online course will include some combination of exams, quizzes, research papers, assigned readings, discussion forums, and other assignments.
#2 – Lamar University
Beaumont, Texas
Online MS in Criminal Justice
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $275
Payscale Salary Ranking:258th
US News & World Report College Ranking: #39
Points: 17
Website
The Lamar University master of science in criminal justice online degree is designed for current CJ professionals who are preparing to seek employment with a federal agency. The 30 hour long program offers the convenience of 8 week courses and has only a $25 application fee. Lamar University’s online MS in criminal justice program is looking for applicants with a GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants with a sub 3.0 GPA may face additional entrance requirements to assure the school of their ability to function at the graduate level. The curriculum includes theoretical foundations of crime control and serial murder.
#1 – Wichita State University
Wichita, Kansas
MA in Criminal Justice Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $406.94
Payscale Salary Ranking: 446th
US News & World Report College Ranking: #30 (tie)
Points: 19
Website
Consisting of twelve hours of core coursework and twenty-four hours of electives, Wichita State University’s 36 hour master of arts criminal justice online degree can be completed in one year with full-time application of study. Some electives on offer in the program are sex crimes, forensic psychiatry, community policing, and profiling. The Wichita State University online MA in criminal justice degree requires a thesis, a directed project, or additional coursework for graduation from the program. To apply, submit transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 3.0, a personal statement detailing interests and goals, contact information for two references, and $60 fee.
Other Rankings of Interest: