Our Students Before Profits Award Rankings are designed to promote nonprofit colleges and universities offering online degree programs that put students before profits and education before the bottom line.
For our Online Master’s in Criminal Justice award winners, we selected online programs from accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities with objectively lower than average tuition cost and have ranked the programs according to their affordability.
Criminal justice and related fields – including homeland security, cybersecurity, and economic crime management – continue to evolve and reflect the contemporary issues of globalization, transnational crime and terrorism, and technological advancements. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 3 million individuals are employed in the criminal justice industry as police officers, criminal investigators, special agents, corrections officers, probation and parole officers, correctional treatment specialists, criminal records managers, court referral officers, court managers, security specialists, crime prevention officers, victim advocates, criminal justice planners, juvenile service workers, and intelligence employees. Graduates of advanced degree programs will be better suited for upper-level positions in the field, and will reap the benefits of a dynamic, ever-changing career.
Affordability, accreditation and nonprofit status are our primary criteria when it comes to ranking these programs, but many of these programs are consistently ranked among the top by other national publications and we believe they deserve to be considered among the best online master’s in criminal justice programs available.
Note that tuition rates listed below are based on total program costs for out-of-state, full-time students. In-state rates are often less expensive, and part-time cost per credit hour is often more expensive.
Ranking the Best Online Masters in Criminal Justice Programs
#1. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University is a public institution located in Hays, Kansas. The university consists of approximately 11,000 students, over half of which are online. Founded in 1902 and originally located on the grounds of a retired military outpost, Fort Hays State University moved to its current location in 1904. Big Creek, a stream that spans the main 200 acre campus, adds to the beauty of the school and also serves as an occasional outdoor laboratory for students studying the biological sciences.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
Fort Hays State University’s virtual M.P.S. in Criminal Justice is a 30-credit graduate program requiring that students hold a minimum GPA of 3.0 on their final 60 undergraduate hours and throughout the entirety of their graduate study. Classes include Contemporary Criminological Theory, Advanced Sociological Research, Situational Ethics, Advanced Administrative Practices, Justice in Modern Cinema, Workplace Violence, Profiles of Evil, Corporate Crime, and more. All coursework can be completed online, and classes begin in the fall, winter, and early summer.
Accreditation
Fort Hays State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $7,541
#2. Lamar University
Located in Beaumont, Texas, Lamar University is a public research university classified as a Doctoral Research University by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. The school was established in 1923 as a public junior college, and has been part of the Texas State University System since 1995. Approximately 15,000 students are currently enrolled on the 270-acre campus.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
Lamar University’s online Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice is a 36-hour program with a curriculum suited to equip students for work in upper-level administrative, management, treatment and planning positions. Classes are provided in eight-week sessions, and include, among others, Theoretical Foundations, Planning and Policy, and Criminal Justice Leadership.
Accreditation
Lamar University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $8,460
#3. University of the Cumberlands
A private liberal arts college located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, the University of the Cumberlands enrolls just over 3,000 students. The school was established in 1889 as Williamsburg Institute with the intention of providing higher education to the Kentucky mountainous area. More recently known as Cumberland College -until 2005 – the University of the Cumberlands has long been associated with the Southern Baptist Convention. Faculty and students prioritize and adhere to traditional Baptist tenets.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
The University of the Cumberlands offers an online Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice Administration with an emphasis on community service and ethical leadership. Appropriate for those without a criminal justice background and professionals already active in the field, the M.S. in Criminal Justice Administration is flexible and interactive as to effectively serve adult students.
Accreditation
The University of the Cumberlands is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $9,021
#4. Valdosta State University
Valdosta State University is located on 168 acres in the middle of Valdosta, Georgia. The public university was founded as a normal college in 1913 and went through a number of changes until 1993 when it gained university status. The Camellia Trail – the only known trail like it on an American university campus – winds through the Valdosta State campus for 3,000 feet and features over 1,000 such flowers underneath the continuous shade of tall pines. The campus also fosters a growing outdoor art collection with six metal sculptures created by primarily local artists.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
Valdosta State University’s Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice offers an MSCJ with a thesis and non-thesis option. Students will explore the intersection of criminological theory and practice and the components of policy development in contemporary culture. Students who complete the degree program will be prepared to study at the doctoral level or to work in a variety of positions, including arson investigator, border patrol expert, caseworker, CIA agent, detention officer, FBI agent, domestic violence counselor, prison guard, constable, and more.
Accreditation
Valdosta State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $9,669
#5. Weber State University
Founded in 1889 by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Weber State University is a public university located among the Wasatch Mountains in Ogden, Utah. The school was initially named Weber Stake Academy after John Henry Weber, an early fur trader, and gained university status in 1991.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
Weber State University’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers an online Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice degree. Four required courses make up the program’s core: Criminal Justice Statistics, Contemporary Criminal Justice, Research Methods in Criminal Justice, and Theories of Crime and Delinquency. Available electives include, among others, Great Thoughts in Criminal Justice, The American Criminal Court, Law and Social Control, and Legal Foundations of Criminal Justice. Weber’s faculty consists of many professionals who have real-life experience working for criminal justice agencies, and are therefore suited to prepare students to effect change in the justice system. Graduates will also be prepared to study at the doctoral level.
Accreditation
Weber State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Tuition: $10,567
#6. Washington State University
Washington State University, founded in 1890 five months after Washington’s statehood, is located on 620 acres in the Palouse region of the nation in Pullman, Washington. The school is the nation’s largest, and first, land-grant university. The main campus of WSU enrolls approximately 28,000 students, and the online campus an additional 26,000.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
Washington State University’s online M.A. in Criminal Justice requires 27 credits of graded coursework, along with four directed-study credits related to the formation of the writing portfolio. Core courses include Introductory Quantitative Methods in Criminal Justice and a Seminar in Criminological Theory, among others. Students will also explore corrections, prosecution and adjudication, drug use and other crime correlates, police in society, and community rehabilitation.
Accreditation
Washington State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Tuition: $11,738
#7. Fairmont State University
A public university located on 120 acres in Fairmont, West Virginia, Fairmont State University currently enrolls almost 5,000 students. The university was founded as a private Methodist normal school in 1865 and was known primarily as a teachers college until 1943.; the school received university status in 2004. Accomplished alumni include a number of politicians.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
Fairmont State University’s graduate program in Criminal Justice is available with the option of two tracks: Thesis option or the Capstone option. The curriculum explores criminal law and policy, police and correctional systems organization, the administration of justice and the judiciary system, and public attitudes concerning criminal law. After graduation, students will be prepared to continue studying at a doctoral level, or to embark on the many pertinent career opportunities in the field, including global intelligence, forensics, legal research, and corrections. Both tracks require 30 credits for program completion.
Accreditation
Fairmont State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $12,330
#8. Columbia College
Columbia College of Missouri is a private, nonsectarian liberal arts school located in Columbia, Missouri. Founded as Christian Female College in 1851, it was the first female college west of the Mississippi River to be chartered by a state legislature. The school changed its name to Columbia College of Missouri in 1970 after becoming fully co-educational. In 2009, Columbia College was recognized for its high standard of academic excellence and positive student feedback by being named a “Best Midwestern College” by the Princeton Review.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
Columbia College’s online MSCJ underlines four basic pillars of the criminal justice field: trends in criminal justice, policy development and analysis, research design and ethics in criminal justice. Graduate students who wish to go the route of management may choose the Law Enforcement Administration track or the Corrections Administration Track. In order to graduate with one of these specializations, students must maintain a minimum grade of B in courses associated with the chosen concentration. Columbia College’s MSCJ is a 36-credit program; students who choose a specialization will add nine hours to the curriculum.
Accreditation
Columbia College of Missouri is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition : $12,600
#9. Troy University
Located in Troy, Alabama, Troy University was founded in 1887 with the purpose of training new teachers. The school was given its current name in 1967 upon achieving university status, and is also known as Alabama’s International University due to its overwhelming success in attracting students from around the world.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
Troy University’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice is a 30-hour non-thesis program. Available courses include Principles of Administration, Current Trends in Criminal Law, Seminar in Civil Liberties Relating to Corrections, Community – Based Corrections/ Correctional Systems, Advanced Reading in Criminal Justice, and more. Troy’s graduate program seeks to fill the need in contemporary American society for professional and capable law enforcement personnel and criminal justice administrators, and to develop each student’s capacity for alternative problem-solving, rooted in modern theories and trends.
Accreditation
Troy University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $14,640
#10.University of South Dakota
The University of South Dakota was established in 1862 by the Dakota Territory legislature and is located in Vermillion, South Dakota. USD currently enrolls over 10,000 students in its on-campus programs, and houses South Dakota’s only law school, medical school, and accredited business school. In 1913, the university received regional accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
The University of South Dakota’s 36-credit M.S. in Administration-Criminal Justice is a cross-disciplinary program designed to prepare modern professionals to perform administrative and managerial roles in social services in the public and private sectors. The curriculum aids students in thinking critically, legally, and ethically and communicating effectively, while exploring criminal law, fundamentals of criminal procedures, criminal justice policy, and police administration.
Accreditation
The University of South Dakota is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $14,935
#11. Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University is the third oldest public institution of higher learning in Texas. Founded in 1879, SHSU is located an hour north of downtown Houston in Huntsville. The campus consists of 316 acres, as well as a 1,600 acre research farm and rodeo arena, and was originally home to Austin College until 1876. SHSU is part of the Texas State University System, and has been celebrated for its unique Texas Studies courses that explore the state’s folklore and history.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
After completing Sam Houston State University’s online Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice, students will be prepared to succeed in careers including law enforcement, corrections, security, and social services. The program requires 36 hours for graduation – most students finish in two years. The curriculum and set-up are semester-based and classes begin every fall and spring. Students will take 21 hours of required Criminal Justice courses including Computer and Technology Applications for Criminal Justice and Critical Analysis of Justice Administration, and will choose five electives totaling 15 hours to complete the program. Examples of electives include Perspectives in Criminology, Courts as Organizations, and Security and the Future.
Accreditation
Sam Houston State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $15,552
#12. St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud State University is one of the largest schools in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, with over 15,000 students and 110,000 alumni. Founded as a normal school in 1869, the public university is located above the Beaver Islands on the Mississippi River in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Student media, in the forms of television, newspaper, and radio, has been a long-standing popular extracurricular – renowned alumni include Dick Bremer (television voice of the Minnesota Twins for three decades), Tina Gust (VP of business development, Minor League Baseball), Clay Matvick (ESPN television play-by-play announcer), Tom Callinan (award-winning Gannett journalist and editor), and Jeff Passolt (Emmy-winning television sports and news anchor). In 2013, St. Cloud State was presented the Simon Award – named for the late Senator Paul Simon – for its efforts in emphasizing international education throughout the university.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
St. Cloud State University’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice is offered completely online for distance students, with one on-campus visit required for either thesis defense or comprehensive examination. A 36-credit program, St. Cloud’s MSCJ gives students the option of choosing one of two specializations available online – Criminal Justice Administration or a personally developed Elective Track. After all coursework requirements have been satisfied, the program may culminate in a written and defended thesis or in a professional portfolio of projects and papers.
Accreditation
St. Cloud State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $15,898
#13. Arizona State University
Founded in 1885 and located on several campuses across Phoenix, Arizona, Arizona State University is a national space-grant institution and the largest public university in the country by enrollment. Arizona State University’s online campus was ranked #1 in online Student Services and Technology by U.S. News & World Report and offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
Arizona State University’s 33-credit master’s program in Criminal Justice culminates in a capstone course – Theory and Practice in Criminal Justice – in which students craft a comprehensive research paper analyzing a criminal justice policy or practice. Full-time students will graduate in approximately eighteen months; part-time students will naturally take longer to finish and will have six years to satisfy all program requirements from the starting date of their first course. Students will study traditional research methods, statistics, management, policy analysis, and more, and will receive guidance from professors who are nationally-renowned scholars and criminal justice professionals.
Accreditation
Arizona State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $15,906
#14. Western Oregon University
Located in Monmouth, Oregon and established as an institute of higher education by Oregon pioneers in 1856, Western Oregon University enrolls just over 6,000 students. In 2012, WOU was recognized with the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award for successful efforts to foster commitment to diversity within the greater university. WOU’s classes are relatively small and the school emphasizes academic services for first-generation college students.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
Western Oregon University’s offers a fully-online M.A. in Criminal Justice most appropriate for adult professionals currently working in the field. Students who attend full-time can complete the program in as little as four terms – two years. Alumni go on to begin doctoral programs, teach at the junior college level, and work in management positions in the criminal justice field. The curriculum emphasizes utilizing social science research methods to explore criminology and criminal justice issues while becoming skilled in administration, organization, and management. Graduates will be prepared to apply academic theories in their personal practice while employed in a professional environment.
Accreditation
Western Oregon University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Tuition: $16,695
#15. Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University is a Roman Catholic liberal arts university located in Saint Leo, Florida. Founded in 1889 by a group of Benedictine monks, it is the oldest Catholic college in Florida. The university only enrolls about 3,000 students at its main campus, but enrolls approximately 16,000 worldwide, most of which are military-related. The university operates dozens of military base education centers, 17 continuing education centers in 7 states, as well as their global online campus.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
Saint Leo University is one of the leading military colleges in the U.S. and has been educating criminal justice professionals in the Catholic tradition – recognizing and acting in accordance with the dignity and humanity of all people – for over three decades. 36 hours are required for degree completion, after which graduates will be acquainted with pertinent topics including personnel law, hostage negotiations, offender treatment methodology, public policy-making and implementation, forensic science, and more.
Accreditation
Saint Leo University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $16,920
#16. Concordia University-Saint Paul
Concordia University-Saint Paul is a private, not-for-profit Lutheran university located in Missouri. Founded in 1893 to provide a Christian educational environment for Lutheran high schoolers, Concordia University-Saint Paul became an accredited two-year college in 1921, began admitting female students in 1950, and by 1967 became an accredited four-year institution. The university is an affiliate of the ten-member Concordia University System.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
Concordia University-Saint Paul’s Master’s of Arts in Criminal Leadership is a 36-credit program with classes offered in sessions of seven weeks each. Students take innovative classes including Correctional Design, Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice Leadership, Applied Ethics in Criminal Justice Leadership, Reflective Adult Learner and Leader, Legal and Legislative Issues, and more. Students come from many different educational and career backgrounds, but will go on to work as leaders in military, corrections, law enforcement, and social services.
Accreditation
Concordia University-Saint Paul is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $17,100
#17. Indiana State University
Established in 1865 in Terre Haute, Indiana, The Princeton Review has named Indiana State University on of their “Best in the Midwest” for more than eleven continuous years. ISU has also been named an environmentally responsible “Green” school by the same company, and has been a constant member of the U.S. President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Located in the downtown business district, the the growing campus covers 200 acres and is in a process of restoration, renovation, and beautification that will span the next fifteen to twenty years.
Online Master’s of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice and Master’s of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice Overview
Intended for professionals desiring to advance their careers or begin new ones, Indiana State University’s M.A. and M.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice are 33-credit and 36-credit programs, respectively. Students who choose the M.A. degree will take courses like Correctional Counseling, Treatment Practices and Techniques in Corrections, and will complete a written thesis as part of their research. Those who choose the M.S. option will take a statistics course as part of their research portion, and will choose either a concentration in Law Enforcement or Corrections. M.A. students will successfully defend their thesis before graduation, whereas M.S. students will complete a research project or pass a comprehensive written examination. All coursework is offered online, and campus visits are not required.
Accreditation
Indiana State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $17,100
#18.University of Oklahoma
Located in Norman, Oklahoma and established in 1890 by the Oklahoma Territorial legislature, the University of Oklahoma currently enrolls over 30,000 students. The school is ranked first among public universities in the U.S. in enrollment of National Merit Scholars, in the top ten in graduation of Rhodes Scholars, and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having “very high research activity”. Recently, the University of Oklahoma has been recognized by the Princeton Review.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
The University of Oklahoma’s College of Liberal Studies offers a 33-credit, completely online Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice. Students will explore topics in criminology and criminal justice such as drug abuse policy, restorative justice, administrative leadership, theoretical foundations of criminal justice, administrative leadership, and ethics. Adults who are admitted to the program will be assigned a program advisor who can assist in creating an individualized study plan.
Accreditation
The University of Oklahoma is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $17,292
#19. Eastern Kentucky University
Located in Richmond, Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University is an undergraduate and graduate teaching and research university. The school offers over 25 online degree programs more than 160 on-campus programs. EKU was founded in 1906 and has a campus of almost 900 acres.
Online Master’s of Science in Adult, Juvenile, and Community Corrections Leadership Overview
Eastern Kentucky University offers a 30-hour online M.S. in Adult, Juvenile, and Community Corrections Leadership that culminates in a capstone experience rather than a comprehensive exam or thesis. Core courses explore the world of juvenile justice institutions and juvenile justice administration, while electives including Community Context of Adult and Juvenile Offenders, Analysis of Correctional and Juvenile Justice Data, Illicit Offender Networks, and Substance Abuse Issues in Correctional Settings help specialize the degree to suit a student’s interests and career aspirations.
Accreditation
Eastern Kentucky University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $17,850
#20. Excelsior College
Excelsior College was founded in 1971 as the Regents External Degree Program and is headquartered in Albany, New York. In 2001, the school changed its name to Excelsior College.“Excelsior” is Latin for “ever upward” and is New York State’s motto.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
Excelsior College’s online MSCJ is appropriate for professionals currently working in the criminal justice field and those with a military background. The distance program emphasizes Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and students will explore topics including international and domestic terrorism, disaster response and mitigation, multicultural issues, and criminal justice responses to homeland security. Thirty credits of coursework are required for program completion; hours are divided between the core requirements and the specialization.
Accreditation
Excelsior College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $17,850
#21. University of Massachusetts Lowell
The University of Massachusetts Lowell, also known as UMass Lowell, was founded in 1972 as the product of the merging of two institutions charted in the late 1890’s: Lowell State College and Lowell Technical Institute. The university is renowned for its science and engineering programs, and in 2013 the online campus was ranked sixth in the nation in the “Guide to Online Schools.”
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
A 33-credit program. the University of Massachusetts Lowell’s MCJ is intended for professionals currently working in law enforcement, corrections, and security wishing to continue their career and pursue graduate education. The core curriculum is made up of classes including Managing Criminal Justice Organizations, Law and Public Policy, and Descriptive and Inferential Statistics. Students may complete their degree with electives like Criminal Homicide, Overview of Homeland Security, Forensic Psychology, Domestic Terrorism and Hate Crimes, Criminal Profiling, and Responding to Child Maltreatment.
Accreditation
The University of Massachusetts Lowell is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $17,985
#22. Colorado State University Global
Colorado State University’s global campus, known as CSU-Global, is a non-profit, online, public university. Founded in 2007 as part of the Colorado State University system, CSU – Global is a separate and distinct institution headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Designed specifically for adult students who are unable to travel to a traditional campus, CSU only offers degree completion programs – thereby allowing their students to combine previous college credit and life experience with current course offerings.
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration Overview
CSU-Global’s 36-credit Master’s in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement takes a practical approach to the field. Students take core classes such as Criminological Theory, Applied Research for Criminal Justice Professionals, and Communities and the Administration of Justice. If currently working in the field, students may use their current experience as an internship complete with weekly journals and an on-site supervisor. The degree culminates in the Criminal Justice Capstone Experience, wherein students evaluate a justice policy or social intervention utilizing learned research methods to display evidence-based work.
Accreditation
Colorado State University – Global Campus is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $18,000
#23. Wayne State University
Located in Detroit, Michigan, Wayne State University is a public research university. The school was founded in 1868 as a medical college, and has grown to host almost 30,000 students and 3,000 faculty members on a 203-acre campus. Wayne State received university status in early 1934. According to the American Library Association, the university houses the 75th largest volume collection in the United States. The University Library System consists of eight distinct libraries.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
Wayne State University’s online MSCJ is a new program that just became available Fall of 2014. Students who take two classes per semester, year-round, will graduate from the program in less than two years. Identical to Wayne State’s on-campus program, this graduate degree is evidence-based, focusing on the problem of delinquency and the justice system’s response. 32 credits are required for program completion, and students must choose one of three tracks: the Thesis Option, Capstone Option, and the Essay Option. The Thesis Option is appropriate for those intent on pursuing doctoral-level study. All students, regardless of location, receive the benefit of in-state tuition.
Accreditation
Wayne State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Full Program Tuition: $18,300
#24. Western Kentucky University
Located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Western Kentucky University was founded in 1906 and currently enrolls over 20,000 on-campus students. WKU – also known as “Western” – is home to America’s most extensive post-graduate folklore program, focusing on American historic preservation and anthropology. Recently, Western Kentucky University has been mentioned favorably by Forbes and “America’s Best Colleges.”
Online Master’s of Arts in Criminology Overview
Western Kentucky University offers a 33-credit Master’s of Arts in Criminology with on-demand classes offered online – meaning students can begin their studies, after receiving acceptance, any day of the year. The program analyzes the strong correlates of social deviance and delinquency and the cultural reactions to crime while guiding students in examining crime patterns through the lens of social science. A written thesis option is not available online; students must pass an oral examination after completing all coursework.
Accreditation
Western Kentucky University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $18,540
#25. Bellevue University
Established in 1966 and based in Bellevue, Nebraska, Bellevue University is one of the largest private higher learning institutions in the state. The school enrolls over 10,000 students and has always aimed to provide accessible education to working adults.
Online Master’s of Science in Justice Administration and Crime Management Overview
Bellevue’s Master’s of Science in Justice Administration and Crime Management is an all-encompassing degree program designed to equip those already working in criminal justice with the skills necessary for working in leadership roles. The curriculum emphasizes federal and state law enforcement and crime management, and also covers the essential aspects of technical writing for those who will be involved in creating budgets and obtaining supplemental funding through grant-writing. Graduates will leave the program prepared to assess criminological trends and patterns, evaluate the efficacy of crime analysis and investigation, develop criminological policy through evidence-based research, and determine the usefulness of psychological theories regarding criminal behavior.
Accreditation
Bellevue University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $18,540
#26. Southeast Missouri State University
Southeast Missouri State University is rurally located on 400 acres in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It was founded in 1873 as a normal school, and its educational roots are reflected in its current commitment to training future teachers. Over 11,000 students are currently enrolled on campus, with approximately 93% of those attending full-time. The Normal School building, completed in 1875, was mentioned by Mark Twain in “Life on the Mississippi.”
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
A cooperative program offered by both Southeast Missouri State University and Missouri Southern State University, this particular M.S. is a 36-credit program designed for adults currently working in the criminal justice field. All coursework is offered completely online – including classes like Civil Law and Liability, Contemporary Juvenile Justice, Death Penalty in America, and more. Before graduation, all students must complete a capstone experience through one of four avenues: the capstone seminar, an internship, a comprehensive exam, or a written thesis.
Accreditation
Southeast Missouri State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $18,576
#27. Liberty University
Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University was founded as Lynchburg Baptist College in 1971 by the Reverend Jerry Falwell. It has long been considered a Christian academic community, the institution’s stated intention being the development of both the intellectual and spiritual nature. When including the number of online matriculated students (90,000 as of May 2013), Liberty University is the nation’s largest private nonprofit university and the world’s largest Evangelical Christian university.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
Liberty University’s online MSCJ is a 36-hour program with 18 hours focused on criminal justice and 12 hours dedicated to public administration. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on ethical leadership and integrity and is intended for students wishing to weave their Christian worldview into their profession through the development of policy, management, and law enforcement. Alumni have gone on to work in politics, homeland security, police administration, social services, urban and social policy, and sustainable resource development management.
Accreditation
Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $18,720
#28. Florida International University
Florida International University is located in Greater Miami, Florida. Classified as a research university with high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation, FIU is the youngest university to be granted a Phi Beta Kappa chapter by the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the country’s oldest academic honor society. FIU is the 2nd-largest university in Florida and the largest university in South Florida. The most competitive public Floridian university – with the lowest admissions rate – FIU is able to boast the highest number of high school valedictorian students in attendance in the country.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
A 36-hour program, FIU’s online Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice is appropriate for professionals wishing to advance in their careers, and those who plan to continue study at the doctoral level. Core classes focus on data analysis, transnational crime, national security, and research methods. Electives are available in police administration, victimology, human trafficking, crime prevention, terrorism, comparative crime, and more. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to graduate.
Accreditation
Florida International University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $18,722
#29.University of Wisconsin-Platteville
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is part of the expansive University of Wisconsin system. UW-Platteville currently serves over 7,000 students on campus and another 3,000 online. Founded in 1866, the school was originally a merger between Wisconsin State College and the Wisconsin Institute of Technology. Their distance education program began in 1978 through the development of print-based courses intended to serve residents of rural Wisconsin.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s MSCJ is a distance program with three distinct specialization options. Regardless of emphasis area, graduates will have the managerial and supervisory skills needed for employment at criminal justice agencies, as well as thorough comprehension of criminology and the criminal justice system. The MSCJ’s three specialization tracks are Criminal Justice Theory (for those wishing to study at the doctoral-level and/or work in government research), Criminal Justice Management (enabling criminal justice professionals to advance to supervisory or administrative positions), and Victim Offender Services (preparing students to work with crime victims and parole clients in their communities).
Accreditation
The University of Wisconson-Platteville is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $19,500
#30. Regis University
Formerly known as Regis College, Regis University is a private Jesuit university located in Denver, Colorado. Founded in Las Vegas in 1877 by a group of exiled Italian Jesuits, the school adopted the name Regis in 1921 in honor of John Francis Regis, a 17th-century Jesuit who worked with the poor in Southern France. Regis has a long history of charity and community service and has hosted Bill Clinton, Pope John Paul II, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize winner Betty Williams, and His Holiness, the Dalai Lama of Tibet.
Online Master’s of Science in Criminology Overview
Regis University’s MSCJ is offered with three concentration areas: the Leadership Focus, Human Behavior Focus, and a Cybercrime/Terrorism Focus. The Leadership Focus explores conflict resolution and governance for those in leadership, the Human Behavior Focus examines the underlying psychology that influences criminal behavior, and the Cybercrime/Cyberterrorism Focus equips students to predict and prevent technological crimes. Graduates go on to work in Human and Social Services, Public Policy, Military, Security, and Law Enforcement.
Accreditation
Regis University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition: $19,800
#31. Missouri Baptist University
Located in Western St. Louis County and founded in 1957, Missouri Baptist University is a private Evangelical Christian institution. The school obtained university status in 2002 and in 2009 began offering its first doctorate program.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
Missouri Baptist University offers a 36-hour Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice degree that can be completely entirely online. Classes include, among others, Civil Remedies in Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice and the Mental Health System, Communities and Crime, Evidence, Diversity Issues in Criminal Justice, Police Innovations, and Foundations of Criminological Theory. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 throughout the program, and must earn a maximum of two grades of “C” in all of the program requirements. Alumni obtain positions in law enforcement, corrections, instruction in criminal justice studies, and in other professional specializations. Administrative and managerial competency is emphasized throughout the curriculum, as well as disciplined and motivated leadership.
Accreditation
Missouri Baptist University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $20,160
#32. Michigan State University
Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, Michigan on a 10,000 acre campus. Founded in 1855, Michigan State was the first American land-grant institution under the Morrill Act of 1862 and served as a model for other land-grant schools. The seventh-largest university in the United States, MSU is considered a “Public Ivy” and is relatively selective and discerning in its admissions process.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
Michigan State University’s School of Criminal Justice offers a fully-online MSCJ that was launched for distance students in 1998. Full-time students complete the program in 18 months to two years, and part-time students often take up to three years to graduate. An International Focus concentration and a Security Management concentration are available, though students may choose to complete the program’s general requirements for a more broad-based degree. Classes offered include Crime Causation, Prevention, and Control; Design and Analysis in Criminal Justice Research; and Policy Analysis Under Conditions of Change. The same on-campus faculty instructs distance students.
Accreditation
Michigan State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $20,250
#33. Utica College
A private university located in Utica, New York, the Utica College began as an extension of Syracuse University in the 1930s. In 1946, the school became a four-year college, and in 1995 became a financially and legally independent institution. At its conception it was located in downtown Utica, but in the 1960s moved to its current 128-acre campus in the western part of the city. Well known for its health science education, Utica College is one of the leading institutions for physical therapy and occupational therapy.
Online Master’s of Science in Economic Crime Management and Master’s of Science in Cybersecurity Overview
Utica College’s online M.S. in Economic Crime Management is the only graduate program of its kind in the nation, online or otherwise. Graduates will be fully capable of working for private corporations and government agencies to combat financial crime. Students will explore the areas of management, technology, and analysis through a global lens, and learn to incorporate risk management practices and innovate technology into a defense against fraud. Alumni go on to work in law enforcement and security. The online MS. in Cybersecurity equips students to anticipate cyber infiltration while studying forensics, intelligence, and cyber operations. Students must choose from three specializations: Intelligence, Computer Forensics, and Cyber Operations. Graduates go on to work in law enforcement, computer forensics, homeland security, defense, counter intelligence, and cybercrime.
Accreditation
Utica College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $20,550 (M.S. Cybersecurity)
$24,660 (M.S. Economic Crime Management)
#34. Tiffin University
Tiffin University currently enrolls almost 4,000 students at its 115-acre campus in Tiffin, Ohio, at the University of Bucharest in Romania, and at a number of other locations throughout Ohio, including Toledo, Lima, Fremont, Cleveland, and Columbus. The university was founded in 1888 and has received national attention for a unique music program wherein students focus on contemporary, commercial styles of music and incorporate these styles into their ensembles.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
Tiffin University’s online Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice is offered with four distinct emphases: Crime Analysis, Criminal Behavior, Justice Administration, and Homeland Security Administration. All four programs require between 30 and 33 credits for graduation with curriculums that provide a broad understanding of the criminal justice field while also tapering the program into markedly different focus areas. Tiffin University graduates go on to work in pertinent agencies and organizations, in management, intelligence, rehabilitation, security, border patrol, adoption, the armed forces, and more.
Accreditation
Tiffin University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $21,000
#35. University of Colorado Denver
A public research university enrolling approximately 30,000 students, the University of Colorado Denver is located in downtown Denver on 352 urban acres. One of the largest universities in Colorado, the University of Colorado Denver is part of the University of Colorado System. The school began in the late 1880’s as part of the University of Colorado’s Department of Medicine and Surgery in the Old Main building in Boulder.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
The University of Colorado Denver’s online MCJ develops leadership skills for those working or aspiring to work in criminal justice and criminology. A core sequence of five core courses must be completed along with electives chosen by the student, a culminating field-based capstone experience or thesis, and a local three-credit internship for those without prior criminal justice experience. Courses include Law and Society, Research Methods, and special topics seminars.
Accreditation
The University of Colorado Denver is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $21,996
#36. Southern New Hampshire University
Founded in 1933 as the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Service, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit university located between Manchester and Hookset, New Hampshire. The state granted the college its charter in 1963, and the first baccalaureate degrees were awarded in 1966. Its online campus boasts over 200 regionally accredited undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, and also has specialized accreditation for some of its degrees and programs.
Online Masters in Criminal Justice
Southern New Hampshire University’s online M.S. in Justice Studies is offered with three concentration areas: Cybersecurity, Public Administration, and Terrorism and Homeland Security. The program requires 36-credits for graduation and emphasizes examination of the different components of the U.S. justice system, including corrections, administration, and law enforcement. Graduates will be able to choose from a variety of career possibilities depending on their chosen specialization.
Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition: $22,572
#37. Fayetteville State University
Founded in 1867 and located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Fayetteville State University is a historically black, regional university enrolling approximately 6,000 people on a 200 acre campus. Fayetteville State University grew out of the energy behind the African-American education agenda following the Civil War and received university status in 1969. The institution has always prioritized the education of southern black youth and continues to develop community programs for at-risk students. The school’s motto is Res Non Verba – in English “Deeds Before Words’”.
Masters in Criminal Justice Online
Fayetteville State University’s MSCJ is offered as a non-thesis program and a thesis program, both requiring 33 hours for graduation. Graduates will be prepared to work in research and managerial positions in a variety of relate fields, or to study criminal justice and criminology at the doctoral level. Available classes include History of Crime Control Policy, Classical and Positivist Theorists, Critical Criminology, Qualitative Methods in Criminal Justice, and more.
Accreditation
Fayetteville State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Associatin of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $22,710
#38. New Mexico State University
New Mexico State University – also known as NMSU-Las Cruces or New Mexico State – is a research university located in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The school was founded in 1888 to teach agriculture and is the oldest public institution of higher learning in New Mexico. Home to New Mexico’s NASA Space Grant Program, the university now enrolls over 18,000 students from the United States and 71 other countries on a 6,000 acre campus.
Masters in Criminal Justice Online
New Mexico State University’s online program uses the same curriculum and employs the same faculty as the on-campus MCJ program. The 36-hour online degree is considered a “focused coursework” program, meaning that students must take a formal written comprehensive examination after completing all five of the requisite core courses. Classes included Feminist Research Methods, Research Methods in Government, Social Work Research, Social Problems and Social Welfare Policy, Nature of Crime, and more.
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $23,301
#39. Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University’s main campus is situated in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A nonsectarian research university, NSU is the nation’s eighth-largest not-for-profit private university. Founded in the 1960s, the land occupied by the university was formerly a naval training airfield built during World War II. The campus also hosts the “University School of Nova Southeastern University”, a college preparatory school that serves grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12. NSU’s online programs are in full compliance with the Southern Regional Education Board’s set of Principles of Good Practice for electronic campuses.
Masters in Criminal Justice Online
A 36-hour interdisciplinary online program, Nova Southeastern University’s online M.S. in Criminal Justice offers a scholarship of 20% off of total tuition for those working in law enforcement, military veterans, current military, and first responders. Along with the core curriculum, students must choose one of twelve concentrations: Legal Perspective in Criminal Justice, Behavioral Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, Substance Abuse, Strategic Community Planning, Information Systems, Conflict and Crisis Management, Child Protection and Juvenile Justice, Information Security, Investigative Forensic Technology, or Emergency Preparedness Leadership. After program completion, students will be prepared for employment as police officers, park rangers, detectives, game wardens, state troopers, sheriffs, animal cruelty investigators, correctional officers, bailiffs, bounty hunters, and many other career options.
Accreditation
Nova Southeastern University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $23,400
#40. University of Maryland University College
University of Maryland University College is a development of the University of Maryland’s evening program for adults that began in the 1920’s. UMUC is an open university and one of the largest distance learning institutions in the world. The school serves over 90,000 students worldwide in a combination of on-campus courses and online courses and has campuses located all over the world. UMUC offers face-to-face courses to deployed military at bases in Afghanistan and Djibouti, Africa.
Masters in Criminal Justice Online
The University of Maryland University College’s MSM in Criminal Justice enables graduates to work in a number of positions, including correctional administrator, police administrator, security manager, intelligence analyst supervisor, juvenile corrections manager, border patrol supervisor, private corrections administrator, and more. Exploring components of the justice system beyond the traditional areas of law enforcement and corrections, UMUC’s online graduate curriculum equips students to excel in leadership, crisis prevention, management, and investigative criminology. Students are required to take the following four courses in management, as well as an Orientation to Graduate Studies at UMUC course: Organizational Theory, Intercultural Communication and Leadership, Financial Decision Making for Managers, and Statistics for Managerial Decision Making. After completing the core, students will study topics specific to the field of criminal justice – these classes include Critical Analysis of the Criminal Justice System, Perspectives in Law Enforcement Management, Issues in Correctional Administration, Criminal Justice Intelligence Systems and Approaches, Legal Aspects within the Criminal Justice System, Security Management, and Issues in Criminal Justice Leadership.
Accreditation
The University of Maryland University College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $23,724
#41. University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati was founded in 1819 as Cincinnati College and is the oldest institution of higher learning in Cincinnati, Ohio. UC currently enrolls over 40,000 students and is the second largest university in Ohio. The school has a long history of innovative and extensive research at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and in 2013 was named the top university for economic engagement by the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities’ Commission on Innovation, Competitiveness, and Economic Prosperity.
Masters in Criminal Justice Online
Ranked among the top three Criminal Justice programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report and first for all online master’s program in Criminal Justice, the University of Cincinnati’s online MSCJ has graduated over 1,500 students in its decade-long online history. Eleven courses are required for program completion; full-time students will graduate in one year and part-time students will graduate in two. Three concentrations are offered to online students: Analysis of Criminal Behavior, Law Enforcement & Crime Prevention, and Corrections & Offender Rehabilitation. UC’s full-time on-campus faculty from the School of Criminal Justice also teaches the online courses.
Accreditation
The University of Cincinnati is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $23,925
#42. Saint Joseph’s University
Saint Joseph’s University was established in 1851 in Philadelphia and received university status in 1978. A private Roman Catholic Jesuit university, St. Joe’s is the seventh-oldest Jesuit university in the nation and identifies proudly with its traditional heritage. Approximately 10,000 students currently attend, and the university has recently received accolades from The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report.
Masters in Criminal Justice Online
Saint Joseph’s University of Pennsylvania offers a fully-online MSCJ with optional concentration tracks – Behavior Analysis, Law Enforcement, Intelligence and Crime Analysis, and Homeland Security. All students take core classes in Criminological Theory, Ethics and Criminal Justice, Research Methods, and Professional Writing for Law Enforcement, and then go on to take specialized electives that are compatible with individual career goals. All tracks require 30 credits to graduate, and students who do not wish to choose a specialization can select their remaining six courses to accommodate their own interests.
Accreditation
Saint Joseph’s University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition:$24,390
#43. University of Louisville
A public university located in Louisville, Kentucky, the University of Louisville was founded in 1798 as one of the first universities chartered west of the Allegheny Mountains. Known as a “Preeminent Metropolitan Research University,” the university is perhaps most well-known for its health sciences departments; U of L is credited with the first successful self-contained artificial heart transplant surgery, the first successful hand transplantation, and one of the first blood banks and emergency rooms in the U.S. The school’s admissions process is considered fairly selective, and their undergraduate program ranked 160th among national universities in US News & World Report’s 2013 edition.
Masters in Criminal Justice Online
The University of Louisville’s MSCJ consists of 36 credits – a 15-hour core, 18 hours of electives, and a 3-credit professional paper. Students take classes in an accelerated format; one class is taken every six weeks until the degree is completed in approximately two years. All students will study theories of criminology, legal issues in the criminal justice field, and advanced statistics and research, and then subsequently choose from electives exploring capital punishment, violent crime, international terrorism, substance abuse, criminal justice in the media, and more.
Accreditation
The University of Louisville is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $24,948
#44. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Northwestern State University of Louisiana was established in 1884 as the Louisiana State Normal School and was the first school in Louisiana to offer programs in nursing and business education. NSU is now a four-year public university primarily located in Natchitoches, Louisiana and offers 34 accredited online degrees.
Online Master’s of Science in Homeland Security Overview
Developed to address the contemporary challenges of globalization, NULA’s M.S. in Homeland Security explores transnational security issues, terrorism, constitutional issues regarding domestic security, diplomacy, ethics, and executive leadership. Students will become proactive in prevention, intervention, conflict resolution, and deescalation. Courses include Peace Studies, Conflict Transformation, and Global Security; Managing Chaotic Organizations; and International Security and Globalization, among many others. 42 hours are required for graduation from the non-thesis option, and 36 hours are required to complete the program with a thesis.
Accreditation
Northwestern State University of Louisiana is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $25,848 (Thesis Option)
$30,156 (Non-Thesis Option)
#45. Pennsylvania State University
Established in 1855, Pennsylvania State University is a state-related research university with 24 statewide campuses. In 2010, the university’s enrollment, including online learners, totaled 94,300 students. Pennsylvania State University World Campus is often referred to as “Penn State Online” and is the virtual campus of Pennsylvania State University. The World Campus was founded in 1998, but Pennsylvania State University has been offering distance education courses since 1892, when it developed one of the nation’s pioneer correspondence study programs for statewide farmers.
Online Master’s of Professional Studies in Homeland Security
Pennsylvania State University’s MPS in Homeland Security is a comprehensive degree program that equips students to work in both the public and private sectors, at the international, national, state and regional levels. All 33 credits can be completed fully online. Students will gain an understanding of policy and organization, intelligence, information security, forensics, and public health. Students may choose to obtain a general degree in Homeland Security, or specialize in one of four areas: Agricultural Biosecurity and Food Defense, Geospatial Intelligence, Information Security and Forensics, or Public Health Preparedness. Alumni have gone on to work for government agencies in emergency and crisis management, law enforcement, civil security, and intelligence analysis.
Accreditation
Pennsylvania State University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $26,070
#46. Lewis University
Established in 1932 by the Archdiocese of Chicago, Lewis University is a Roman Catholic, Lasallian institution located in Romeoville, Illinois. The school is the namesake of philanthropist Frank J. Lewis who funded much of the campus development in the early days. Lewis University has been repeatedly recognized by the Princeton Review and the U.S. News & World Report and currently enrolls approximately 6,000 students.
Online Master’s of Science in Criminal/Social Justice Overview
Lewis University offers an online Master’s of Science in Criminal/Social Justice designed to prepare professionals to defend the public and tackle the injustices found in contemporary society. The 36-hour program is comprised of 24 hours of core courses including Fiscal Management of Criminal Justice Agencies, Fair Practices: Labor Relations in the Public Sector, Criminal Law, Family Violence, and Ethics and Integrity. The remaining hours necessary for graduation will be satisfied by electives and a final weeklong comprehensive examination.
Accreditation
Lewis University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $27,000
#47. Boston University
Boston University is a private, nonsectarian research university founded in 1839 as the Newbury Bible Institute in Newbury, Vermont. The school went through a number of changes before relocating to Boston in 1847. The university boasts many notable alumni and academics including Helen Magill White, the first woman to receive a Ph.D. from an American university; Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone; American Civil Rights Movement Leader Martin Luther King, Jr.; poets Robert Lowell and Robert Pinsky; Elie Wiesel, winner of the 1986 Nobel Peace Prize, Holocaust survivor, activist, and Jewish-American professor; and Pulitzer Prize winner and author Jhumpa Lahiri. Seven Nobel Laureates and 35 Pulitzer Prize winners are among BU’s faculty and graduates.
Masters in Criminal Justice Online
Boston University’s Master’s of Criminal Justice has been educating distance students since 2002 and was the first degree the university offered completely online. BU’s curriculum is broad and rigorous, pushing students to think critically and creatively as they explore criminal justice through a global, contemporary, and technological lens. Classes include White Collar Crime, Youth Crime Problems, Forensic Behavioral Analysis, and Cyber Crime.
Accreditation
Boston University is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition: $28,080
#48. East Carolina University
The third-largest university in North Carolina, East Carolina University is a public, coeducational, doctoral/research university headquartered in Greenville. Founded in 1907 as a teachers school, East Carolina is currently situated on 1,600 acres and enrolls almost 30,000 students. The university was listed by Forbes as a “Best Buy” and ranked well among “national universities” by U.S. News and World Report.
Masters in Criminal Justice Online
East Carolina University offers a 36-credit online Master’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice. 21-credits are dedicated to the program’s core, which includes classes in law enforcement, criminology, corrections, and criminal justice principles. Elective courses make up 15 semester hours and include Advanced Criminology, Statistics in Criminal Justice, Contemporary Issues in Juvenile Justice, Civil Liability in Criminal Justice, and Criminal Justice and Terrorism. After fulfilling all requirements, students will complete their degree with a comprehensive examination.
Accreditation
East Carolina University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $29,736
#49. Drexel University
Drexel University was founded in 1891 as the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry and has three campuses in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and one in Sacramento, California. In 1970 the school obtained university status. Drexel University has offered online courses since 1996 and is recognized as one of the nation’s pioneers in distance learning.
Online Master’s of Legal Studies with Criminal Law Specialization Overview
Drexel University offers a 30-credit MLS in Criminal Law that prepares students to navigate the often perplexing world of law and regulation compliance. Students will take core courses exploring legal research and analysis, risk assessment and management, auditing and reporting. Criminal Procedure: Investigations, Criminal Law, and Corrections Law make up the concentration courses, giving students a strong foundation in criminal procedure, prosecution, litigation, and practice.
Accreditation
Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $33,600
#50. Florida State University
A space-grant, land-grant and public research university, Florida State University was founded in 1851 and is located in Tallahassee, the state’s capital. FSU is renowned for its prestigious faculty which includes recipients of the Nobel Prize, the Pulitzer Prize, Guggenheim Fellowships, and Academy Awards. A diverse conglomeration of Florida State’s academic programs are nationally ranked – the school has received accolades in the sciences, social policy, engineering, film, theatre, dance, business, political science, psychology, social work, medicine, and law. Florida State University is considered a “Budget Ivy,” and has been recently recognized by USA Today, the Princeton Review, The Academic Ranking of World Universities, and U.S. News & World Report. Most of FSU’s degree programs rank nationally among the top 25 public universities.
Masters in Criminal Justice Online
Florida State University offers a 36-credit Master’s of Criminal Justice Studies program available entirely online. Students are able to personally tailor their program by choosing 21 hours in electives – 9 of which may come from any department within the university. Core courses include, among others, Survey of Criminological Theories, Computer Applications in Criminal Justice, and Applied Statistics in Criminology. Electives within the College of Criminology are quite extensive and include Race, Ethnicity, Crime, and Social Justice; Criminal Law, Procedures, and Individual Rights; Prevention and Treatment of Crime and Delinquency; Penology; Victimology; Police and Society; Forensic Science and Investigation; and Science, Evidence, and Law.
Accreditation
Florida State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $39,986
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